Why Revolver Style Shotguns Are Not More Commonplace

Revolver shotguns have a distinct charm that often goes unnoticed in the modern firearm market. While they are appreciated by collectors and enthusiasts, these weapons have not found widespread adoption. In this article, we explore the reasons behind their limited usage, including design challenges, safety concerns, and market trends.

Design Challenges

One of the main challenges with revolver style shotguns is their bulkiness. Revolvers require a rotating mechanism that complicates the overall design. As a result, they tend to be larger and heavier, which can be cumbersome to handle. The Street Sweeper model exemplifies this, weighing heavily and taking considerable time to reload.

Safety and Reliability

Bulkiness and heavy recoil. The rotating mechanism in revolvers can be sensitive to wear and tear, especially under the stress of recoil. Shotguns, on the other hand, often feature more streamlined designs that prioritize ease of use and reliability. For instance, Ithaca Model 37 models, while not revolvers, are renowned for their dependable design and rapid reloading capabilities.

Blowby and cylinder gap. The rotating cylinder in revolvers creates a gap, which can result in hot gases escaping when the weapon is fired. This presents a significant safety hazard for the shooter, as the gases can burn the forearm. In long guns, this gap can also contribute to the buildup of burning gases, potentially spraying debris and compromising accuracy and reliability.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

Historical Discontinuation. The trend towards revolver shotguns was short-lived. During the time when they were popular, market demand for these guns dwindled. Like the Edsel, an iconic but discontinued model from Ford, revolver shotguns were discontinued due to a lack of consumer support. This experience indicates that market trends often play a crucial role in the continued production and consumption of firearms.

Reloading and Capacity

Efficiency of Modern Designs. Modern shotgun designs offer faster reloading times and greater capacity. For example, an Ithaca Model 37 can chamber and fire a large volume of shot in a short amount of time, whereas a revolver style would require much longer to reload. The 45/00 buckshot pellets can be fired more quickly, enhancing overall performance in scenarios requiring rapid fire.

Additionally, the use of tube magazines in shotguns allows for more ammunition to be stored in a compact design. A tube magazine can hold approximately 9 rounds, whereas a revolver’s cylinder for the same number of rounds would be significantly larger and bulkier, often taking up to 5-6 inches in diameter, greatly adding to the weapon’s size and weight.

Function Over Form. Designers prioritize features that enhance performance and reliability over aesthetics, and in the world of firearms, these factors heavily influence consumer and market preferences. The compact and reliable design of modern shotguns outperform revolver designs in practical scenarios, making them the preferred choice for both sportsmen and law enforcement.

In conclusion, while revolver style shotguns possess certain historical and aesthetic appeal, their bulkiness, safety concerns, and less efficient design have led to their limited adoption in the modern market. As consumer preferences and technological advancements continue to evolve, traditional designs face increasing challenges in maintaining relevance.