How to unload a revolver

This photo blog will illustrate how to unload a revolver and remove any cartridges of ammunition it may have in the cylinder. Although these photos are of my old .38 revolver, the information applies the same to Smith and Wesson, Taurus, and all other modern revolvers.

The first step in unloading a revolver, as in all firearms, is to remember the four rules.

#1 ALL FIREARMS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
# 2 NEVER POINT THE MUZZLE AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY
# 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
# 4 - BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

While all four rules are equally important, let me emphasize that while unloading a firearm, be certain to keep the firearm pointed away from any target AND your finger off the trigger at all times.

On most revolvers, you can quickly tell if the firearm is loaded by taking a peek near the cylinder on the left side of the firearm. If you see brass or similar casing shining out, chances are it has live ammunition in the cylinder.


The next step is to open the cylinder as discussed in a previous blog entry.

From there, once the cylinder is open, just push in on the extractor rod as in the photo below. Once you start to push in on the extractor rod, the cartridges in the cylinder will be forced out.


Keep pushing the extractor rod until the cartridges all fall out. You can tilt the revolver slightly to have the ammunition fall out easier. You do not have to push the extractor rod very far. Usually a press only halfway in is enough to have the ammunition cartridges fall completely out.


Once the cartridges fall out of the cylinder, release the extractor rod. It will snap back into position inside the cylinder and look like the photo below. That's it!


Revolvers are very easy for a newcomer to firearms to become adept with. Their opening and unloading procedures are very simple, always reliable, and require a bare minimum of effort and dexterity.

NOTE : When unloading a revolver that has recently been fired, take care when ejecting the cartridges. Chances are they will be very hot!

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