How To Know if a Revolver is Loaded

If a trespasser breaks into your home what is the first thought that passes through your mind? You are more than likely thinking about defending yourself and your family. During a home invasion having a loaded weapon within reach is imperative. One of the most common weapons that is utilized for home defense is the revolver. Revolvers are an affordable yet reliable method of self-defense. If someone has broken into your home there will be little time to contemplate as to whether or not your revolver is loaded. For this reason alone it is critical that you know how to identify when and if a revolver is properly loaded.      

1. The first action that you should take if you want to know if a revolver is loaded would be to open the cylinder barrel of the gun. This can be done by pressing the cylinder release latch with your thumb. Once you have opened the cylinder you will be able to see if there are bullets in four out of five of the chambers. To see if there is a bullet in the fifth chamber you will need to push the cylinder out with your fingers to be able to see the fifth chamber. If there are no bullets currently in the gun you will then need to load your weapon.
2. There are two primary methods utilized when loading a revolver.
   • The most traditional method, with the barrel of the revolver pointed down, would be to manually load each bullet into its respective chamber. To load each of the five bullets into the revolver you will need to manually spin the cylinder with your fingers.
   • Another method would be to use a speed loader. A speed loader allows you to quickly and effectively load a revolver by putting all five of the rounds in the gun at once. First, load each of the rounds into the speed loader and then place the speed loader over the cylinder. Again, with the barrel of the revolver pointed down, gently move the bullets and they will fall into place within the cylinder of the revolver. Once this has been achieved you will need twist the knob on the top of the speed loader to release the bullets.
3. After the revolver has been loaded it is best to close the cylinder with the least amount of force. It is best to try gently pressing the cylinder back into the gun by using your fingertips. A slight snapping sound will occur once the cylinder of the gun has been properly put back into its position. At this point the you will know that the revolver is loaded and you must use caution when handling it.

It is best to store the gun somewhere where you will be able to get to it at a second's notice. If you have children in your household it is imperative that you keep the weapon out of their reach. It is your choice as to whether or not to have the safety on therefore you must take the utmost care when storing a loaded weapon. If the safety is off and the revolver has been properly loaded then you will be ready to defend your household at a moment's notice. A revolver is a deadly but necessary weapon in protecting yourself and your family.