Hi, welcome to the forum..I hope we can feed to your revolver addiction....

I shoot my revolvers like the first picture.
I do not have a problem with the cylinder release banging up my thumb. I also use a good set of grips tht helps with that problem....
The most important thing to remember is not to extend your fingers infront of the cylinder or you will be missing one or really really mame it...
I suggest you find a set of good wooden or rubber grips to help with your grip.

Listen those Blackwater guys are great instructors I have been to Black water on several occasions....BUT they dont know JACK about revolver shooting..If you want to learn about revolver shooting try to go to a police department of Sheriff's office near you and find the OLDEST shooting instructor you can find...The older guys know all about carrying andf shooting revolvers...

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M.J.Hanna