Author: Tom Kubiniec

From the iconic spinning chamber spun by cowboys in wild west films, to the sleek chambers of modern firearms, the revolver is likely the most iconic of all guns.  Original ideations date back to the 1400’s, and they continue to evolve to this day.

Revolvers (also known as six shooters) get their name from the rotating barrel that contains the bullets.  As you pull the trigger and the hammer strikes the chamber and the bullet is ejected.  From there the chamber rotates the new bullet into place.  Because the chamber “revolves”, it gave way to the name revolver.

You can identify a revolver through its signature features including a:

• Rotating cylinder
• Hammer
• Sight (normally found on the nose and hammer)
• Ejector rods
• Trigger
• Frame

Although many believe the first revolver was created and patented in 1835 and 1836 by Samuel Colt, Samuel made a discovery that inspired his invention at the Tower of London.  It turns out the revolver was actually created hundreds of years prior, and the model he found is still on display.  

Unlike the six shooter, this original model had a revolving chamber that could hold four bullets. Although six shooters are the norm, there’s a lot to be said about the stealth Smith and Wesson 638 whose magazine holds 5 bullets.  

From major motion pictures to being a backup firearm for law enforcement, get ready to learn fun facts and the history that lead to the revolver taking its place in the history books.

Definition of a Revolver

A revolver is a type of handgun characterized by a rotating cylinder that contains multiple chambers, each holding a single cartridge.

The cylinder rotates to align each chamber with the barrel, allowing for sequential firing of rounds. This distinctive design distinguishes revolvers from other firearms, such as semi-automatic pistols, which utilize a different feeding and firing mechanism.

The History of the Revolver

From its beginnings as the “hand cannon” in the 1400’s, to modern day protective weaponry, here’s how this iconic firearm has evolved.

15th Century

• The earliest known revolving firearm, the “hand cannon,” emerges in Europe. These primitive weapons featured manually rotated chambers.

16th Century

• 1548 a three chambered matchlock pistol is created and can still be found in Venice Italy 
• Shortly after in the late 1500’s the Xun Lei Chong is created, and properly named “thundering fast arm”.  It held five cartridges and rotated to make firing from each of the five barrels fast and easy.

17th Century

• 1630 is about the year Marin le Bourgeoys invented the flintlock for King Louis XII.  The flintlock was a game changer as it led to pistols, revolvers, and other models of handheld firearms for ship-to-ship and close quarters combat and protection. 

18th Century

• 1718 James Puckle patents the “defence gun” which had a revolving cynlinder and gave way to the idea of a machine gun.  Although not a revolver as we know them being a handgun, you can see where the ideas have some cross over.

19th Century

The concept of a self-contained cartridge with a percussion cap gains popularity. Innovators like Samuel Colt and Elisha Collier develop early versions of the revolver, revolutionizing firearms technology.

• 1814 – Elisha Haydon Collier invented the first flintlock revolver.
• 1831 – Samuel Colt invents the modern day revolver.
• 1836 – Samuel Colt patents the first commercially successful revolver, the Colt Paterson.
• 1847 – Colt’s Walker revolver becomes the first mass-produced revolver for military use, known for its power and reliability.
• 1857 – The Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver gains widespread popularity, becoming a symbol of the American frontier.
• 1873 – The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the “Peacemaker,” becomes one of the most iconic revolvers in history, used extensively in the Wild West. 
• 1899 – Smith & Wesson introduces the .38 Hand Ejector, later known as the Model 10, marking the company’s entry into the revolver market.

20th Century to Modern Times

• 1955 – Ruger Firearms is founded by Bill Ruger, introducing innovative revolver designs such as the Ruger Blackhawk and Security Six.
• 1971 – The introduction of the Smith & Wesson Model 686, a stainless steel revolver, revolutionizes the industry with its durability and performance.

With over 600 years of evolution, there’s also numerous types of revolvers.

The Types of Revolving Firearms

Each type of revolver serves a different purpose.  Some could be easier loading, and others could be for safety reasons.  There are five main evolutions that changed the way this firearm is manufactured, and that you will still find today.

• Single Action Revolvers – These revolvers require the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot, with the trigger performing a single action—releasing the hammer.
• Double Action Revolvers – Double action revolvers allow for both cocking the hammer and firing a round with a single pull of the trigger, providing faster follow-up shots.
• Break-Action Revolvers – Also known as “top-break” or “hinge-action” revolvers, these firearms feature a hinged frame that allows the barrel and cylinder to pivot downward for loading and unloading.
• Swing-Out Cylinder Revolvers – This design, commonly found in modern revolvers, features a cylinder that swings out to the side for easy reloading.
• Pocket Revolvers – Compact and concealable, pocket revolvers are designed for discreet carry and personal protection, often chambered in smaller calibers.

