The word "revolver" comes from the Latin term revolvere, which means "rotate." This name was given to the weapon due to a specific detail - a drum in which cartridges are placed. A modern revolver is very different from a simple pistol. And not one gunsmith will ever confuse them.
The story of the revolver
The first 16th century revolvers were highly unreliable and even dangerous weapons. To ignite the powder, it was necessary to set fire to it using silicon or a wick. Theoretically, burning gunpowder on a special shelf activated the charge in the revolver drum. In fact, often not only the desired charge was ignited, but also the neighboring ones. Often this led to damage to the shooter or rupture of the gun barrel.
Over time, in 1818, Artemas Wheeler designed a revolver with a silicon lock. However, the North American patent obtained for this invention was not significant, unlike the British document. Instead, having left for Britain and having improved the revolver a little, the patent was received by his comrade Collier.
But the real birthday of the revolver is February 25, 1836, when Samuel Colt, an unknown gunsmith, invented the capsule weapon. Using the previously created capsule mechanism, Colt patented a new Colt-Paterson revolver equipped with a 6-cartridge drum.
The structure of a modern revolver
The weapon consists of the following parts:
- barrel with rifled channel;
- a drum that rotates on an axis and has chambers for cartridges;
- case with parts of the trigger mechanism;
- shitik to counter the cartridge flange during the shot;
- lever;
- a weapon frame that connects the body to the barrel.
The revolver frame can be unlocked. That is open from above, whole - rigid. All modern revolvers are equipped with it. The third type of frame is detachable when, when reloading, the barrel and drum of the weapon leans upwards on a special hinge.
Types of Revolvers
Today, there are two main types of weapons:
- Single action revolvers. In order to fire such a weapon, you must cock the trigger and pull the trigger.
- Double acting weapons - self-cocking. It is not necessary to cock the trigger, since he himself jumps from the platoon when the trigger is pulled. At the same time, the time spent on the shot is slightly longer than in the first case, and the effort that is required from the shooter is greater. However, such revolvers are more compact and easy to handle. There are most positive reviews about them.
- There is a third type of modern revolver - automatic. Such a weapon fires on the principle of recoil energy when firing. However, such revolvers are not popular.
Ammo for modern weapons
Today, revolvers are loaded with unitary cartridges with a metal sleeve. The first such element was designed by N. Dreise back in 1827, long before the appearance of the revolver. Then such a cartridge was used in long-barreled weapons.
Over time, the idea was picked up by the creators of revolvers. Such a charge consisted of a metal sleeve, a capsule and a bullet.
Currently, models of modern revolvers are weapons with a double action trigger mechanism. The drum of such Nagans leans back to the left side, and when you press a special extractor all the sleeves are pulled out of it. Many revolvers have a powerful .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum caliber. The cartridges for such a weapon consist of a cartridge case with a special rim (edge) that holds the cartridge in the drum. Cartridges without this element are also possible. In this case, holders are used to hold them - plates in the shape of two crescents.
List of modern revolvers in Russia
The first weapon in our country appeared after the end of the Russian-Crimean war in 1859. First, revolvers were ordered from foreign arms manufacturers. But in 1898, domestic Tula revolvers appeared.
At present, in Russia, along with foreign weapons, domestic models are also successful. Since 1994, manufacturers have been the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, the Kovrov Mechanical Plant, the Tula enterprise Design Instrument Design Bureau and others.
Each model of modern revolvers in Russia has its own characteristic features. For example, the AEK-906 Rhino weapon is equipped with a new layout scheme for the location of the barrel and the drum retainer in the lower region of the frame. The axis of the drum itself is located above the barrel. As a result, the Rhino has excellent balance and accuracy of fire.
The original constructive decision of the engineers of the Tula enterprise led to the creation of the P-92 revolver. Due to the use of an unusual weapon scheme, a revolver with a displaced center of gravity in the direction of the shooter's hand turned out. Thus, the weapon turned out to be more aimed and convenient to use.
