Handgun Loading and Handling
Hunting with handguns has grown in popularity in recent years. Many of the fundamentals of rifle firing also apply to shooting handguns.
- Single-action revolvers typically load through a gate on the right side of the frame. To rotate the cylinder, pull the hammer back to half-cock. For a safer carry in the holster or hand, leave an empty chamber in front of the hammer.
- Double-action revolvers have cylinders that fall downward, exposing all chambers for loading.
- Semi-automatics usually fire rounds stored in a magazine that is inserted in the grip or handle.