What Made the Revolver Famous

The advancements in close quarters combat and being a perfect backup firearm aren’t the only reasons the revolver is a popular handgun.  It has to do with the “cool” factor it receives from popular culture.

It’s hard to picture the Wild West in a movie without a gun slinger spinning a cylinder, or a deadly game of Russian roulette in a thriller movie since the barrel with an unlucky bullet is the star. 

Here’s a few of the movies and pop culture references that lead the revolver to being one of the most popular handguns of all time.  

• “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966) – Sergio Leone’s iconic Spaghetti Western features Clint Eastwood wielding a Colt Single Action Army revolver as the mysterious “Man with No Name.”
• “Dirty Harry” (1971) – Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Inspector Harry Callahan popularized the .44 Magnum revolver, famously uttering the line, “Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?”
• “Taxi Driver” (1976) – Featured 6 different revolvers including Smith & Wesson Models 10, 29, and 36, Colt’s detective special and the official police model.
• “The Untouchables” (1987) – Kevin Costner’s character, Eliot Ness, carries a Colt Detective Special revolver while battling crime in Prohibition-era Chicago.
• “Back to the Future III” (1990) – No western is complete, even in sci-fi without a revolver, which is why the Colt Single Action Army is held by Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd).
• “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – Quentin Tarantino’s neo-noir masterpiece showcases the character Vincent Vega, played by John Travolta, carrying a Smith & Wesson Model 629 revolver.
• “Casino” (1995) – You’ll find two Smith & Wesson Model 15 revolvers wielded by the hitmen.
• “James Bond Series” – Throughout the James Bond franchise, various iterations of the iconic spy have wielded revolvers, including the Walther PPK and Smith & Wesson Model 29.
• “The Dark Night” (2008) – You’ll see a mix of 7 revolvers in this classic release of the Batman franchise including the Smith & Wesson Model 64 and Colt Anaconda.

Revolvers are an iconic piece of weaponry that inspired engineers to find new ways to help people defend themselves, and created memorable moments in movie and TV history for generations to enjoy.  If you enjoyed this post about the history of the revolver, subscribe to our blog for more content like it by entering your email below.

The “AR” in AR-15 stands for “ArmaLite Rifle” which is the manufacturer of the firearm and the “15” is the model number.  Many people get these acronyms wrong, and some people assume AR means “automatic rifle” or “assault rifle” and the 15 could mean it fires “15 rounds per second or minute” or that it can hold “15 bullets” total.

Think of it like a car, the “Ford Mustang”, where “Ford” is the manufacturer and “Mustang” is the specific model.  Then you have the year you can add on, or variants like the “Shelby” or features like “EcoBoost®”.  Firearms get the same naming systems with terms like “special” which can mean compact, limited release, inexpensive, or small-caliber.

The AR-15 is the updated model from ArmaLite AR-10 and its piston is what was used for the M16 which is one of the most iconic military rifles. And the benefits of the AR-15 lead to the development of the M4 which is used extensively by the US Military by the Army starting in 1994 and the Marine Corps in September, 2016. 

The reason AR does not stand for assault rifle is not just because it is the manufacturer’s name, it is also because an assault rifle will be fully automatic and the AR-15 is semi-automatic meaning the person shooting needs to pull the trigger to fire each bullet.  It’s semi automatic because the next bullet is loaded automatically vs. manually like some revolvers.

Now you know the truth behind the meaning of “AR” and “15” in the AR-15. If you found this post helpful, subscribe to our blog for more like it.

The M16, also known as “black rifles” was developed in May 1957 by Eugene Stoner at the Armalite Company as a military grade rifle for the troops in the Vietnam war to replace the heavier and less reliable M14 model.  

The M16 officially met the military standard of shooting a five-inch group at 100 yards which is an inch smaller than the M14.  It also fired the newer 5.56 mm round with an official range of 550 meters for point targets and 800 meters for area targets. 

The M in M16 does not stand for “military” or “machine gun”, it stands for “model” as in model 16 where the 16 is the variation.  M14 is the 14th model.  

Fun fact: There is no M15 because this model was only a slight variation of the M14, and not modified enough to become the M16 we know today.

