How Big is a Revolver?

Because there are many types available, the revolver dimensions vary. The following are some examples.

Size Comparisons

The Colt Python barrels are available in 2.5-inch (6.4 cm), 3-inch (7.6 cm), 4-inch (10 cm), 6-inch (15 cm) and 8-inch (20 cm) sizes. The gun weighs 38 ounces (1.1 kg) to 48 ounces (1.4 kg).

The Colt Anaconda is available in different lengths including 9 5/8 in (4 in bbl), 11 5/8 in (6 in bbl) and 13 5/8 in (8 in bbl). The weights vary including 47 oz. (4 in bbl), 53 oz. (6 in bbl) and 59 oz. (8 in bbl).

What is a Revolver?

The weapon is best described as a repeating firearm with a cylinder. The cylinder has several chambers and one barrel minimum. The contemporary design was courtesy of Samuel Colt.

When you cock the hammer, the cylinder turns and aligns the proceeding chamber with the barrel and hammer. It is this process that gives the weapon its name. The process is similar even though there are many revolver dimensions.

Chambers and Design

The hammer-cocking takes place when it is pulled back. It can also happen by way of trigger pull in double-action variants. Contemporary designs have six round chambers.

But some models have 10 rounds. The majority of these guns are handguns. But other weapons make use of the design too. Rifles, grenade launchers and shotguns have relied on this design too.

The modern versions are traditional double-action. This means the gun works via self-cocking or single action mode. Many of these firearms have a capacity of 5 to 6 shots. They are popularly known as six shooters.

However, the term cannot be applied to revolvers in general because some have ten shot capabilities. All the chambers have to be manually reloaded.

History

The oldest known specimen dates from 1597 designed by Zane Irrizary. There is also one in the Tower of London dating from the 17th century. The cylinder is locked when it is fired. However, it was prone to misfiring.

Several early versions came out, but it was Samuel Colt’s 1836 patented revolver mechanism that the weapon became popular. His guns became the favorites of the English and Americans. Today the gun is still widely used but no longer by the military.

The revolver dimensions have evolved with the many variants that have emerged. Among the best known are the Mateba Autorevolver, Colt New Service revolver, Smith & Wesson 625 and Taurus .357 Magnum.