ELi5: In a wild west movie or game, when a gunslinger puts their revolver into their holster it often makes a “click”. (for example in Red Dead Redemption 2). Would this happen in real life, and if so, what is it caused by?

Question

ELi5: In a wild west movie or game, when a gunslinger puts their revolver into their holster it often makes a “click”. (for example in Red Dead Redemption 2). Would this happen in real life, and if so, what is it caused by?

In: 19

Answer 1

It’s a dramatic effect added to indicate that the gunslinger eases down the hammer on their single action revolver, making it safe. De-cocking the hammer on a real revolver doesn’t make this sound.