Revolva

Revolva

A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The term "revolver" refers to a handgun, but other weapons may also have a revolving chamber. These include some models of grenade launchers, shotguns, and rifles.

Though the original name was "revolving gun", the short-form "revolver" is universally used. Nearly all revolvers have six chambers in the cylinder, giving rise to the slang term "six-shooter"; however, revolvers with four to twelve chambers have been made.

The revolver allows the user to fire multiple rounds without reloading. Each time 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. In a single-action revolver, the user pulls the hammer back with his free hand or thumb; the trigger pull only releases the hammer. In a double-action revolver, pulling the trigger moves the hammer back, then releases it.

The first true revolver—a flintlock—was made by Elisha Collier in 1814. The first percussion cap revolver was the Colt Paterson, invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. The first cartridge revolvers were produced around 1856 by Smith & Wesson.

Revolver handguns soon became standard for nearly all uses. In the early 20th century, semi-automatic pistols were developed, which can hold more rounds, and are faster to reload. "Automatic" pistols also have a flat profile, more suitable for concealed carry.

Thus automatic pistols have largely replaced revolvers in military and law enforcement use (in military use, from 1910-1960; in law enforcement, in the 1980s and 1990s).

Revolvers still remain popular as back-up and off-duty guns among American law enforcement officers and security guards. Also, revolvers are still common in the American private sector as defensive and sporting/hunting firearms. Famous police and military revolvers include the Webley, the Colt Single Action Army, the Colt Police Special, the Smith & Wesson Model 29, the Smith & Wesson Model 10, the Smith & Wesson 1917 and the Nagant M1895.