A handgun with a rotating magazine containing ammunition. They were the first handguns capable of repeated fire. They usually hold between
5 and 10 rounds.
While semi-automatics are more popular due to the larger ammo capacity, revolvers still exist due to their
firepower and reliability. Revolvers are also somewhat more popular as hunting weapons, where large, magnum rounds are highly appreciated, and as self-defence weapons, where the increased reliablity is an advantage.
It is also worth noting that very few revolvers can be effectively
silenced, one exception being the Nagant M1895.
The Colt Peacemaker,
Webley Revolver, and
S&W Model 500 are good examples of revolvers.
If your semi-automatic jams, you are screwed. If your revolver jams, rotate the cylinder and fire again.
The .500 S&W and the .454 Casull are good examples of very powerful cartridges used mostly with revolvers.