What is the purpose of the Cylinder release latch on a revolver?

• A. Disengages the hammer from the frame
• B. Disengages the barrel from the frame
• C. Disengages the trigger from the frame
• D. Disengages the cylinder from the frame

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is that the cylinder release latch is what frees the cylinder from the frame so you can access it. When you press the latch, it releases the locking arrangement that holds the cylinder in place, allowing the cylinder to swing out on its crane for loading and unloading. This is what makes the chambers accessible for inserting or removing cartridges, then the cylinder is closed and locked back in place by the same mechanism.

The latch doesn’t affect the hammer, barrel, or trigger—their operations are separate. Those parts stay attached to the frame, while the cylinder’s ability to pivot is what the latch controls.