View source for Revolver

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[[Image:Anaconda-502.jpg|thumb|upright|{{center|.44 Magnum revolver}}|alt=]]
A '''revolver''' is a type of gun. Revolvers are repeating [[firearm]]s with a [[Cylinder (firearms)|cylinder]] that spins. Revolvers have several [[:wikt:chamber|chambers]] each holding one [[Cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]. Most are handguns, but other types of weapons also use revolving cylinders. They are also called '''revolving guns''', though ''revolver'' is used far more often. The first revolvers date back to late [[1500s]] in [[Europe]]. It was not until the 1700s or 1800s, however, they became affordable.<ref>{{cite web|title=S&W history|publisher=Smith and Wesson|url=http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category4_750001_750051_757941_-1_757938_757812_image|accessdate=February 7, 2014}}</ref> Revolvers are sometimes used by [[law enforcement]] agencies. On some occasions, these guns can be reset by one hand, then loaded with the other.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revolvers' Actions and Tips for Lefties|publisher=The Gun Week|url=http://www.gunweek.com/2000/lefties.html|accessdate=February 7, 2014}}</ref>

== Action ==
=== Single-action ===
[[File:Single Action Evolution..jpg|thumb|right|From Top: Replica of 1849 vintage. .44 Colt Revolving Holster Pistol (Dragoon); Colt Single Action Army Model 1873; Ruger (New Model) Super Blackhawk- Mid and late 20th Century.]]
In a single-action revolver, the hammer is manually [[wikt:cock|cock]]ed. This is usually done with the [[thumb]]. This action turns the [[cylinder (firearms)|cylinder]] to the next [[cartridge (firearms)|cartridge]]. It also locks the cylinder in place with the [[chamber (firearms)|chamber]] aligned with the [[barrel (weapons)|barrel]]. The [[trigger (firearms)|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 a single action—that of releasing the hammer. Because only a single action is performed and trigger pull is very light, firing a revolver in this way allows most shooters to achieve greater [[accuracy]]. Additionally, the need to cock the hammer manually acts as a safety. The gun will not fire unless the hammer is cocked back. The [[Colt Paterson]] Revolver, the [[Walker Colt]], the [[Colt Dragoon|Colt's Dragoon]] and the [[Colt Single Action Army]] pistol of the American Frontier era are all good examples of this system.<ref name="forensic">William J Tilstone; Kathleen A Savage; Leigh A Clark, ''Forensic Science: An Encyclopedia of History, Methods, and Techniques'' (Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO, 2006), pp. 158–159</ref>

=== Double-action ===
[[Image:Anaconda-502.jpg|thumb|right|'''[[Colt Anaconda]]''' .44 Magnum double-action revolver]]
In double-action, the stroke of the trigger pull generates three actions: 
#The hammer is pulled back to the cocked position.
#At the same time, the cylinder turns to the next round.
#The hammer is released to strike the [[firing pin]]. 
Double-action means that a cocking action separate from the trigger pull is not needed. Every trigger pull causes a complete cycle and a bullet is fired. This allows the gun to be carried uncocked. It also allows the gun to be drawn from the [[holster]] and fired using only the trigger. However, a double-action revolver has a longer and harder trigger pull. However, this drawback can also be viewed as a safety feature, as the gun is safer against accidental discharges from being dropped.<ref name="forensic"/>

Most double-action revolvers may be fired in two ways.<ref name="forensic"/>
# The first way is single-action. It can be used the same a single-action revolver. The hammer is cocked with the thumb, which indexes the cylinder and when the trigger is pulled the hammer fires the round. In this mode the trigger pull is lighter.
# The second way is double-action, or from a hammer-down position. In this case, the trigger first cocks the hammer and revolves the cylinder. It then trips the hammer at the rear of the trigger stroke, firing the round in the chamber. In this mode the trigger pull is much heavier.

==References==
{{commonscat|Revolvers}}
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[[Category:Revolvers| ]]
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