.45
Calibre reproduction Remington revolver
What is particularly noticeable in this photograph, apart from the muzzle flash, is the amount of flash from the front of the revolver cylinder. This is a good indication of the cylinder - barrel gap which is typical of most revolvers. Due to the need to ensure reliable operation, a gap of about 3-5 thousands of an inch must exist between the rotating cylinder and the stationary barrel. This is especially true in the case of black powder guns, due in the main to the greater quantities of fouling produced on firing. The very visible and obvious flash from the end of the cylinder is the reason why the open ends of all loaded chambers have to be sealed, either with grease, or felt wads, so as to avoid a 'chain-fire', where one cylinder can set off the others. Such 'chain-fire' is obviously not desirable and can be quite hazardous to the shooter and other bystanders. Also quite obvious is the flash from the primer cap, which in this case looks rather like a pair of rabbit's ears as the flame is split by the hammer. This gun was being fired with close to its maximum load of powder and using a lead ball of about 140 grains rather than a cylindrical bullet of 200+ grains. Note also the tension in the shooter's hand and wrist as he hangs on to the recoil.
