How to Know if a Revolver is Loaded

Knowing whether a gun is loaded or not is the first step to handling any gun. Knowing if a revolver, in particular, is loaded, is quite simple.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Grab the revolver by its handle, making sure to keep your finger AWAY from the trigger.
   
   Do NOT make the mistake many instinctively make by placing their finger on the trigger! Keep your trigger (index) finger outside of the trigger guard (the metal or plastic loop that protects the trigger) at all times, except when ready to shoot.

2. Be wary of where the gun is pointed. Do NOT at any time point the gun at anyone. It is very important when handling a gun, especially an unfamiliar one, that you keep the barrel pointed away from anyone around you. Pointing a gun up into the air or down toward the ground is usually the safest option. Always be aware of what is around you, whether near or far, when handling a gun.

3. Now that you are holding the gun safely away from anyone or anything, you can check to see if it is loaded. With a revolver, there is only one area that needs to be inspected: the cylinder. The cylinder is the portion above the handle and behind the barrel that revolves as bullets are fired. It is within this cylinder that all of the bullets are held.

4. 

   On most revolvers, there will be a lever or button that opens the cylinder. It is located near the cylinder itself, usually at the back. Pressing this lever or button will cause the cylinder to swing out and down, revealing the bullet chambers.
   
   Be careful not to mistake the hammer for the cylinder release button. The hammer is located on top of the gun, whereas the cylinder release is located to the left of the gun.
   
   CAUTION: Pulling back on the hammer will ready the gun for firing.

5. Look into the chambers. If all of the chambers are empty, the gun is not loaded.
   
   To unload the gun if bullets are discovered, turn the gun up so that the bullets can slide out.
   
   Now you can handle the gun confidently with a knowledge that it is unloaded. A gun is not a toy, however, and should never be pointed at anyone, even if it is not loaded.

Tips & Warnings

• Be confident when handling guns. Education equals confidence.
• If you are doubt your ability to handle a gun safely, do NOT handle it! Educate yourself first and gain the confidence and ability to do so safely.
• Guns are not toys, and should be treated as such.
• Keep your finger off of the trigger at all times.
• Point the gun away from yourself and others at ALL times.