Page 163 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

Figure 16: Detachable cylinder action.

the firearm more complex. The firearm requires the empty cylinder is removed. A new cylinder
a bolt/slide design that can strip rounds from with fresh rounds can now be inserted into the
both sides of the magazine, and a feed ramp(s) firearm. Although there have been some revolv-
that can handle cartridges from various angles. ers that have utilized detachable cylinders, the
design has never been as popular as it is with
DETACHABLE CYLINDER the Six12™ shotgun. The Six12 is a 12-gauge,
bullpup configuration that utilizes a six-round
The detachable cylinder firearm functions simi-
detachable cylinder.
larly to a double-action revolver, but utilizes de-
BELT-FED
tachable cylinders in the same way a magazine is
utilized. The cylinder is almost identical to the
revolver’s cylinder with individual chambers (5 A “belt” is a feeding device that differs from oth-
– 6), locking notches, and a ratchet that is used er devices like magazines and cylinders. While
to rotate it. The cylinder differs in the way that magazines and cylinders are limited in their ca-
it is attached to the firearm. While tradition- pacity, the capacity of a belt could theoretically
al revolver cylinders live and rotate on a shaft be limitless. The belt holds cartridges evenly
attached to the pistol, the detachable cylinder spaced along its length, arranged parallel to the
uses short round splines to attach and rotate bore. Provisions on the belt and a mechanism on
in the firearm. When the cylinder is attached, the firearm will index and move the cartridges
the chambers will index, align, and lock when and belt. Belts are typically reserved for auto-
the trigger is pressed. Every time the trigger is matic firearms that can quickly utilize the huge
pressed, the cylinder will rotate and align a fresh capacity available. Belts are loaded onto a tray or
cartridge. When all of the rounds have been into a port on the side of the firearm. Typically,
fired, the cylinder release is manipulated and the first 1 – 3 rounds must be manually indexed

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