Which is the Best Type of Revolver for you? Exploring the 2 Types of Revolvers
Revolvers are iconic firearms with rotating cylinders. Two types: single action (manual hammer cocking) and double action (trigger pull). Each has pros/cons.
Introduction
Time to read: 5 minutes
Date: August 9, 2023
Revolvers are one of the most iconic and recognizable types of firearms, having been around since the 19th century. Because of this iconic status, these firearms have become a staple of both professional and recreational shooters alike.
In this post, we’ll explore the two major types of revolvers: single-action and double-action. We’ll look at their definitions, history, advantages, and disadvantages. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of these two types of firearms.
What is a Revolver?
A revolver is a type of handgun that uses a rotating cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The chambers are loaded with cartridges, and the user pulls the trigger to rotate the cylinder and fire each chamber in succession.
Revolvers are popular for due to their reliability and ease of use. Popular ammunition calibers used in these firearms include .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. Other popular models use .22 Long Rifle ammunition and .38 Special. Experienced shooters might say that the ammunition used defines the weapon (size, weight, recoil, etc).
History of the Revolver
The revolver was a significant advancement in firearms technology. It was invented in the early 19th century and revolutionized the way firearms were used. The firearm was an improvement over the single-shot pistols that were commonly used at the time. It was also more reliable and could shoot multiple rounds before needing to be reloaded.
Single-action revolvers are the older of the two types. These guns require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot. This means that the trigger pull is lighter and shorter, which can lead to more accurate shots. However, the need to manually cock the hammer can slow down the rate of fire. They are also limited in terms of capacity, and reloading can be time-consuming.
Double-action revolvers, on the other hand, do not require the hammer to be manually cocked. Instead, pulling the trigger both cocks the hammer and fires the gun. This means that the trigger pull is longer and heavier, which can lead to less accurate shots. However, this firearm typically has a higher capacity and can be reloaded faster than their single-action counterparts. They also have built-in safety mechanisms that prevent accidental discharges.
In competitive shooting, both single-action and double-action revolvers have their advantages and disadvantages. Single-action revolvers are more accurate, but their slower rate of fire can be a disadvantage in some competitions. Double-action revolvers are faster to reload and have a higher capacity, but their heavier trigger pull can make them less accurate.
Types of Revolvers
Revolvers are typically characterized by a rotating cylinder that holds multiple rounds of ammunition and is manually operated by a trigger or hammer. While modern day revolvers all operate with the same rotating barrel, they are categorized into groups: single-action and double-action.
These weapons are most typically double-action, meaning that the trigger both cocks and releases the hammer. This mechanism allows for faster follow-up shots than single-action revolvers. Alternatively, single-action revolvers require the user to manually cock the hammer before each shot, while double-action revolvers allow the user to simply pull the trigger to fire.
The most popular caliber of these weapons is the .357 Magnum, although other calibers such as .38 Special, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt are also available.
Single-Action Revolver
As previously mentioned, a single-action revolver is a type of handgun that requires the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot. This type of revolver is typically used for target shooting. One popular caliber for single-action revolvers is .45 Long Colt, but the most common is the .22 (LR) Long Rifle. It is an inexpensive ammunition type and easy to shoot because of its low recoil.
Single-action revolvers are usually made from steel and have a cylinder that holds six rounds. They are usually heavier than semi-automatic pistols, making them more difficult to carry. These firearms are known for their accuracy and reliability. They are also easy to operate, making them ideal for competitive shooters who want a reliable firearm without having to learn complex operating procedures.
Double-Action Revolver
Recall that a double-action revolver is a type of gun that can be fired by either pulling the trigger or by manually cocking the hammer. This type of gun is popular because it allows for a faster rate of fire and more accuracy than single-action revolvers.
The most popular caliber for double-action revolvers is the .357 Magnum, which has a muzzle velocity of 1,400 feet per second and a muzzle energy of 539 foot-pounds. These weapons are typically made from steel and feature adjustable sights, making them ideal for competition shooting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type
Revolvers offer a variety of advantages when compared to other types of firearms. They are generally more reliable than semi-automatic pistols, as they do not rely on the same complex mechanisms to fire. They are typically easier to clean and maintain than semi-automatic pistols, as well as generally more affordable.
On the other hand, these firearms also have some drawbacks. They tend to be heavier and bulkier than semi-automatic pistols, making them less comfortable to carry and harder to conceal. These weapons are also slower to reload and can be more difficult to operate in certain situations.
Conclusion
Single-action and double-action revolvers offer different benefits to the user. Single-action revolvers are typically more accurate, while double-action revolvers offer more convenience. In the end, it is important to consider one’s personal needs and goals for firearm ownership when ultimately deciding between revolver types.
If you would like to learn more about revolvers, then check out some of our other articles!
–An Important Question: The .357 or the 10mm Which is More Powerful?
–Revolver Competition Shooting: The Best Info you Need to Know
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