Terminology: Hand

by
posted on June 5, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg

In a revolver, the hand is the long bar that reaches up through a slot in the standing breech. The upper tip of the hand engages a lug on the rear of the cylinder (usually part of the extractor) and turns the cylinder.

It must be adjusted carefully in order to get the cylinder to align with the barrel just as the cylinder bolt locks into its notch. An often misunderstood part of the revolver, the hand was one of the trickiest parts of Sam Colt’s first wheelguns.

Hands have been pretty much the same since. That is until some of the newest polymer frame guns were developed. In effect, they sometimes do away with the hand as we have so long known it.

Latest

Franchi Mule Gotw 1
Franchi Mule Gotw 1

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience

The Ladies Discover Sporting Clays Experience, a specially tailored clinic designed to help new female shooters become familiar with the basics of firearm safety, shotgun-handling and sporting-clays shooting.

New for 2026: Bersa B-Series Suppressors

Bersa USA has updated its suppressor lineup in 2026 with its new B-Series cans, which cover the range from .22 LR all the way up to .300 Win. Mag.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.