The M16 wasn’t introduced to the battlefield until May of 1964, almost 7 years after its creation and well into the war.  This is because the M16 and M16A1, encountered reliability issues due to inadequate training and maintenance procedures, as well as the use of a different powder in the ammunition and its ability to support a bayonet, including the newer M9.  

This model has a clip-point blade with saw teeth along the spine and can be used as a multi-purpose knife and wire-cutter when combined with its scabbard. For soldiers on the field, this versatility can come in handy for defense, building a shelter, hunting food, and other necessities.

After the initial introduction, Armalite worked hand-in-hand with the military and advisors to fine tune the model and in June of 1968, the Department of Defense, Defense Information Technical Center declassified the review and report on the new M16. The new M16 was over two pounds lighter than the M14, and had a greater magazine capacity of 10 bullets (20 in the M14 and 20 – 30 in the M16).  You can see why the military was excited to replace the M14 with the new M16.

Fun fact: In Stanley Kubric’s film “Full Metal Jacket” they paid extra close attention to detail and feature both the M14 and M16, however the film used the Colt Model 604 vs. the accurate M16A1 which was the model used by the Marines.  “Apocalypse Now” by Francis Ford Copolla did use the correct model, but both films used replicas vs. a real firearm.

There have been four main iterations of the M16 including the standard and models from A1 to A4.  This latest version is the most widely used as it has a carbine (gas fired) magazine, and four picatinny rails which can be used to mount scopes, bipods, and lasers.

And there has been a strong evolution of this model. Some of the most notable moments include:

• November 1963, Secretary of Defense McNamara approved the U.S. Army’s order of 85,000 XM16E1s.
• February 1967, the improved XM16E1 was standardized as the M16A1.
• The 1980s when the M16A2 featured a more robust design, a heavier barrel for sustained automatic fire, and a switch to a three-round burst firing mode instead of full automatic.
• Early 2000s when the M16A4 adopted a removable carrying handle with an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting optics and other accessories.

Now that you know the history and background of the M16, lets jump into why they’re helpful, some commonly asked questions, and some more fun facts.

Everything You’d Want to Know About M16 Rifles

As we said this model is lighter than the M14 predecessor, and offers more versatility and accuracy making it the superior firearm for the military.  So here’s how it stacks up, the ammo you can use with it, and some commonly asked questions about ownership.

The M16 Specs Include:

You’re probably pretty excited if you’re a collector, a veteran, or are just getting into firearms.  Well good news, you can purchase an M16 legally in the USA.  But it isn’t as easy as walking into a store.

How to Buy an M16

Yes, you can legally buy an M16 rifle in the USA if you pass department backgrounds checks by the DOJ and follow the process including purchasing from an authorized dealer.  

The Process and Steps to Buy an M16 Rifle:

1. Apply with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and go through the background screening process.
2. Once approved you’ll receive a tax stamp and be provided with paperwork that allows you legal ownership.
   1. Due to states rights, some jurisdictions have banned M16 and AR-15 Models regardless of federal tax stamps, so check your local laws before you try to buy.
3. Now you’ll need to find an authorized and licensed dealer who has a permit to sell machine guns.
4. Once acquired, you’ll need to register the firearm with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).

These guns are rare, so be prepared to pay a lot if you’re lucky enough to find one.  Some go as high as $30,000.  You’re better off choosing an AR-15 with a price tag like this.  But don’t be sad if this price tag is too high, you can still try one out.

Some shooting ranges like the machine gun adventure companies in cities like Las Vegas or in states like Arizona allow you to rent and shoot firearms like these on premise and with a firearms instructor.  It’s the next best thing to being able to own one.  And if you’re lucky enough to buy one, you’re going to want to learn proper cleaning and care.

How to Clean an M16 Rifle

The process is easy, but take care as they’re rare.

1. Disassemble the gun.
2. Sprayed with a cleaning solvent.
3. Scrub the interior and exterior of the gun.
4. Wipe all surfaces clean.
5. Oile the rifles moving parts.
6.  Reassemble the rifle and function check.

Ever since it made its way to the battlefields of Vietnam, the M16 has been an icon of military might and American ingenuity.  And now you know the history of the M16, the process to buy one, and some fun facts for trivia night.

Did you enjoy this firearms history lesson?  Join other like-minded people and subscribe to our blog below for more content just like it as we update the blog.

