Although most revolvers have been replaced today by semi-automatic pistols, the guns, often called six shooters, are still widely used and collected by gun enthusiasts. Specifically, a revolver is a category of firearm containing a turning (or revolving) cylinder housing multiple chambers, into which a round is loaded. The first revolver, a flintlock weapon, was invented by Elisha Collier in
. 1818, but replaced in 1836 by Samuel Colts Paterson. These guns did not accept cartridges, or pre-made bullets enclosed in a casing. The first cartridge revolvers were made by Smith and Wesson in 1856. In a single action revolver, the user must cock the hammer to align the revolving chamber with the barrel and then firing. Double action revolvers automatically cock the hammer as part of the firing process. Because of the long heavy pull required by double action models, they are much more difficult to shoot accurately. However, a rare gun called the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver, released in 1906, attempted to correct for this problem associated with double action revolvers. While some revolvers contain a 10 or more round chamber, the standard number of chambers is five or six. The handguns come with fixed position, top break or swing out chamber mechanisms. Revolvers have gone through many makes and models, using various caliber cartridges, since their development, but certain defining characteristics related to certain models established themselves over this time. This includes the .22 caliber revolver. The .22 caliber rimfire is well-accepted as a starter gun as well as useful for target practice. Choosing a revolver gives the user the advantage of simplicity and less potential for jamming. Another advantage is sizesome removable cylinder micro-revolvers are so small they fit in the palm of the hand. The .22 revolvers are also inexpensive to purchase, maintain and equip. Many well-known gun makers produce .22 caliber revolvers, including Smith and Wesson, Colt, Champion, Ruger and Remington, among many others. http://www.whichgun.com/firearms/revolvers/caliber:22-magnum or http://www.chuckhawks.com/index2l_rimfire.htm
