Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver

This stainless steel revolver illustrates what happens when an overcharge of gunpowder detonates in a cylinder chamber. The cartridge with an excessive powder charge was a reload. The topstrap on this revolver broke off the frame at the front and the rear sight was thrown off and was not recovered. The bulged and ruptured cylinder can be opened and closed back into the frame.

This damaged revolver was used for many years as an instructional aid by an NRA firearms instructor.