Smith & Wesson Revolver Instructions Manual

11
•Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with
internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance 
with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and 
Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI).
•Be certain all ammunition you use complies with the 
SAAMI specifications. If you are uncertain, contact your 
ammunition supplier for verification.
C.
MISFIRES
•If your firearm fails to fire when the trigger is pulled 
(misfires), keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, 
remove your finger...

12
AMMUNITION  CONT’D.
E.AMMUNITION WARNINGS
•“Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of 
the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such 
pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the 
margin of safety built into some revolvers and could 
therefore be DANGEROUS.
•“Plus-P” ammunition should not be used in medium
(K frame) revolvers manufactured prior to 1958. Such
pre-1958 medium (K-frame) revolvers can be identified by 
the absence of a model number stamped inside...

13
Carefully inspect the loaded round to determine if its bullet
has started to unseat (move forward) from its casing.(Figure 2)
If it has, you should not use the tested ammunition in your
revolver. Chose another projectile weight or brand of
ammunition and repeat this test until you find one that
DOES NOT UNSEATunder these test conditions. When you
are finished, fully unload your revolver and secure it safely.
PROPER
CARTRIDGE
CARTRIDGE WITH
UNSEATED
PROJECTILE
CASE MOUTHPROJECTILE
AMMUNITION WARNING...

14
MODEL NUMBER
IDENTIFICATION
The internal serial number and the model and dash numbers
appear inside the yoke (figure 3) when the cylinder is in the open
position. The external serial number appears below the cylinder.
(Figure 4)
FIGURE 3
FRONT SIGHTBARREL
HAMMER
THUMBPIECE REAR SIGHT CYLINDER
GRIP TRIGGER
GUARD TRIGGER EXTRACTOR
ROD MUZZLE
FIGURE 5
INTERNAL LOCK
FIGURE 4 

When you inspect your revolver, you must first check to ensure
that it is unloaded. Do this with your finger off the trigger and out
of the trigger guard (Figure 6) and keep the barrel of the gun
pointed in a safe direction. Press the thumbpiece forward and
push the cylinder to the left (Figure 7).
You are now able to visually check all charge holes for cartridges
and the barrel for obstructions.
You must follow this procedure every time your revolver is
handled, inspected, handed to another person,...

16
TOENGAGETHELOCK
WARNING: Never lock the revolver while it is loaded.
Never lock the firearm with the hammer cocked.
Open the cylinder and ensure the revolver is completely
unloaded. Hold the revolver with the cylinder open in one hand.
Insert the key and turn it counter-clockwise using the other hand.
The key will turn approximately 90
o.The locked indicator flag will
become visible on revolvers with exposed hammers. A definite
stop and detent will be felt when the key is turned to either the
locked...

17
INTERNAL LOCK MECHANISM  CONT’D.
The position of the cylinder has no relationship to the locked
status of the revolver.
When the revolver is properly locked, the cylinder may be
opened or closed.
The internal lock feature does not remove your 
responsibility for the proper securing and storage of
your handgun.
The revolver and ammunition must not be available to
unauthorized users.
Never provide the key or reveal the location of the key
to anyone you do not intend to use this handgun.
WARNING:
TO...

18
FIRING
WARNING:During firing always keep the barrel
pointed in a safe direction. Always keep your 
fingers away from the area between the cylinder and
the barrel during firing.
LOADING
•Do not load your revolver until you have read and 
understand the Basic Firearms Safety Rules.
•Do not load your revolver until you are at the shooting site 
and fully prepared to fire.
•If your internal lock is engaged, unlock before proceeding.
•To load your revolver, hold it in one hand with the muzzle 
pointed in a...

19
FIRING CONT’D.
A lesser amount of trigger pressure and motion are necessary to fire
the revolver when the hammer is in the cocked position. As in any fir-
ing situation, continue to exercise great care in handling a revolver
which has been placed in the single action or cocked mode.
Doub
le Action Firing*While holding the grips firmly, pull the trigger fully to the rear.
The hammer will move rearward and then fall forward to fire the
revolver. Never touch the trigger until you are ready to fire....

20FIGURE 16 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 13
FIGURE 15
FIRING CONT’D.
(3) Apply pressure to the trigger to release the hammer as shown 
in Figure 14. Immediately after the hammer has come out of 
cocked position, release the trigger and withdraw your finger 
from the trigger guard.
W
ARNING:Failure to remove your finger from the trigger
guard as soon as the hammer releases could cause the
revolver to fire if your thumb slips off of the hammer spur.
(4) Carefully ease the hammer forward while removing your other...