How to Safely Operate a Common Handgun Revolver
Firing a revolver can be an exhilarating experience; one that comes with many hazards. These instructions will tell you what you will need to know to operate a common revolver. There are many different types of revolvers, but this guide will focus on the common ones. Keep this guide handy when you or a friend prepare to fire a revolver. NOTE: This guide is not all encompassing and is intended as a helpful tool. You take full responsibility for your actions and their consequences.
Safety Features
The NRA (National Rifle Association) recommends these guidelines while handling a firearm such as a revolver:
➔ Know your target and what is beyond
➔ Know how to use the firearm safely
➔ Be sure the gun is safe to operate
➔ Wear eye and ear protection
➔ Never mix alcohol or drugs with firearms
Throughout this guide and your operation of the revolver, always keep these rules in mind.
Inspect your Revolver
Look for any discrepancies when looking your revolver over; such as damage or loose parts. If something seems out of place, consult a credible expert. If an expert is unavailable, do not use the revolver.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
Common revolvers are usually loud. Even small caliber ones can cause long- term hearing damage. Always use ear protection such as ear muffs (A) and/or ear buds (B). In addition, when firing a revolver things move. Hence, you should always use eye protection such as glasses or designated firearm eye protection (C) (Figure I). More information on PPE can be found on OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) website. Figure I Know your Surroundings 2
Always keep your revolver pointed in a direction that if it fires, no serious damage will be done. Be aware when it is in:
➔ Storage
➔ Operation
➔ Transportation
Always be aware of where your revolver is at all times. In storage, a gun safe and trigger lock is recommended. Be aware of the ease of access to your revolver. Children and criminals might stumble upon it. (Figure II) Figure II Be Conscious of your Mental State
WARNING
Never use a revolver while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even something as seemingly innocent as a hangover will impede judgment and coordination. This includes prescription and OTC medication.
NOTE: I recommend taking a certified firearm safety course. This concludes most of the safety part of the guide. If you are uncertain about the safety procedures discussed; read the above again. If you are still unsure, consult a credible expert and/or don't touch the revolver.
The Basics
There are four main parts to a revolver (Figure III):
➔ The Action, includes the trigger (what you pull to fire the revolver) and other parts that fire the bullet
➔ The Frame, encompasses the revolver, including the grip
➔ The Barrel is the cylindrical tube at the end of the revolver that the bullet travels out of Figure III
➔ The Cylinder, holds the bullets Ammunition 3
Ammunition/bullets/cartridges are what you put in the cylinder to be fired. Know exactly what ammunition your revolver can accommodate. Some can handle more than one type. This .357 Magnum (Figure IV), can handle 38. Special ammunition also.
Figure IV
If you are unsure as to what type of ammunition your revolver can handle, look on the barrel or frame; usually it is stated there.
Loading your Revolver
Reminder: Always keep the revolver pointed in a safe direction. To load your revolver follow these three steps (Figure V): ➔ Press/pull the cylinder release button (usually located on the left side of the revolver near the cylinder)
➔ Place your bullets into the holes in the cylinder (if the correct ammunition doesn't fit you probably have the bullets backwards)
➔ Close the cylinder (usually followed by a resounding “click”)
Figure V Firing your Revolver 4
A common revolver can be fired in two main ways:
➔ Double-Action (the hammer is relaxed) Long trigger pull
➔ Single-Action (the hammer is “cocked” or pulled back) Short trigger pull
To make your common revolver single action ready, pull the hammer back until it “clicks.” This will concurrently slightly depress the trigger.
WARNING: This mode will make the trigger very easy to pull and may even be fired accidentally. Extreme care must be taken while firing/storing/handling your revolver in single-action (hammer pulled back).
As you prepare to fire (pull the trigger), you must align your sights to your intended target (Figure VI). There are six main steps you must take before firing your loaded revolver:
➔ Find a safe and adequate target
➔ Hold your revolver at eye level with both hands (make sure your hands are comfortable and will not be pinched by any moving parts/with high caliber ammunition, keep hands away from cylinder)
➔ Identify front sight, usually a single post (located near the end of the barrel)
➔ Identify rear sight, usually a notch/slit (located near the rear of the revolver)
➔ Align front and rear sights so they are flush with each other, while simultaneously closing your non-dominant eye
➔ With sights aligned, overlay them onto the intended target
Figure VI 5 Now that your revolver is loaded, sights aligned, and target selected; you are ready to fire your revolver. This involves one step:
➔ PULL THE TRIGGER!
Naturally, there will be a degree of recoil and noise, dependent on the type of revolver you fired.
Unloading your Revolver
Now that the fun is over you must unload your revolver (Figure VII). This involves six steps:
➔ Press/pull the cylinder release button
➔ Identify the hand ejector (a rod usually located in front of the cylinder)
➔ Press the hand ejector toward you (this should pop out the spent ammunition so you can remove them)
➔ Remove the spent cartridges
➔ Ensure the cylinder is empty
➔ Close the cylinder
Final Words
As stated before, this guide is not comprehensive. If something feels unsafe, it usually is. Safety is your priority when handling a revolver. Figure VII Additionally, clean your revolver after using it.
If this guide leaves you with unanswered questions, ask an expert or consult credible literature.
Thank you for reading my guide!
Sources
All content and images are personally owned except for:
• Figure III - https://www.handgunsafetycourse.com/images/drawings/handgun-revolver- parts.jpg?203,97
• Figure VI - https://stayhunting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/sight-alignment2.jpg