Ratcheting mechanism for a revolver

Ratcheting mechanism for a revolver

A firearm utilizing a ratcheting system to rotate a cylinder containing ammunition is disclosed. The ratchet system is designed to accommodate the cylinder being in an initial safe (without a chamber centered over the barrel and hammer) and subsequent active positions. A ratchet arm protrudes through the breach plate and is supported thereon as it pushes ratchet pads on the cylinder from a starting point in either position to the next active position. Numerous designs for the ratchet pads and the ratchet arm are disclosed, as is a stepped drawbar to accommodate the workings of the firearm and a locking bar that interfaces with both the hammer and locking notches in the circumference of the cylinder so as to release and secure the cylinder in appropriate positions.