I have a question that I can't seem to find a quick answer for...need to consult with the experts! What is the correct term for the machined pockets in the cylinder that stop rotation when cycling, and lock the cylinder in place? There must be a proper name for these.
Cylinder terminology
- Thread starter weaverman
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
You mean the cylinder stop notch? 
scooter123
Member
Generally they are referred to as Cylinder Stop Notches. However, if they were ever called that by Colt they could have another term cooked up by S&W because both manufacturers were loath to use the same term as their competitor. To the point where I sometime find it laughable.
For example, on a Colt the cylinder stop is the Bolt, so on a Colt they are probably Bolt Notches. On a S&W the Bolt is the internal sliding device that releases the cylinder to open it, making the Bolt Notch on a S&W the frame recess the Bolt slides in. On a S&W the forging that carries the cylinder is the Yoke, on a Colt it's the Crane. IIRC originally on a Colt the 38 S&W Special was the 38 Police Positive because Colt refused to stamp S&W on one of their guns. Finally, S&W still calls the chambers in the cylinder the Charge Holes and I suspect it's because Colt called them Chambers back when Colts had primer nipples at the rear of each chamber. BTW, I feel that Chamber is the most correct description, Charge Holes is more suitable for describing the chambers that are charged by loading black powder and ball into a cylinder from the front.
For example, on a Colt the cylinder stop is the Bolt, so on a Colt they are probably Bolt Notches. On a S&W the Bolt is the internal sliding device that releases the cylinder to open it, making the Bolt Notch on a S&W the frame recess the Bolt slides in. On a S&W the forging that carries the cylinder is the Yoke, on a Colt it's the Crane. IIRC originally on a Colt the 38 S&W Special was the 38 Police Positive because Colt refused to stamp S&W on one of their guns. Finally, S&W still calls the chambers in the cylinder the Charge Holes and I suspect it's because Colt called them Chambers back when Colts had primer nipples at the rear of each chamber. BTW, I feel that Chamber is the most correct description, Charge Holes is more suitable for describing the chambers that are charged by loading black powder and ball into a cylinder from the front.
peppercorn
Member
scooter',
More great information as usual.
I did not know about the Colt/S&W rivalry, at this level.
More great information as usual.
I did not know about the Colt/S&W rivalry, at this level.
