Hello to all:

I know this is an elemental question. But can someone who is a historian put me in the know on the joke "that the cylinder turns the wrong way?" I know this has to do with the differences between the two brands and it goes way back.

But can someone clarify and maybe give some background information along these lines please?

Thanks very much.

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"That is all!"

Looking from the rear, Colt revolver cylinders turn clockwise, S&W cylinders turn counterclockwise. The difference is the direction of cylinder rotation tends to keep the Colt crane closed, while with the S&W, it tends to open under the force of the cylinder hand. S&W revolvers have an under-barrel spring-loaded locking lug which engages the end of the ejection rod to help counteract the tendency to open the yoke. Colts have no such lug, as their cylinders lock up in the frame only at the rear.

Which direction is right or wrong is a matter of opinion. Both systems work, and have for a great many years.

Various shooters claim one or the other rotation direction is superior for control in rapid fire. I personally don't believe there is much distinction in this regard, as control in rapid fire is more a matter of training and repetition than anything else. Those very familiar with the Colt may feel rapid fire control is better with a Colt. The same goes for the experienced S&W shooter who will prefer the S&W.

S&W vs. Colt superiority is one of those long-standing and endless (not to say pointless) debates that will never be resolved, sort of like which is better - .30-'06 or .308? The Pros are usually balanced by the Cons.

Interstingly enough, the first 38 Special adopted by the US Military was the Marine Corps Colt of 1905. These were made to Marine specifications and there were only around 900 of them. The oddest thing is that the cylinders rotate counter-clockwise like a S&W.

Since we are in the Antique section, I have to slightly disagree. Many years ago, when I first started collecting antique S&W revolvers, I got used to them all turning clockwise. When I bought my first S&W HE, I noticed that the cylinder "turned the wrong way", so maybe that has something to do with the old adage as well.

I think the only tip-up/top-break that turned counter-clockwise was the 38 Perfected.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Colt DA .38s going back to the 1889 Navy were "left wheelers" opposite to their single actions. They did not rationalize the rotation until the New Pocket, New Police, and New Service family of the late 1890s.

I guess the same argument can apply to the different twist rates and directions of twist. Does one shoot better South of the equator or better in the North. Does it really make a difference out of a short barrel at 25 yards. Mute points all. It takes a very steady hand to perform to the accuracy level of the revolvers and impossible to maintain consistently. I would say the statement of wrong way could be answered with saying it is the wrong statement that the person told you.

More to the point, the hand does not exert enough force to wedge the crane open on a Smith, even if the front latch was not present. My Model 1899 does not have the front latch, and there is no problem with the hand trying to force the crane open.

The first one you learn on turns the right way.

Anything else turns the wrong way.

And like Fords and Chevys it provide a convenient way to needle the proponents of the other brand.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

A great many Victory .38/200 revolvers were butchered after WWII by chopping off barrels behind the barrel lug, removing any support for the ejector rod to oppose cylinder rotation. While that conversion appeared to work, it's widely seen as being undesirable due to the counterclockwise rotation which may pry the yoke apart slightly. S&W must have felt that ejector rod support by the barrel lug was essential as it was used on all HEs after 1899. Colt apparently believed that clockwise cylinder rotation required no ejector rod support. Just maybe both are correct.

One can't make an argument for CW vs. CCW rotation for top break revolvers.