Best revolver cylinder release design?

[Standing Wolf]

Speaking strictly as a Python aficionado: pulling the cylinder release latch is a bass-ackweird idea. It gets the job done just fine once you get used to it, but it's a classic example of a user interface that made sense to engineers rather than users.

 

[wheelyfun66]

Ruger.

Always liked how the cylinder release is out of the way, and the release feels natural to me.

But that does not mean that Ruger is my favorite revolver! (S&W wins for me)

 

[beag_nut]

Ruger
Ruger
Ruger
That's how many different ones I have tried so far, and compared them to S&W and Charter. Ruger wins this contest of cylinder release.

 

[duck911]

Ruger for me!

 

[Zebraranger]

Ruger

 

[iLikeOldgunsIlikeNewGuns]

Out of what I currently own, I do love my 629, but when it comes to cylinder release my favorite is the GP-100 push-button. I've never opened the cylinder unintentionally, and it makes for an easy unload

 

[alienbogey]

Just a prediction: I would bet that more often than not a person's favorite will happen to be the same as on the first DA revolver that he owned or really got proficient with.

I have Colts, Rugers and a Smith, and I think the best looking release is the Colt, the most intuitive & ugliest is the Smith, and the best to operate is the Ruger.

My first DA? Ruger, so there y'go.

FWIW.

 

[velojym]

I've had Ruger revolvers since I was a teen, so I'm used to their release and am happy with it.
I'm also learning to appreciate the forward release on my DW, too.

Heck... I'm just jazzed to be on the show, ya know?

 

[AngeloD]

+1 for the Dan Wesson.

 

[Deaf Smith]

Maybe with modern materials and heat treatment this one would be best.

Yes it's mine to.

Deaf

 

[Derry 1946]

For me, Smith is easiest. I can do it with one hand. If need be, in a pinch, I could close it with one hand too, though not recommended for the longevity of the mechanism. My EDC is a Colt, but I always find it tricky to work that pull-back release...

 

[PzGren]

I have no personal preference but if somebody is left handed, there is hardly a cylinder release more ambidextrous than the release of the Korth.

 

[Dr_B]

I don't think it makes any difference. With the Smith & Wesson, you can push the latch into your thumb as you invert the gun and hit the plunger. With the Colt, you pull the gun over as you pull the latch, and then hit the plunger. Both types make sense to me from a usability standpoint. The Ruger latch I see as basically a lot like the Smith.

 

[Jim Watson]

Agree with Deaf Smith, Webley is most convenient.
Somebody makes an extension thumb latch for S&W Hand Ejectors that puts it about the same place, though.

 

[AKMac]

I shoot thumbs high which leads to this on S&W cylinder release on big boomers. I'm not sure if it's a common thing or not, but it gets me after the hands get tired.

 

[threoh8]

My second favorite:

Webley (Deaf Smith has an idea there)



Now, THAT'S a combat revolver! .455 caliber, with speedloaders at that.

 

[bearman49709]

I've owned or own Charter, Colt,H&R,Ruger, S&W and Tauraus. First D/A was a Colt, but S&W is the best.Some of you complain about S&W release hitting your thumb,never seen that before and I shoot a S&W 629,AKMac shows a pic of his thumb and says he shoots high thumbs, do all of you with this problem shoot high thumb?

 

[56hawk]

Some of you complain about S&W release hitting your thumb,never seen that before and I shoot a S&W 629,AKMac shows a pic of his thumb and says he shoots high thumbs, do all of you with this problem shoot high thumb?

The same thing happens to me when I get too relaxed with my 500ES. It happens regardless of where I put my thumb. Never had a problem with any other S&W though. Even my 629 Mountain Gun is no problem.


To answer the original question though. I like the speed of the S&W latch. Haven't shot or handled Rugers enough to have an opinion one way or the other, but I don't like Colts.

 

[2zulu1]

Interesting question, never warmed up to DA Rugers, but I have a number of Smiths, a DW and a Colt Trooper Mk III that's back at Hartford. The Smith target triggers are better than the Performance Center triggers, plus I've carried/shot Smiths for 40+ years. I like their release setup, but Colts seem to take less effort.

 

[mj246]

I would bet that more often than not a person's favorite will happen to be the same as on the first DA revolver that he owned or really got proficient with.
-alienbogey

+1

I'm really only proficient with the S&W style since that is what I have owned, and I find it very natural for me. I have never hurt my thumb with the cylinder release, but I tend to curl my thumbs down and in some when firing revolvers. The Ruger release seems like it might be good too, but I have relatively short thumbs, so that release on a larger frame might be a little hard for me to reach. I'm sure I'd be fine on the sp101 though. If/When I decide to try a Ruger, I guess I'll find out.

 

[mashaffer]

Love those Webleys but I always had a soft spot for breaktops. Must be the Sportsman Dad taught me to shoot with.

mike

 

[Jim K]

For a hunting/target gun it doesn't matter much. But for a fast reload, S&W is the best. The forward push is simpler and easier than the Ruger, more instinctive than the Colt and does not require use of the left hand, which should be reaching for the speed loader.

The Webleys are fast, but most have such a strong latch spring that the advantage is negated.

Jim

 

[Deaf Smith]

If one is going to use the Webley system here is my take.

If two hands used grab the barrel with the off hand and mash the latch with your gun hand's thumb will pushing down on the grip.

As it snaps open give it a twist so it throws the empties far and wide, then using a full ring clip like on a S&W 625, and 'throw' the clip in with your gun hand. Grasp the grip and snap it upwards (do now dip the off hand or the ring clip might fall out.)

If just your shoot'en hand, put the barrel against your leg and us the thumb to open the action and push hart on the grip to break it open and throw out the empties. Then put the gun between your legs and reload with a ring clip. Grab the grip and snap it closed by pushing the bottom of the barrel against something.

Toughest is if you are left handed but just bring the thumb over the handle and push the latch while pushing the barrel against your leg again.

Oh, and always gents.. KYFFOTFT while doing this.

Deaf

 

[JaxJim]

I love all of the inciteful input here! It is true "the best" is whatever the operator is the most comfortable with.

What would be interesting is to get a group of people together that have never shot or handled a DA revolver. Hand them (an unloaded) revolver and ask them to swing the cylinder out. My money would be on the Ruger as it is more intuitive. I bet the DW would go un-latched by some of the uninformed.

I actually like the S&W the best. The Colt the least. And, like others have said the strongest seems to be the DW. I own the fewest Rugers, so for me, I am the least comfortable with it.

 

[JEB]

ruger for me