Author Topic: Random revolver question (Read 8035 times)

Nightcrawler · « **on:** October 07, 2015, 12:10:32 am »

Most single action revolvers have a fixed cylinder, and feed singly through a loading gate.

Most double-action revolvers have a swing-out cylinder.

Auto-ejecting break-action revolvers kind of came and went, since apparently nobody has come up with a latch that can handle modern high pressure cartridges. But, they've been available in both single and double action varieties.

There have been double action revolvers with fixed cylinders fed via loading gate.

So, my question is, has anyone made a single action revolver with a swing-out cylinder? Just curious. If I had to guess, I'd say there's probably an obscure .22 somewhere.

WeTheArmed.com

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #1 on:** October 07, 2015, 12:40:01 am »

I did find this:

https://theautry.org/the-colt-revolver-in-the-american-west/double-action?artifact=87.118.77

But it's an early double action design.

I also found this:

coelacanth · « **Reply #2 on:** October 07, 2015, 01:16:20 am »

Well, its not strictly speaking a swing out design but the Remington 1858 Army/Navy revolvers have a very easily removed cylinder and if you're carrying a spare or two its about as fast as loading a conventional double action.

RetroGrouch · « **Reply #3 on:** October 07, 2015, 02:12:07 am »

I don't think it was the top latch that was the weak point in break top revolvers, rather the pivot wore loose over time.

But yeah, I've never seen a swing out single action.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #4 on:** October 07, 2015, 02:13:37 am »

I think it's because they invented the double action mechanism before they invented the swing-out cylinder. There aren't a whole lot of advantages to a single action over a double action, from a usage standpoint. (Mechanically, they're a bit simpler and a bit cheaper to make, though.)

JesseL · « **Reply #5 on:** October 07, 2015, 02:13:41 pm »

Quote from: Nightcrawler on October 07, 2015, 02:13:37 am

I think it's because they invented the double action mechanism before they invented the swing-out cylinder. There aren't a whole lot of advantages to a single action over a double action, from a usage standpoint. (Mechanically, they're a bit simpler and a bit cheaper to make, though.)

I think a single action will stand up to really hard use (abuse) a bit better than a double action. Basically benefits of being simpler of course.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #6 on:** October 07, 2015, 02:23:33 pm »

It's true. A single action with a fixed cylinder has about as few moving parts as a revolver can have. I'm sure the Ruger Blackhawks being produced today will still be functional in 2115.

Il Rob · « **Reply #7 on:** October 07, 2015, 03:13:44 pm »

Quote

So, my question is, has anyone made a single action revolver with a swing-out cylinder?

I have seen single action only Smith and Wesson K frames. I'd guess these were conversions, though, and did not come out of the factory SAO. Here is one on Gunbroker now.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=513351747

The Colt Camp Perry was not really a "revolver" since it was a single shot, but was made on a revolver frame. Also, I am not entirely sure these are SAO? Anyway, looks like the breech and barrel both swung out from the frame.

http://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-galleries/innovation,-oddities-and-competition/case-25-camp-perry/colt-camp-perry-single-shot-target-pistol.aspx

Rob

GeorgeHill · « **Reply #8 on:** October 07, 2015, 04:24:40 pm »

I like that lizard's revolver.

JackCrow · « **Reply #9 on:** October 07, 2015, 04:48:44 pm »

Yeah, never seen a revolver with a cylinder swings both ways.

Nightcrawler · « **Reply #10 on:** October 07, 2015, 04:51:45 pm »

Quote from: JackCrow on October 07, 2015, 04:48:44 pm

Yeah, never seen a revolver with a cylinder swings both ways.

I dated a girl in college that did, though.

JesseL · « **Reply #11 on:** October 07, 2015, 04:58:41 pm »

Anyone else just start singing Where It's At?

strangelittleman · « **Reply #12 on:** October 07, 2015, 07:18:55 pm »

K-38 Target Masterpiece single actions (produced from 1961-1962) came that way from the factory. There were also factory Manhurin M73 target models that were SAO.

scarville · « **Reply #13 on:** October 07, 2015, 10:17:39 pm »

The NAA sidewinder

coelacanth · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2015, 11:03:06 pm »

Wow.

Totally forgot about NAA. Good catch.

RMc · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2015, 11:14:52 pm »

Quote from: coelacanth on October 07, 2015, 01:16:20 am

Well, its not strictly speaking a swing out design but the Remington 1858 Army/Navy revolvers have a very easily removed cylinder and if you're carrying a spare or two its about as fast as loading a conventional double action.

Just don't drop the loaded and capped cylinder...

scarville · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2015, 11:28:15 pm »

Quote from: coelacanth on October 07, 2015, 11:03:06 pm

Wow. Totally forgot about NAA. Good catch.

They are easy to overlook.

coelacanth · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2015, 11:33:41 pm »

Quote from: RMc on October 07, 2015, 11:14:52 pm

Just don't drop the loaded and capped cylinder...

Yeah, well . . . there wasn't so much pavement back when these were introduced and even then you had a fifty - fifty chance of it dropping on the safe end, no?

sohmdaddy · « **Reply #18 on:** October 09, 2015, 08:14:03 pm »

http://northamericanarms.com/firearms/sidewinder/naa-sidewinder-with-conversion.html