What is a main difference between a single action revolver and a double action revolver?

The primary distinction between a single action revolver and a double action revolver lies in the mechanism of firing. In a double action revolver, pulling the trigger accomplishes two functions simultaneously: it cocks the hammer and then releases it to strike the firing pin, which ignites the cartridge. This design allows for quicker follow-up shots since the shooter does not need to manually cock the hammer after each shot.

In contrast, a single action revolver requires the shooter to manually cock the hammer before each shot, typically by pulling back the hammer or using the thumb to engage it before squeezing the trigger. This means that the trigger pull itself will only release the hammer, preventing the shooter from firing as rapidly as with a double action.

Understanding this function is crucial for safely and effectively operating these firearms. The other choices address different aspects of revolvers that are not directly relevant to this core difference in firing mechanism.