DA cylinder geometry, 5-shot v. 6-shot

[Liberty1776]

I have a Taurus Tracker in .44 Mag. (Please - let's not sidetrack into what crap you think Taurus is - it doesn't matter for the purpose of this question)
It is of course a 5-shot cylinder. While shooting it DA, the pull is very difficult compared to any 6-shot revolver I've shot, regardless of brand.

I'm wondering to what extent this could be attributed to the different leverage/geometry of moving a smaller diameter, heavier "wheel" (5-shot loaded cylinder) from a static point, compared to moving a larger diameter (albeit slightly heavier 6-shot loaded cylinder) one. That question make any sense?

Continuing along that thought, a 7-shot would have an even easier DA pull but something like the Samaritan (HellBoy's 4-shot monster gun) would be even more difficult to move in DA mode. (except for HellBoy, of course) Discuss amongst yourselves while I get coffee...

 

[beatledog7]

In theory it is harder to get a heavier cylinder turning, but I doubt it makes much difference compared to all the other variables in play.

 

[rcmodel]

+1

If your Taurus has a heavier DA pull, it's because of the springs and internal geometry of the lockwork.

Nothing to do with cylinder weight.

As for wheels?
A small dia. 50 pound "flywheel" is easier to spin up to speed then a larger dia. 50 pound "flywheel".

rc

 

[skidder]

My Redhawk has a real heavy cylinder, but it has one of the lighter pulls. I think your Tracker will get lighter and smoother the more you use it. My 44 Tracker was pretty rough on the star notches out of the box, and pretty dirty inside. There are a number of things that can cause this stiffness, and a number of simple fixes to loosen up the pull. After I cleaned and lubed my 44 Tracker and dry fired several times it loosened up considerably. I don't see the 5 shot cylinder being the major cause as much as the gun just needing some cleaning, polishing, and breaking in.

 

[Fishslayer]

It was my understanding that a 7 or 8 shooter needed to move the cylinder a shorter distance per shot? A five shooter needed to move it farther? Of course, more holes = lighter weight.

Spring weights & internals would also be a factor.

 

[BCRider]

It's simply nothing to do with the weight. You'd need to pull the trigger REALLY fast for the cylinder and bullet weight inertia to become any sort of issue.

If it's anything at all it's because the 5 hole cylinder has to move through a greater angle. Converting the linear push of the hand over to a rotational motion in the cylinder means oddball angles where the mechanical advantage is lost at each end of the length of the cycle.

The more stops around the circle the less extreme the angles are for rotating the cylinder at each end of the stroke of the hand.

If you want to see how much the weight of the cylinder affects the trigger pull during DA shooting simply remove the cylinder from the crane and then close the gun and dry fire it without the cylinder in place. Whatever change, if any, you notice is due to the inertial effect of the cylinder and loads.

 

[MachIVshooter]

If it's anything at all it's because the 5 hole cylinder has to move through a greater angle.

Greater number of degrees rotation, yes, but not more distance; 5 shot cylinders are smaller.

 

[Liberty1776]

Thanks guys...appreciate the information. I did think the "feel" was a bit gritty, so will be opening it up and hosing it out before my next session. Guess I've been spoiled by my old S&Ws...

'

 

[Liberty1776]

ok - just as a followup.... I opened her up and found it clean, but completely dry. Amazing the difference a little Marvel Lubricating Oil makes... It was clean, but I really didn't think to pull the sideplate on a new gun before I shot it. I'll remember this...

 

[Lost Sheep]

I have Ruger SP101s in 22 rimfire and .357 magnum. The 22s do it in 60 degrees and the .357s do it in 72 degrees. The 22 cylinders have more mass and more inertia as has been mentioned before.

Subjectively, the 22s SEEM to have greater resistance to cocking in double action (the result of the greater mass of the cylinder?). But less resistance to cocking in single action (result of the shorter rotational distance?).

If someone has access to .327 six-shots and .357 5-shots, that would make for a MUCH better comparison. If anyone has access to a Redhawk in .357 and 41 or 44, that would give even more information.

Anyone else want to share?

Personally, I find it hard to believe that I can tell the difference, but I have 2 22s and three 357s and testing the bunch of them gives consistent results.

I hope my observations help.

Lost Sheep

 

[TennJed]

It was my understanding that a 7 or 8 shooter needed to move the cylinder a shorter distance per shot? A five shooter needed to move it farther? Of course, more holes = lighter weight.

Spring weights & internals would also be a factor.

Would more holes always equal more weight? I have no idea personaly but when I look at a 45 colt cylinder the holes look BIG. Wouldn't a really big bore caliber have a significant amount of weoght removed due to the size of the chambers?

 

[Remllez]

BC Rider post number 6.....doesn't get much better than that.