Crime & Justice • Firearms

Revolver (firearm)

A revolver is a repeating handgun that uses a rotating cylinder with multiple chambers to hold cartridges and align them with a single barrel for firing.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A revolver is a repeating handgun that uses a rotating cylinder with multiple chambers to hold cartridges and align them with a single barrel for firing. Most revolvers are handguns, and many models are traditionally associated with five or six rounds before reloading. The term is also used more broadly in some references for other firearms using a revolving chamber system.

Design and operation

A revolver uses a cylindrical, multi-chambered rotating cylinder behind a barrel. The rotation brings each chamber into firing position in sequence, allowing several shots without reloading.

Terminology

Common informal names include wheelgun, six-shooter, and sixgun. Dictionaries and encyclopedias generally define a revolver as a handgun with a revolving chambered cylinder.

Relation to other handguns

Revolvers are usually contrasted with semi-automatic pistols, which feed cartridges from a magazine rather than from a rotating cylinder. In some technical or historical uses, revolver may refer more broadly to any firearm with a revolving chamber system.

Canada

Revolvers are regulated in Canada as firearms and are part of the broader handgun category relevant to Canadian firearms law, shooting sports, and law-enforcement history.

Key facts

A revolver is defined by its rotating cylinder, which holds multiple cartridges in separate chambers.
Each trigger pull or hammer-cocking action advances the cylinder so the next cartridge lines up with the barrel.
Most revolvers are handguns, but the term can also apply more broadly to firearms with similar revolving-chamber mechanisms.
Revolvers are commonly called six-shooters or sixguns because many hold six cartridges.
The design is distinct from semi-automatic pistols, which use a magazine rather than a revolving cylinder.

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Canadian context

Revolvers are regulated in Canada as firearms and are part of the broader handgun category relevant to Canadian firearms law, shooting sports, and law-enforcement history.

Frequently asked questions

What is a revolver?

A revolver is a handgun with a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers, allowing several shots to be fired before reloading.

Why are revolvers called six-shooters?

Many revolvers traditionally hold six cartridges, so they are often called six-shooters or sixguns.

How does a revolver work?

When the trigger is pulled or the hammer is cocked, the cylinder rotates to line up the next cartridge with the barrel for firing.

Is a revolver the same as a pistol?

A revolver is a type of pistol or handgun, but it differs from semi-automatic pistols because it uses a rotating cylinder instead of a magazine.

What are other names for a revolver?

Common names include wheelgun, six-shooter, and sixgun.

References

Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/technology/revolver
Supports: Definition of revolver as a repeating pistol using a multichambered revolving cylinder behind one barrel.
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolver
Supports: General description of revolvers, rotating cylinder mechanism, and common nicknames such as six-shooter and wheel gun.
Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revolver
Supports: Dictionary definition of revolver as a handgun with chambers brought successively into line with the barrel.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives — https://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearms-guides-importation-verification-firearms-and-ammunition-nonimmigrant-aliens/revolver
Supports: Technical definition of revolver as a pistol-type projectile weapon with a breechloading chambered cylinder rotated by the hammer or trigger.