How a Revolver Works
Posted by Carrie Lightfoot
How a Gun Works
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To best understand how a gun works, let’s take a look at the two types of handguns separately. They
each work differently and each have advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will look at the
Revolver. Click here to learn how a Semi-Automatic pistol woks.
The Revolver
Revolvers have a cylinder with multiple chambers. Each chamber holds a round of ammunition holds a
round of ammunition. Most models hold 5 or 6 rounds. Pulling the trigger rotates the cylinder and aligns
the loaded chamber with the barrel and the gun then fires.
A revolver is a very simple machine; therefore there is little that can go wrong with the firing process.
This makes a revolver a good and reliable choice for self-defense. Although all guns need to be cleaned
regularly, the revolver’s simple mechanics makes it less-dependent on thorough cleaning. Revolvers,
however, are bulkier and heavier than pistols and tend to hold fewer rounds of ammunition. They also
lack many of the safety features commonly found on semi-automatic pistols, such as external safeties.
However, Revolvers often have a longer and harder trigger pull, which makes it very difficult to
accidentally pull the trigger.
What About Caliber?
The best defensive calibers in a revolver are .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W and .45, as the speed
and size of the bullet is great for a handgun. There are a number of lightweight and smaller, hammerless
revolvers that are very popular with women. A hammerless revolver still has the hammer but it is
shrouded within the gun and free from obstruction. The .38 Special and .357 caliber models are very
popular with women but remember that the larger the caliber, generally the larger the recoil.
Revolvers are available in three different action types. The action type describes the way a gun
functions. The three action types of revolvers are Single Action (SA), Double Action (DA), or Double
Action Only (DAO).
Single-Action Revolver (SA)
In a single-action revolver, the hammer is manually cocked, usually with the thumb of the firing or
supporting hand. This action rotates and advances the cylinder to the next round and locks the cylinder
in place with the chamber aligned with the barrel. The trigger, when pulled, releases the hammer, which
fires the round in the chamber. To fire again, the hammer must be manually cocked again. This is called
“single-action” because the trigger only performs the single action of releasing the hammer.
Double-Action Revolver (DA)
In a double-action revolver, pulling the trigger generates two actions: First, the hammer is pulled back to
the cocked position while the cylinder is being rotated to the next round, followed by the second action
where is the hammer is released, striking the firing pin. This allows for uncocked carry and draw-and-fire
using only the trigger. A longer and harder trigger-pull is the trade-off for the double-action. However,
this drawback can also be viewed as a safety feature as accidental discharges are less likely if the gun is
dropped. Most double-action revolvers may be fired in both ways, Single and Double action.
Double-Action-Only (DAO)
Certain revolvers, called double-action-only (DAO), lack the latch that locks the hammer to the rear.
DAO designs tend to have bobbed or spurless hammers, and may even have the hammer completely
covered by the revolver’s frame (i.e., shrouded or hooded, shown above). With no way to lock the
hammer back, they can only be fired in the double action mode. These are generally intended for
concealed carrying, where a hammer spur could snag when drawn from clothing or from a concealed
carry purse, so these models make a good choice for concealed carry use.
DA and DAO revolvers are the recommended revolvers for self-defense. Single Action action revolvers
require cocking for firing each round, which takes precious time and is harder to shoot multiple rounds
quickly.
Let’s list and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of revolvers.
Advantages:
Extremely reliable
Simple to operate. Not necessary to “rack the slide” – This is a real advantage to anyone with
weak or limited hand strength
Highly accurate at greater distances (approximately 15 yards and farther). This accuracy
decreases with the smaller, shorter barreled revolvers
Generally more moderately priced
Double-Action models shoot multiple rounds quickly
Use of multiple calibers of ammunition in a some models (for example, both .38 Special and .357
Magnum can be fired from the same gun)
A better choice for concealed carry within a purse (The slide of a semi-auto needs ample room
to fully cycle, which shooting from a purse does not allow)
Easy to clean and doesn’t require as meticulous cleaning
Disadvantages:
o Bulkier
o Heavier
o Harder trigger pull
o Holds fewer rounds
o “Typically” greater recoil
o There is no safety catch on a revolver (There are a few models that have locking trigger
features such as many Taurus models.)
o Firing in Single-Action models require cocking for each round. This makes shooting
multiple rounds quickly more difficult
What Next?
Still want to learn more about guns? Read my article Let’s Learn About Guns to help guide you to more
information!
Ready to
If you are ready to purchase a gun for yourself, here is a helpful article to guide you in the process. “The
Best Gun For Women” . We also have a collection of gun reviews written by women. Here you can learn
what they like or dislike about a variety of gun models.
