Revolver
Definition
A firearm with multiple chambers in a rotating cylinder that aligns a chamber with the barrel. Conventional designs retain fired cases until unloading. Cylinder arrangement and firing mechanism vary, so case recovery alone does not establish the exact design or historical firing sequence.
In a conventional single-action revolver, the hammer is cocked separately before trigger release. Safety arrangements vary by manufacturer, model, production period and condition. A historical design description cannot establish the drop behaviour or operability of an unexamined specimen.
Related terms
- Blowback Operation
- An operating arrangement without a mechanical breech lock, in which the design and inertia of moving components control opening during pressure evolution....
- Locked Breech
- A mechanically engaged breech arrangement that remains locked during the initial firing phase before the design’s opening sequence. Short-recoil systems are common...
- Recoil Shield
- The rear supporting surface behind a conventional revolver cylinder that can contact a cartridge case during firing. It may contribute marks useful...
- Semi-Automatic Pistol
- A handgun designed to fire one shot per trigger operation and use an operating cycle to prepare the next cartridge. Functioning designs...
- Striker-Fired Mechanism
- A firing arrangement using a spring-driven striker rather than a hammer transferring impact to a separate firing component. Cocking and safety systems...