How a Revolver Works

Summary

The video explains the mechanics of a double-action revolver. It describes how pulling the trigger cocks the hammer and rotates the cylinder to align the next chamber with the barrel. The hammer, when released, strikes the firing pin, igniting the primer and propellant, which creates gas pressure to drive the bullet down the barrel. The gas also seals the chamber, directing the pressure forward. The process involves coordinated movements of springs, levers, and the cylinder to ensure proper firing.

Takeaways

• 🔫 A revolver is a repeating firearm with a cylinder that contains multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing.
• 🔄 The revolver in this example is double-action, meaning the hammer is cocked when the trigger is pulled, and once fully pulled, the hammer is released to hit the firing pin.
• ⚙️ The trigger lever pushes the hammer backward, compressing a metal spring inside the handle as it moves.
• 🔧 The spring used is typically a coiled spring, although tension springs may also be employed.
• 🔀 Simultaneously, a paw attached to the trigger rotates the cylinder, positioning the next chamber in front of the barrel.
• 🔒 A second paw lodges into a depression on the cylinder, ensuring the cylinder is perfectly aligned with the barrel.
• 💥 When the trigger is pulled fully, it releases the hammer, which is driven forward by the compressed spring.
• 🔥 The firing pin on the hammer strikes the primer, causing it to explode and ignite the propellant.
• 💨 The propellant burns and releases gas, creating pressure that drives the bullet down the barrel.
• 🧨 The gas pressure also expands the cartridge case, sealing the breech and ensuring the gas pressure is directed forward to propel the bullet.

Q & A

What is a revolver?

A revolver is a repeating firearm that uses a cylinder with multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing.

What does 'double action' mean in a revolver?

'Double action' means that the hammer is cocked back when pulling the trigger, and once the trigger is pulled all the way back, the hammer is released to hit the firing pin.

What happens when the trigger is pulled in a double-action revolver?

When the trigger is pulled, the trigger lever pushes the hammer backward, compressing a spring. The trigger also rotates the cylinder, positioning the next chamber in front of the barrel.

What kind of spring is commonly used in the revolver's handle?

A coiled spring is commonly used, although uncoiled tension springs may also be used.

How is the cylinder rotated in a revolver?

A paw attached to the trigger pushes on a ratchet to rotate the cylinder, aligning the next chamber with the barrel.

What ensures that the cylinder stops in the correct position?

A paw lodges in a small depression on the cylinder, ensuring it stops in a specific position, perfectly aligned with the barrel.

What happens when the trigger is pulled all the way back?

When the trigger is fully pulled, it releases the hammer, which is driven forward by the compressed spring, hitting the firing pin.

What initiates the firing process in a revolver?

The firing pin strikes the primer, which explodes and ignites the propellant in the cartridge.

How does the bullet get propelled down the barrel?

The burning propellant releases a large volume of gas, and the gas pressure drives the bullet down the barrel.

What effect does the gas pressure have on the cartridge case?

The gas pressure causes the cartridge case to expand temporarily, sealing the breech and preventing gas from escaping backward.