Guide to Revolvers?

[m4shooter]

I'm new to revolvers and was hoping that there was already some sort of a "Revolvers for Dummies" thread.

Revolvers seem much simpler than any firearm I already own, but sometimes perceived simplicity gets you into trouble.

It would be great if experienced users could post a list of things you need to know about revolvers. For example, until 24 hours ago, I didn't know what a transfer bar was and how it is relevant to de-cocking. So there has to be a number of other things that I need to know.

Thanks!

 

[Blakenzy]

Stay clear of the cylinder-barrel gap while firing or you will burn your fingers... or even amputate them with some of the super calibers (.460xvr)

 

[aHFo3]

If you haven't read Jim March's Revolver Checkout Sticky, it is a great place to start.

 

[tackleberi]

Not exactly a basic guide, but a nice read nonetheless. Michael DeBethencourt's "Why a Snubby Beats a Semi-Auto" article. Not trying to kick a hornet's nest.....just offering a credible set of considerations for someone trying to decide whether a revolver is good for them:

http://www.snubtraining.com/pdfs/WhyRevolversBeatAutos.pdf

 

[Virginian]

The reason John, and Gene, and Hoppy, and Roy all shot so well one handed is, they were shooting blanks. Bob Munden just is not normal.
Don't flip a double action revolver violently to close the cylinder.
Don't spin the cylinder and cock a single action revolver.
Do not practice fast draw, even unloaded, unless standing on yards of thick, cushioned carpeting.
Nice sharp checkered grips may prove to be painful in a heavy recoiling gun.
The correct answer to any question not involving double action 22 revolvers is Ruger.
Most S&W lovers hate Taurus. The ones that don't, just don't like them... a lot.
If a group of apparently snobby people are 'discussing' revolvers, and they ask what you prefer, just say "Korth", and then shut up.

 

[calaverasslim]

Semi-auto lovers will tell you a 1911 has at least one more round than a revolver and possibly 2. The semi-auto hi-cap lovers will tell you that you should carry a hi-cap auto cuz it gives you bunches more ammo to shoot.

I have been shooting pistols and rifles for almost 65 years and I will tell you what I carry. Generally I carry a 5 shot 44 special, 3". BBQ and Picnic gun is a Smith N frame.

Yes, I own 2 different 1911's and a 9mm CZ but they are gathering dust in the safe. I will keep my revolvers, thank you very much.

 

[Wolfeye]

Here are a few informational links you might or might not find useful:
http://www.io.com/~cortese/firearms/index.html
http://www.snubnose.info/
http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/anotherview.aspx
http://www.chuckhawks.com/handgun_types.htm

Three things I've learned:
1) If a revolver has a tight cylinder to barrel gap (less than .004"), then you might have to clean it every few dozen rounds, or else fouling will cause it to bind.
2) If the cylinder gap is too large (more than about .007"), you're losing a lot of power through the gap and should probably get it tightened.
3) A revolver can have just about any grip you want; they're not meant to hold a block-shaped magazine, so they can be very ergonomic. A rubber grip that covers the backstrap can do a lot to manage recoil.