Snapping the cylinder closed on a revolver

Kevin M.

Kevin M.

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While at target sports yesterday I picked up my first revolver, a .45ACP Smith & Wesson.

While handling it in store, I closed the cylinder gently with my hand, but the guy selling it thought I had snapped it shut with one hand. He said not to do it because the hinge was fragile enough to be knocked out of alignment.

Is that true? Seems like it could have and should have been designed better if that is the case.

Maybe I am wrong. Just curious.
 
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Think about the weight of the cylinder, and the thickness of the metal of the crane. It can be bent, causing the cylinder to come out of alignment with the barrel.
 
The cylinder should be spun at high rpm and snapped shut smartly with the wrist. Practice makes perfect. Best way to break in a new wheelgun.
 
OldHack said:
The cylinder should be spun at high rpm and snapped shut smartly with the wrist. Practice makes perfect. Best way to break in a new wheelgun.
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Didi mao!!!
didimao.jpg
 
I don't know if this is just a poke at my thread about dropping the slide on an empty chamber, but if it's not then YES that is the WORST thing you can do to a revolver! I've never seen a bent crane but plenty of bent extractor rods. Very easy to spot; open the cylinder and spin it smartly and observe the rod. If it wobbles, someone has been abusing it by doing the Hollywood snap. Thankfully they are easy enough to replace, or fix if you know what you're doing. Bottom line is, don't do it.

(I grew up "educated" on S&W K-frames, not autos)

EDIT: Snapping it closed a few times won't break the gun. Heck, snapping it closed a LOT will not break the gun. Certainly won't put the cylinder out of alignment without a LOT of effort. However if you shoot thousands of rounds through it and do it every time then yes, eventually you will pooch something.
 
I too know only a little of revolvers, but I just purchased one, so I appreciate any and all info anyone has on the subject. I remember just a few weeks ago when I was at the gun shop and asked to see a brand new S&W, all the proprietor asked me was no to spin the cylinder while it was in battery position.
 
I press the cylinder closed. I was told years ago that flipping the cylinder closed would enlarge the hole that the center pin closed in, making it egg shaped, then the cylinder wouldn't line up true to the bore.
 
Not only that but when the ejector pin bends the pin won't line up nicely in the hole in the recoil plate either and then the gun is difficult to close and open.
 
AK said:
I don't know if this is just a poke at my thread about dropping the slide on an empty chamber, but if it's not then YES that is the WORST thing you can do to a revolver! I've never seen a bent crane but plenty of bent extractor rods. Very easy to spot; open the cylinder and spin it smartly and observe the rod. If it wobbles, someone has been abusing it by doing the Hollywood snap. Thankfully they are easy enough to replace, or fix if you know what you're doing. Bottom line is, don't do it.

(I grew up "educated" on S&W K-frames, not autos)

EDIT: Snapping it closed a few times won't break the gun. Heck, snapping it closed a LOT will not break the gun. Certainly won't put the cylinder out of alignment without a LOT of effort. However if you shoot thousands of rounds through it and do it every time then yes, eventually you will pooch something.
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Actually, it doesn't take to many times snapping a loaded cylinder shut or fliping one open to bend the crane. First symtoms will be shaving of lead and or hard DA pull on certian chambers. To practice one handed reloads with a revolver you have to do this, but if your going to you have to accept that if you do it enough to be profiecent at it, your also taking your gun to a smith. I don't and slap people who do it to my revolvers.
 
evilhaze said:
I too know only a little of revolvers, but I just purchased one, so I appreciate any and all info anyone has on the subject. I remember just a few weeks ago when I was at the gun shop and asked to see a brand new S&W, all the proprietor asked me was no to spin the cylinder while it was in battery position.
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Yes that's also a Hollywood thing. By drawing the hammer back slightly you can drop the cylinder stop to allow the cylinder to spin freely. It is in THIS position (and not in the open position as seen in every movie) where the ratcheting BZZZZZZZ sound comes from as the extractor star drags along the hand which spins the cylinder. Not good for it either, but less damaging than slapping the cylinder closed. Sure sounds cool though. ;)
 
<sarcasm off> As a matter of habit, I press the cylinder release in (or out on a Colt) and release it after positioning the cylinder in the frame.
 
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I find flipping the cylinder close helps me to look cool and I get all pumped up at the range when I do it. I pretend like Im some sort of old school dirty harry type and play tough guy for a bit. Then its off to my security job protecting the civilians. I just wish they made revolvers that werent so shiny. I prefer synthetic, and flat black it is more tacticool.
 
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