Six rounds.
No compromise.
Any questions?
Didn't think so.
Magnum revolvers are a powerful class of weapons that see frequent use in games.
A step-up from other sidearms, they hit hard and take no prisoners.
So, why do some still prefer revolvers to semi-automatic pistols?
Why are they associated with powerful Magnum cartridges?
And did I fire six shots or only five?
The basic principle of a firearm is very simple: a projectile, some propellant, and a vessel
to contain and direct its ignition.
The only difficult part is reloading.
One solution was to have more than one barrel: early volley guns fired multiple shots at
once, increasing the odds of hitting a target.
This idea was implemented on a smaller scale, with handheld Pepperbox revolvers - fired
sequentially, with its barrels hand-rotated to ready the next shot.
One key disadvantage of multiple barrels is the added weight: and so some designs stuck
to a single barrel with a revolving chamber instead.
The most influential revolving gun design was patented in 1836: by a man named Samuel
Colt.
Over the next few decades, Colt's designs and salesmanship ensured his success - and
Colt Revolvers would see extensive use throughout the American Civil War.
Perhaps his most famous design is the Colt Single Action Army: "The Gun That Won The
West".
By the 20th century, self-loading pistols that feed from magazines were perfected - and
the greater capacity and faster reloads of magazines seemed like a logical upgrade.
Revolvers can lay claim to greater reliability, however - and the time-tested designs stayed
in fashion with die-hard fans.
Auto-loading designs are less suited to feeding rimmed cartridges - and a longer casing can
be more difficult to extract: so revolvers found a niche with Magnum loads.
The .357 Magnum round was introduced in 1934 by Smith & Wesson, kick-starting a new era
of powerful handgun cartridges.
A lengthened version of the earlier .38 Special, an increased powder load meant a far greater
muzzle velocity - and the most powerful handgun cartridge available at the time.
A variety of powerful Magnum calibres followed: including one that would be immortalised in
film.
".44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world".
Certainly one of the most iconic weapons in cinema's history - but oddly enough, Dirty
Harry's Smith and Wesson Model 29 is not identified by name - only by calibre.
This is often the case in games, too - manufacturer and model left unspecified even amidst a full
arsenal of realistic weapons.
Perhaps this is because most revolvers share similar appearance - or perhaps the power
of a magnum cartridge better defines the weapon.
A signal of authority - with a streak of rebellion.
Chrome-clad or pristine blued, large-frame revolvers have an imposing on-screen presence.
While exhibiting such power can often be vulgar, there is an air of refinement about a traditional
6-shooter.
A certain old-fashioned appeal that harks to a slice of order in a less civilised age.
Cowboy, gentleman or rogue - it doesn't matter who, the revolver always means business.
Cut for a different calibre, they might be sidearms - but they're a tier above a typical
semi-auto pistol.
Games reflect this by amping up the damage - where a regular pistol might take 3-4 shots,
a revolver will need only one or two.
This makes them a very powerful option - so, of course they are often saddled with significant
disadvantages in the name of balance.
Ammunition is often scarce, and recoil inevitably high - demanding good judgement and careful
aim for the greatest success.
For those who desire both power and precision, there is sometimes the option of a scope.
Magnified optics extend the revolver's reach - and help bridge the gap between sidearm
and primary weapon.
While an unusual fit for a handgun, it does make sense: with so few rounds, and better
power retention at a distance - it's important to make shots count.
A universal trait of powerful revolvers is their limited capacity: usually 6 rounds,
sometimes 5 - and rarely more.
This reflects the real-life limitation of revolver designs: and also helps to forge
a particular niche in games.
Fewer rounds means more frequent reloads - and this can be dangerous, as inserting 6 rounds
in the midst of combat is a gruelling process.
Luckily, in most games the process is performed with the aid of a speed loader: permitting
the refreshment of an entire cylinder in one fell swoop.
Still slower than a semi-auto, the time spent reloading is a way to temper the revolver's
power.
This union of high damage, limited capacity, and slow reloads make for the perfect high
risk, high reward option.
A weapon that transcends its traditional era and defies those who would label it obsolete.
It doesn't shy away from unconventional theatres: you'll see six-shooters in space, on a far-flung
future world;
tackling waves of zombies out for blood;
or roaming the wasteland of a nuclear apocalypse.
It doesn't matter where, it doesn't matter when: the only constant is an awful amount
of power all contained in a pocket-sized package.
Six bullets.
More than enough to kill anything that moves.
Power without question, authority without asking.
A high-calibre option with a long history, celebrated in cinema - and revered in games.
The magnum revolver.
Wheel gun.
Hand cannon.
Man-stopper.
Thank you very much for watching - and until next time, farewell.