Modern Russian revolvers are also characterized by the fact that, in addition to conventional cartridges, other ammunition can be used to charge them. For example, the brainchild of a technical university from Izhevsk, DOG-1 can also shoot cartridges converted from 12.5x35 mm type weapons. Bullets in such ammunition are made of plastic or lead. And in the OTs-20 “Gnome” revolver it is possible to load powerful 12.5x40 mm rounds with a steel or lead bullet.
The original Russian-made revolver is the MP-411 Latina, manufactured at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant. Its specificity lies in the fact that it is made of a new, light grade of steel in combination with high-strength plastic. This makes the weapon more comfortable to use.
Wild West Revolver Review
The first drum weapon was invented in the USA. But the peak of its popularity revolvers reached in the 50-70s of the twentieth century. Such weapons have always been in great demand in America. Weapons of the Colt model were especially in demand. Modern revolvers are not inferior to anything, and even exceed the capabilities of their predecessors.
The triumphant return of American-made weapons during World War I began. Then the most popular were the Colt New Service models of the 45th, 44th and 38th calibers, later called Model 1909, Smith & Wesson New Century of the 45th and 44th calibers and Smith & Wesson Military & Police 1905 38 caliber. These weapons became widespread in the US military.
After the end of World War II, modern American revolvers began to be used in police and security systems. Also, weapons were used for private purposes by ordinary citizens.
Today in the United States, Smith & Wesson, Colt and Ruger revolvers are in special demand. The models of this weapon use the most powerful .357 Magnum cartridges. It is this munition that has a high penetration effect of a bullet.
Modern weapons of Europe
The first official patent for drum pistols received in Britain. And today, European manufacturers surprise consumers with their original approaches to the creation of firearms.
This also applies to French modern revolvers "Manurin" (Manurhin MR 73) caliber .357 Magnum. The first weapon was created at the Manurin factory and was similar to the Walter pistol. At the same time, the firearm repeated the Smith-Wesson revolver system. The difference was a double-action trigger mechanism with a trigger lock. The drum "Manurina" holds 6 rounds.
The Belgian brothers Henri-Leon and Emil Nagane created revolvers that became popular around the world. At first they repaired the Dutch weapon "Hembembourg", but soon decided to produce their own firearms. And although the first Nagan appeared in the distant 1878, today it remains the leader among revolvers.
Unusual world revolvers
Firearms drum - also a kind of records for original solutions. So, a photo of modern revolvers captured the largest firearm in the world - Pfeifer Zeliska. This model is suitable for real strongmen who want to impress others. The revolver weighs about 6 kg and reaches 55 cm in length. Accordingly, the return on such weapons exceeds all expectations in terms of strength.
If there is the largest revolver, then the smallest one is put up against it. Mini Swiss Gun was created in Switzerland. Its length is 5.5 cm, weight is 0.128 g. The baby should be charged with 2.34 mm cartridges. Such weapons will suit an exquisite lady or in a private collection. However, if necessary, it will also serve as a means of self-defense.
In the same Belgium, they invented another original revolver - a knuckle-gun. This combination helps the shooter to deal with the enemy in the event that the cartridges run out. This revolver is loaded with 7-caliber cartridges.
Interesting facts about revolvers
Weapons came to Russia thanks to the pleasure trip of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich to America. There he met the Smith and Wesson revolver and forever fell in love with a firearm. Subsequently, the delivery of weapons was entrusted to the military attache A.P. Gorlov, who selected and procured the best images for the Russian army.
Modern world revolvers have always attracted famous people. For example, Pablo Picasso at his leisure was amused by the fact that he “shot” at offenders from the studied type of weapon loaded with blank cartridges. As a rule, he did this spontaneously, and forever discouraged arguing with him, even for the slightest reason.
Perhaps the most casual revolver is considered to be the Colt .38 special with a camera built into it. The movement of the hook actuated the camera, which took a snapshot. This, however, did not find worthy application for practical purposes. Although the revolver could also take pictures when not charged, it is still considered the craziest invention.