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BillCA · January 21, 2009, 12:44 AM

A picture is worth a thousand words

The recesses show up here as a ring around each chamber. This recessed area is where the rim of the cartridge case rests so that in a loaded cylinder, the cases are flush with the rear surface of the cylinder.

This feature was found only on .22LR and magnum caliber revolvers.

For the .22LR it was deemed necessary for safety, to prevent powder gases from burning your hand in the event the hollow-head of the .22 rimfire case ruptured. In magnum cartridges, the recessing existed from 1935 until approximately 1981. It was discontinued as unnecessary and as a cost-saving change.

January 21, 2009, 12:44 AM	#9
BillCA Senior Member Join Date: November 28, 2004 Location: Silicon Valley, Ca Posts: 7,117	A picture is worth a thousand words The recesses show up here as a ring around each chamber. This recessed area is where the rim of the cartridge case rests so that in a loaded cylinder, the cases are flush with the rear surface of the cylinder. This feature was found only on .22LR and magnum caliber revolvers. For the .22LR it was deemed necessary for safety, to prevent powder gases from burning your hand in the event the hollow-head of the .22 rimfire case ruptured. In magnum cartridges, the recessing existed from 1935 until approximately 1981. It was discontinued as unnecessary and as a cost-saving change. __________________ BillCA in CA (Unfortunately) Last edited by BillCA; January 21, 2009 at 12:52 AM.