What is a single action revolver?

A single action revolver is a type of firearm that requires the user to manually cock the hammer before firing. This action rotates the cylinder and aligns a new round with the barrel. After firing, the hammer must be manually cocked again before the next shot can be taken. Single action revolvers were commonly used in the late 1800s and early 1900s, in both civilian and law enforcement settings. They are still used today for shooting sports and as collectible items. Some famous examples of single action revolvers include the Colt Peacemaker and the Smith & Wesson Model 3.