Revolvers will lock when the hammer is in which position?

A revolver will lock when the hammer is in the cocked position because this is when the revolver is ready to fire. In the cocked position, the hammer is pulled back, which engages the firing mechanism and holds it in place, allowing the trigger to release it when pulled.

In this state, the revolver's cylinder is also aligned with the barrel, ensuring that when the hammer falls, it strikes the firing pin (or directly hits the cartridge primer, depending on the design), igniting the round and propelling the bullet out of the barrel. This precise alignment and engagement of parts is crucial for the safe and functional operation of the firearm.

Achieving the cocked position is a fundamental aspect of operating a revolver, as it not only prepares the weapon to fire but also ensures that all safety mechanisms are properly aligned and engaged. In contrast, other positions such as resting, fired, or forward do not provide the necessary engagement for firing or would leave the firearm in a state that is not ready to fire safely.