Cylinder Question

[drw2514]

Maybe a weird question about revolver design, but...

Why does the cylinder open to the left?

It seems that it would be much easier to load from the right as a right handed shooter.

Is it a matter of tradition? Some design aspect that necessitates it?

I'm just curious...

And... forgive me if i'm overlooking something obvious...

 

[DWFan]

It opens to the left so you don't have to change your grip...at least not too much. A right-handed shooter would have to transfer the weapon to his left hand to reload with his right.

 

[drw2514]

I guess i'm just not that good with my left hand... I have to change my grip to reload no matter what. My thumb isn't long enough to manipulate the cylinder release latch without changing my grip.

Oh well, no sense complaining.

 

[98Redline]

Try being a lefty....

 

[Tallinar]

Search the web and you'll find a pretty sweet video from Massad Ayoob demonstrating how they did revolver reloading training back in in the 70's. He demonstrates methods for both right and left-handed shooters. After watching that, you may come to find that it's not a huge obstacle with a bit of deliberate practice.

I'm a lefty, and the method he demonstrates there works very well for me.