I've heard that it is damaging to a swing-out cylinder revolver to "flick" the cylinder back shut (as they do in the movies). Why is this? Is it because the cylinder is only mounted to the frame at one point, and as such, the "flicking" can cause the cylinder to move in an axis its not meant to?
Why Shouldn't a Revolver Cylinder Be "Flicked" Closed?
- Thread starter HGM22
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briansmithwins
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The crane (or yoke) that connects the cylinder to the frame is actually pretty delicate. Flicking the cylinder open or shut stresses it in ways that can warp it, causing misalignment of the cylinder to the frame.
Once the crane is out of alignment it will need to be repaired by a gunsmith.
BSW
Once the crane is out of alignment it will need to be repaired by a gunsmith.
BSW
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Flipping one open is much more damaging to the crane than flipping it closed...but neither one is good for it.
GP100man
Member
What brian said !!
I cast my own & a buddy was sluggin the cyl throats to get an idea of the diminsions we had to work with so he could shoot cast also , well he came to the house & I could see something was visibly wrong with him !!!
In all his efforts to slug the cyl (I told em to remove it ,but he did`nt) he managed to warp the crane to the point the cyl would not close in the frame window !!
I cast my own & a buddy was sluggin the cyl throats to get an idea of the diminsions we had to work with so he could shoot cast also , well he came to the house & I could see something was visibly wrong with him !!!
In all his efforts to slug the cyl (I told em to remove it ,but he did`nt) he managed to warp the crane to the point the cyl would not close in the frame window !!
Master Blaster
Member
The same reason you don't pick a dog up by its tail!!!
The center pin which goes into a hole in the center of the frame can be bent doing this, and that can tie up the gun and render it a paper weight on the spot.
The center pin which goes into a hole in the center of the frame can be bent doing this, and that can tie up the gun and render it a paper weight on the spot.
Elm Creek Smith
Member
Because that reveals that one has received all his firearms training from movies and television where the actors who don't know anything about guns get their guns from the prop guy and give them back at the end of filming. Next thing you know, you'll be holding your handguns sideways up above your line of sight. You don't want to be that guy.
ECS
motorcycle-charlie
Member
^^^ ha! i second that. if i see that happen at the range, it is time to move down a few stalls.
bikemutt
Member
I've seen this more than a few times: flick it closed and out flies half the ammo. Without gravity being fully grasped, the flick should not be attempted 
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
Exactly!!!
It will also peen and enlarge the hole in the frame.
Bottom line is, don't do the stupid stuff they do in movies. Lots of abusive things these morons do with guns to make themselves look cool or badass. George Clooney in "From Dusk `til Dawn" and Leonardo DiCaprio in "The Quick and the Dead" are two very good examples of actors abusing guns. Unless you see it in a Michael Mann or Tom Selleck movie, it's probably not a good idea. Even in the movies that legendary gun coach Thell Reed works on, the guns are still at the mercy of ignorant directors and actors.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I always feel so humiliated when somebody shows up the the full scientific explanation.
Seriously: that's worth remembering.
threoh8
Member
... or by the ears, Mr. Johnson!
788Ham
Member
........ and maybe thats why "He" had such huge ears too !
MtnSpur
Member
I took a relative to the gun range last year so he could experience the joy of shooting. Mind you I was careful to explain the safety rules and loaded a revolver up for him so he could see me open, load and close the cylinder. After the first 6 rounds it was time to reload, he carefully opened the cylinder, loaded the chambers, all while having the muzzle pointed down and downrange, then to my horror 
he "swing snaps" the cylinder shut. He has just recently reported regaining partial use of his arm
he "swing snaps" the cylinder shut. He has just recently reported regaining partial use of his arm baylorattorney
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Same reasoning as to why I don't like my car or truck doors slammed shut.
OldCavSoldier
Member
Johnson was under the influence of alcohol the vast majority of the time he was in political office....grabbing "Him" and "Her" by the ears was probably the second worst thing he ever did on camera.........the first?.....well.......I'm not going there.......... or by the ears, Mr. Johnson!
788Ham
Member
If you have to wear glasses, do you just throw them at your face in the morning? Use a little common sense.
In fact when I close my revolver I usually will work the latch again as if I am opening it. This way I won't put any undue pressure on the parts. When I don't work the latch I close it slowly. You just don't need to put extra pressure on these parts, all you are doing is prematurely wearing them out.
Guns go through enough pressure when fired don't weaken them further by trying to be cool.
Guns go through enough pressure when fired don't weaken them further by trying to be cool.
fiVe
Member
Revolvers are elegant and dignified (and effective!). They deserve respect.
CSA 357
Member
I CAN GIVE YOU A REASON NOT TO FLICK MINE SHUT THAT WAY! no joke i would most likley hit you in the mouth
Alec
Member
Oh that's nothin'. During my NRA First Steps pistol course, my instructor released the slide on the empty chamber of my brand new SA 1911.
I wonder if he would have flicked it had it been a revolver...
I was a bit miffed!
I wonder if he would have flicked it had it been a revolver...
I was a bit miffed!
Loosedhorse
member
Well, at least he didn't release the slide on a full chamber, no mag.
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