[makarov9b]

can anyone give me a definitive answser based on facts, whether it's ok or not to fan-fire the Taurus Gaucho? I've seen info from various sources saying yes & no, even quoting Taurus reps. saying the Gaucho was made to be fanned with no problems...
thanks all for any input,
Bob

[SASS#23149]

fanning is VERY hard on a single action revolver.You are slamming the hammer back which in turn slams the hand into the notches on the cylinder which slams the bolt notches against the bolt.Something's GOTTA give with all this slamming,I don't care who says different,it's just plain gonna be bad mojo.

IMHO of course.

and WELCOME to the forums. !

[Oro]

whether it's ok or not to fan-fire the Taurus Gaucho?

It's like asking whether or not it's OK to slip the clutch in your car or spin your tires. It's not immoral, it's just harder on the machines and the answer depends upon how fast you want to do maintenance and replace parts. What's your budget and expectations?

This is still America; it's up to you. But you now know the downside...

[bestseller92]

Do not fan the Gaucho, or any other single action revolver, if you want it to last.

[Old Fuff]

When you fan any single action revolver it causes the cylinder to spin rapidly.

So??? What's the problem?

Well the cylinder is suddenly stopped when a little part called the "bolt" pops up and drops into a notch in the cylinder, the purpose being to lock the chamber in line with the barrel. But because the cylinder is moving so fast, and is stopped so quickly, it causes the bolt to batter the notch, and over time the (expensive) cylinder will be ruined. It also causes the sides of the bolt to batter the sides of the little window in the frame where the ball (that part of the bolt that moves up and down to lock or release the cylinder moves in) which in time will result in the cylinder developing a rotational wiggle while it's supposed to be firmly locked.

Fanning will also cause excessive battering between the hand (the part the revolves the cylinder) and the ratchet on the cylinder that it pushes against.

Gunsmiths that specialize in rebuilding guns for cowboy action shooters, exhibition shooters and others can modify a single action revolver to reduce, but not eliminate some of these issues. But the modifications may make the revolver impractical to use for other purposes.

Fanning is not something that was popular with gunmen in the Old West, it's a stunt developed in Hollywood. Movie budgets allow prop guns to be frequently replaced or rebuilt. Most of us however can't afford to do that. I don't give a rip if others fan their six-shooters, but it isn't going to happen to one of mine.

[BHP FAN]

'Besides,with practice,you can fire it conventionaly almost as fast, AND hit stuff.Fanning is simply a faster way to burn off excess powder, empty cases, and look foolish...''

Willyboy SASS #38375

[GeorgeF]

I'm no proponent of fanning either, but I wonder if there is any security with the Taurus Gaucho knowing you have the Lifetime Warranty to back you up? Granted, they have a reputation for LOOOONG turnaround, but considering how much it would cost to fix anyway maybe it would be worth it (if you really HAD to fan your revolver).

[Jim K]

I suggest reading the Taurus warranty. I don't have it in front of me, but most companies give materials and workmanship warranties, meaning they are good only for factory defects, not for damage caused by carelessness or deliberate misuse (which fanning would be). Many companies will go beyond that in the interest of good will, but not too far beyond.

I doubt any company is dumb enough to agree to repair or replace free any product damaged for any reason for any period of time.

Jim

[Dienekes]

I thought fanning died out shortly after the TV western era...

[Virginian]

Is is fine to fan it unless the range or governing organization you are shooting under bans it, as long as you take precautions to be safe on where the rounds end up. I don't know how long it will take, but you will break the gun. :eek: If you want to fan, you should have gotten a Ruger. :( They will go a lot longer before breaking, and if you know what parts to check and replace, you can actually stay ahead of the breakage with them. If you are serious I suggest talking to Bob Munden. He can fan a six shooter and even hit stuff.