Not everyone knows what the parts of a revolver are called. Some of us need some help in figuring out the correct terminology. This is a basic primer on the basic parts of a revolver so you can at least know what to call something besides “that thingie you push.”
The image used below is of a Smith & Wesson K-38 Masterpiece revolver, also known as the Model 14. The basic design of this revolver is similar to those produced by several other companies over the years, including Taurus, Rossi, Charter Arms and others. Use this as a guide to identify and locate the components on your revolver. Most will be in the same place.
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Term
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Definition
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Notes
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Back Strap
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The rear portion of the grip frame | |
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Barrel
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A hollow tube with spiral rifling to guide and launch a bullet on its path to the target. | Barrel lengths vary from 2 to 12 inches. |
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Barrel Lug
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A projection under the barrel that forms part of the locking mechanism for the cylinder. | Some revolvers (Colt, Charter) lack this feature |
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Bore (not shown)
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The inner diameter of the barrel opening. The size of the bore is expressed in decimal fractions of an inch, such as .357(inches) or .45 (inches). | |
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Chamber (not shown)
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An internal space in the cylinder used to hold a cartridge. Handguns can have 5 to 10 chambers, but only one cylinder. | Visible when loading and unloading the revolver. |
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Crane
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See Yoke | Crane is a term used by Colt Firearms. |
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Cylinder
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The round, revolving portion of the handgun. It consists of 5 to 10 chambers that hold individual cartridges. Typical capacity is 6 cartridges. | |
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Cylinder Release
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The device used to unlock the cylinder and allow the cylinder to be released for loading and unloading the revolver. | Colt and Armscor cylinder releases operate by pulling rearward. Ruger releases are depressed like a button. Dan Wesson’s release is on the Yoke. |
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Ejector Rod
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The rod attached to the front of the cylinder, which ejects cartridges from the cylinder when it is depressed. | Used to unload the revolver |
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Ejector Shroud (not shown)
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A projection under the barrel that protects the ejector rod and replaces the barrel lug. Featured on most S&W Magnum revolvers. | |
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Firing Pin (not shown)
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The device which actually strikes the cartridge’s primer to fire the cartridge. | There are generally 2 types. One is mounted on the front of the hammer and the other is mounted in the frame just behind the axis of the barrel. |
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Front Sight
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The projection on the barrel used for aiming | |
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Front Strap
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The front edge of the grip frame. | |
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Grip
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(a) The grip frame or area of the revolver that is gripped by the hand. (b) The material applied to the grip frame to make the revolver easier to grip. See also: Stocks | Grips (plural) often refers to the stocks on the gun. |
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Hammer
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The primary ignition device. The hammer is pulled back against spring tension and, when released, strikes the cartridge primer to fire the revolver. | Some hammers are concealed or shrouded. Some may lack the extension used to cock the hammer (“bobbed” hammer). |
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Muzzle
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The end of the barrel, where the bullet exits. | |
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Rear Sight
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The sighting mechanism with which the front sight is aligned for accurate shooting. | Adjustable target sights are shown. Fixed sights are usually just a simple groove in the top strap. |
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Stocks
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The material applied to the grip frame to make the revolver comfortable in the hand. These may be made from wood, rubber, ivory, plastic, or other materials. Often called grips. | Sometimes referred to as the grip or grips of a revolver. |
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Thumb Piece
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See Cylinder Release | |
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Top Strap
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The metal piece that runs along the top of the revolver, enclosing the cylinder within the frame. | |
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Trigger
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The device which releases the firing mechanism to fire the revolver. The trigger releases the hammer to fall forward under spring pressure to fire the gun. | |
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Trigger Guard
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A projection or loop that serves to protect the trigger from accidental movement or snagging. | |
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Yoke
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The “arm” on which the cylinder swings out of the frame during loading and unloading. |
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