Unraveling the Capacity Mystery of Revolver Handguns
Have you ever wondered how many bullets a revolver can hold? The question is more complex than it might appear, especially when it comes to magazines versus clips. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of revolver handgun capabilities.
The Difference Between Magazine and Clip
When discussing ammunition for handguns, it's essential to clarify the terms 'magazine' and 'clip.' While many people use these terms interchangeably, they refer to different components. A magazine is the spring-loaded chamber inside a firearm that feeds cartridges into the weapon. In the case of revolvers, the magazine is the cylinder that permanently attaches to the firearm.
No Clip to Revolvers
Revolvers don't use clips. Clips, on the other hand, are used in magazine-fed long guns such as rifles and shotguns. Clips are utilized to stack and feed multiple cartridges into a magazine efficiently. For revolvers, each cartridge is placed individually within the cylinder. This makes the revolver's design different from magazine-fed firearms.
Revolver Cylinder Capacity
The number of cartridges a revolver can hold depends on its cylinder's capacity. Most modern revolvers have a cylinder that holds between 5 to 7 cartridges. This is due to the design and ergonomics of the weapon, but it varies by model. High-capacity revolvers, such as those chambered in .22lr, might have up to 10 chambers. However, this is rare and generally unnecessary for standard defensive use.
Specialized Revolvers and Moon Clips
Some specialized revolvers are designed to accept 'moon clips,' which are a type of loading aid. Moon clips are specifically designed to hold cartridges together until they are inserted into the cylinder of a revolver with multiple chambers. Once in place, the cartridges can slide into separate chambers. Moon clips are useful for revolvers that have more than the standard number of chambers, such as some .38 Special models or rimfire revolvers.
Example of Moon Clip Usage
For instance, moon clips like the one shown below can hold cartridges for a revolver with more than the standard number of chambers. This allows the revolver to achieve a higher chamber capacity while maintaining its semi-automatic loading action.
[Image Source: USCCA]
Special Loading Aids: Speedloaders
Interestingly, speedloaders are another method of loading ammunition into revolvers. A speedloader is a device that holds multiple cartridges and allows the user to load the chambers one at a time in a rapid manner. For instance, a 10-round speedloader can be used to quickly load .22lr revolvers. While some people consider speedloaders to be a form of 'clip,' they are technically not the same as magazine or clip in the conventional sense.
Speedloader Example
Here is an example of a 10-round speedloader for a .22 revolver:
[Image Source: Speed Beez]
Conclusion
The capacity of a revolver is an essential consideration for both practical and legal reasons. Understanding the difference between magazines and clips is crucial. Most modern revolvers have a cylinder that holds 5 to 7 cartridges. Specialized revolvers or moon clips can increase this capacity, but it is rare. Remember, when purchasing or using a firearm, it is always critical to receive proper training to ensure safe handling and use.