Clarification of half cock operation

[Yosemite Sam]

As recently mentioned, I picked up a model 97 recently, and it's my first FA.  I love it.

I'm a little confused about the manual of arms for the half cock operation, though.  The manual says that when done loading or unloading, the hammer should be "moved forward to ensure proper barrel/cylinder alignment" (or something close to that - "moved forward",for sure). 

This seems at odds with how I see the mechanism working.  If I lower the hammer from half cock (to the "safety position", AKA hammer down), the bolt rises, but is not aligned with a cylinder notch.  It seems to me that if I draw the hammer back from half cock to full, it "does the right thing" by aligning the cylinder and raising the bolt appropriately.  I know on the Colt action (and OM Ruger, I believe), you're only supposed to go from half cock to full, to avoid ringing the cylinder.

Which is correct for the FA?  Lowering the hammer after loading, or going to full cock? 

Will I end up with a turn line anyway?  I've noticed that I have some light "draw lines" headed into the cylinder notches.

Thanks for any clarification offered.

-- Sam

[Graybeard]

I ALWAYS go to full cock from half cock before lowering hammer.

[Wiking]

ALWAYS go to full cock from half cock before lowering hammer.

UUhhhhh the manual says to go from half cock to hammer down, the rotate the cylinder to the left untill it lock, and THEN go full cock?!?!?

[c.r.]

i have to admit, I'm a bit confused myself.  I'm glad Sam asked this.

I read the manual the same way that Wiking states (doesn't mean i'm reading it correctly though).

My interpretation of the manual seems to be exactly opposite of Graybeard as well as the correct way to handle a Colt or old model Ruger.

[WL44]

I suggest you just avoid that operation entirely.... or at least get a second opinion.

[Graybeard]

I've asked Bob to drop in and clear the matter up. I've told ya what I do and what I feel is best. Since it seems others don't agree I've asked Bob to tell us what he thinks best since after all they are made by him.

[Bob Baker]

The best is to follow the instructions in the manual.

Where these aren’t blued guns we don’t worry too much about a cylinder ring.

If you follow the instructions in the manual you will find it places the empty chamber under the firing pin when loading.  If you were to take the hammer to full cock from half cock it will place a live round under the firing pin.

This is from the M97 manual.

LOADING
TO LOAD THE REVOLVER:
1. Lower the hammer fully forward to the Safety position
then pull it back to the Half-Cock position. This
sequence allows the cylinder to rotate. The cylinder may
now be rotated manually in a clockwise direction. You
will feel a slight resistance as you rotate the cylinder, and
you will hear a clicking sound as each chamber cycles
past the firing pin.
2. Use your thumb to open the loading gate by swinging it
out to the right until it stops.
3. When loading the cylinder you must ALWAYS leave
one chamber empty, and that empty chamber should
ALWAYS be in line with the firing pin when finished
loading. Here is one method of accomplishing this:
(a) Make certain that the cylinder is completely empty.
(b) Place a cartridge in the exposed chamber just to the left
of the loading gate.
(c) Skip the next chamber.
(d) Load the rest of the chambers.
(e) After loading the chambers in this manner, the first
loaded chamber will swing into view just to the left of
the open loading gate. When that first loaded chamber
swings fully into view, the empty chamber will be at the
top of the cylinder in line with the firing pin.
4. Close the loading gate.
5. Lower hammer to safety position.



While it rarely happens, something to keep in mind is five shot single action revolvers can misalign the chamber with the barrel if you go from half cock to full cock after loading.  When this happens, it is only  the first shot that will misalign, the rest will time up fine.  This is why we try to teach folks to lower the hammer then bring it back to full cock.  This gives the action a chance to time up with the cylinder.

It is all about habits.  If when you are cycling the gun or just shooting at the range you are developing habits.  If you develop the right habits then you will do the right things that minimize the chance of problems arising when in a tense situation.

Now I must apologize.  I tend to stay very busy so I don’t get online as much as I should.  I wish I could say I will do better but I leave this afternoon and won’t have access to the internet until next week.  If questions come up that need answers right away, please feel free to call in, there are several very capable people here that can help.

[Yosemite Sam]

Bob, thanks for the information.  No worries about quick response;  I've been offline for 5 days myself.  I never "expect" anyone to answer, and count myself lucky when they do.  So really, thanks!

I understand the point now.

BTW, you guys make a heck of a revolver.  Thanks for providing the nicest gun I own!

-- Sam

[Graybeard]

I always load five and understand that I (and not any mechanical feature of the gun) am 100% responsible for safety in use of said gun. It is either in my hand or in a holster with a strap across the hammer that should prevent the hammer from being cocked accidentally but I am at all times aware of the inherent danger any firearm presents and accept fully my responsibility to be the SAFETY that prevents its improper use and/or accidental discharge.

You now have the official FA position on the matter with explanation of why it is recommended.

[c.r.]

Mr. Baker, thank you for the answer.  

Graybeard, thank you for the venue to discuss such things.

much appreciated.

~c.r.

[Jeff Vicars]

I load five also but after loading on half cock I pull the hammer back to just before full cock then lower the hammer to the half cock position then turn the cylinder by hand until it locks. This leaves the hammer raised to the half cock position with the cylinder lock so the firing pin is not resting on a primer.

[Jeff Vicars]

Does anyone else use the method I described above to carry 5 rounds?

[c.r.]

Does anyone else use the method I described above to carry 5 rounds?

imho, carrying a revolver (any revolver) on 1/2 cock might be more dangerous than if the hammer was resting all the way down or in a safety notch. 
the 97 is equipped with a transfer bar.  The 83 has a safety bar that comes into position while the hammer is in the "safety position". 

Although FA recomends, for both models, not to soley rely on these safety features.  FA suggests to not keep a live round under the hammer. 

We all make our own decision how to carry, but I personally would not carry any revolver on 1/2 cock.  I would trust FA's other safety features first.

every manufacturer I'm aware of (including FA) recomends the 1/2 cock position for loading only.

jmho,
C.R.