Summary
Highlights
A Colt Python revolver is loaded by first pulling the cylinder latch to the rear, which unlocks the cylinder. The crane then allows the cylinder to swivel out of the frame. Cartridges are loaded into the six chambers, and the cylinder is pushed back into the frame and rotated to ensure it's locked into position by the bolt.
Many revolvers, including the Colt Python, offer both double-action and single-action operations. In double-action, pulling the trigger cocks and releases the hammer to fire. In single-action, the hammer is manually drawn back to the cocked position and held by the sear; squeezing the trigger then releases the hammer to fire.
As the trigger is pulled, it pushes the hammer strut, cocking the hammer. The mainspring is compressed via the hammer stirrup and rebound lever. The trigger also pushes down on the bolt, retracting it, while the hand indexes the cylinder to the next chamber. Just before firing, the bolt locks the cylinder, and the transfer bar is raised behind the firing pin. The hammer strikes the transfer bar, transferring energy to the firing pin, which impacts the cartridge primer, detonating the charge and propelling the bullet.
After firing, the rebound lever's tension transfers to the trigger. Releasing the trigger pivots the hammer strut out of the way, allowing it to return to its forward position. In single-action, pulling back the hammer drives trigger movement, resting it on the hammer's sear surface. Pulling the trigger then releases it, allowing it to strike the transfer bar, and releasing the trigger again resets it.
To eject empty shell cases, the cylinder latch is pulled again, allowing the cylinder to swivel out. Holding the revolver vertically and pushing the ejector rod forces the spent cases out of the cylinder.