A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first true revolver — a flintlock — was made by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson. The first cartridge revolvers were produced around 1856 by Smith and Wesson. The original name was "revolving gun"; the short-form "revolver" i...
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A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first true revolver — a flintlock — was made by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson. The first cartridge revolvers were produced around 1856 by Smith and Wesson. The original name was "revolving gun"; the short-form "revolver" is universally used.
As the user cocks the hammer, the cylinder revolves to align the next chamber and round with the hammer and barrel, which gives this type of firearm its name. The hammer-cocking happens either directly (via the shooter pulling it back) or indirectly (via the first portion of the trigger pull in double-action revolvers.) In modern revolvers, the revolving cylinder typically chambers five or six rounds, but some models hold 10 rounds or more. Revolvers are most often handguns, but other weapons may also have a revolving...
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