SecureIT Tactical has long been tied to the military, including hiring veterans like myself, Marketing Director, Josh Kinser.  Our dedication to protection, safety, and supporting those who support us has made us the global leader in military weapon storage. 

We truly appreciate the sacrifice of all heroes including those that did not make it home from conflict. Freedom comes with a high price, and we’re honoring our military’s sacrifices.

This Memorial Day, we’re highlighting three of our country’s bravest who made the ultimate sacrifice. Each have incredible stories, and you’ll find links to learn more at the end of each if you want learn more about what these American heroes did, how they died, and what their families went through.

SecureIt Tactical will be donating Agile 52 Pro safes, one of our top-of-the-line gun safes, to the Gold Star Family members below.

• Major Troy Gilbert’s sons – Boston (26) and Greyson (24)
• CW3 Michael Hartwick’s son – Tanner (25)
• ITCS (SEAL) Dan Healy’s son – Jacob (34)

Major Troy Gilbert

Maj. Troy Gilbert’s is the pure definition of Service before Self. Although known for his elite skills flying the F-16, he dedicated his life to his family, helping with church functions, and to serve and protect others.

On Nov. 27, 2006, Major Gilbert was killed in action protecting others. The 12-year Air Force veteran was assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq. He had already completed 21 combat sorties in the F-16 supporting ground forces under enemy fire. 

On one mission, he found and identified anti-Iraqi forces, then passed critical targeting information to coalition forces, who attacked and eliminated the threat. In another time-sensitive mission, Major Gilbert destroyed 10 insurgents concealed in a palm grove with the pinpoint delivery of a laser-guided weapon.

The day he died, Major Gilbert heroically led a flight of two F-16s in an aerial combat mission near Taji, Iraq. On the ground, insurgents were unleashing truck-mounted heavy machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, small arms fire, and mortars to attack coalition troops. To add to the intensity of the situation, a downed Army helicopter crew was in danger of being overrun. 

Major Gilbert knew that engaging the enemy meant certain anti-aircraft fire, but he went after the insurgents as his last act of service before self. He launched a strafing attack, aiming for targets on the ground using aircraft mounted weapons, against the truck and destroying it with his 20-millimeter Gatling gun. 

Despite enemy fire, Major Gilbert continued to press the insurgents with a second strafing pass at extreme low-level to help save the lives of the helicopter crew and other ground forces. He lost his life on that strafing pass when his aircraft hit the ground. 

Major Gilbert’s final act of moral and physical courage was conducted selflessly, just as he had always lived his life.

Read more about the recovery of Major Gilbert’s body 10 years later here.

CW3 Michael Hartwick

Army Chief Warrant Officer Michael L. Hartwick, 25, of Orrick, Missouri, was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 4th Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, and served during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

On April 1, 2006, CW3 Hartwick and another soldier died when their Apache helicopter was shot down while conducting a combat air patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.

With an all-American boy resume in high school, and having graduated from Orrick in 1986, CW3 Hartwick was a member of the National Honor Society and student council.  Not only did he excel academically, he showed leadership from the start serving as senior class president while playing football and basketball.  

In 1992 he joined the Army and trained as an Apache helicopter pilot. He served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Albania, and was twice deployed to Iraq.  CW3 was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Air Force Achievement medal, the Army Good Conduct medal, the Air Force Good Conduct medal for his service and sacrifice.

His teacher at Orrick Sandra Pendleton said it best, “When I heard the news, I thought, ‘That’s one of America’s best and brightest.” She went on to add “If you had a son, he was what you would have wanted him to be.” His wife Kerri adds “My husband, CW3 Michael Hartwick, died while fulfilling his life dream of flying the AH-64 Apache helicopter while serving his country. He was a true patriot.” 

To read the story about how CW3 Hartwick’s wife and family were notified of his death and what they went through in the days after click here.

Dan Healy w/ Marcus Luttrell

At the young age of 36, Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Daniel Healy of Exeter, NH died on June 28, 2005. He was one of 16 service members killed when a MH-47 Chinook Helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

The force was on a daring night mission to reinforce a four-man SEAL reconnaissance squad that had been ambushed in 10,000 foot mountainous terrain. A total of 11 SEALs died that day in the Global War on Terror. He was assigned to a West Coast based SEAL team.

Click here to read more about Dan Healy and here for the Dan Healy Memorial Run click the links below.

There are countless stories of bravery and heroism, and we look forward to sharing more with you throughout the year to honor those that serve and protect.