How to Draw a Cartoon Revolver: Easy 20-Step Guide

Ready to add some Wild West flair to your sketchbook? This tutorial is perfect for young artists ages 7+ looking to practice geometric construction. Grab a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to build this iconic shape step-by-step.

20 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished cartoon revolver illustration.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Establishing the Frame

A simple light pencil rectangle drawn on white paper as the foundation for a cartoon revolver.

Start by drawing a simple rectangle to act as the base frame. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily erase these guide lines later.

Step 2: Shaping the Barrel

Adding curved lines to the top and bottom of the rectangle to define the revolver barrel shape.

Draw a curved line extending from the top of your rectangle. Add another curve inward to create the barrel's silhouette. Tip: Use smooth, continuous motions for a cleaner look.

Step 3: Defining the Frame

Connecting the lower section of the revolver with smooth, curved lines.

Add two curved lines beneath the rectangle to connect the barrel to the handle area. Tip: Ensure these lines align with the ones inside the rectangle for a cohesive look.

Step 4: Adding the Trigger Guard

Drawing the trigger guard loop on the underside of the revolver frame.

Draw an irregular curved shape inside the lower oval to form the trigger guard. Tip: Imagine the shape of a small 'D' to help guide your hand.

Step 5: Cleaning the Sketch

The revolver outline after erasing the initial construction rectangle.

Carefully erase the original rectangle guide lines. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser if you have one—it's gentler on the paper!

Step 6: Drawing the Grip

Adding the revolver grip handle extending downwards from the main body.

Extend two long, curved lines downward from the left side to create the handle. Connect them at the bottom. Tip: Make sure the handle looks comfortable to hold!

Step 7: The Cylinder Base

Drawing a square in the center of the revolver to represent the cylinder.

Draw a square in the center of the body. Add a curved line on the left side. Tip: This square will eventually become the rotating cylinder.

Step 8: Barrel Detail

Adding the first segment of the revolver barrel.

Draw two parallel lines extending from the top right of the square, connecting them with a curve. Tip: Keep these lines straight to make the barrel look sturdy.

Step 9: Extending the Barrel

Extending the barrel length with additional parallel lines.

Add another set of parallel lines below the first. Tip: Use a ruler if you struggle with straight lines, but freehand is great for practice!

Step 10: Final Barrel Segment

Completing the barrel extension with a third segment.

Add a third set of parallel lines to finish the barrel length. Tip: Ensure the spacing between lines is consistent.

Step 11: Adding Sights

Adding a small rectangular sight to the end of the barrel.

Draw a long, narrow rectangle on the right side of the barrel. Tip: This will act as the front sight.

Step 12: Refining the Sight

Adding depth to the gun sight with a second, smaller rectangle.

Draw a slightly shorter rectangle below the first one. Tip: This adds a nice 3D effect to the sight.

Step 13: Top Detail

Adding a triangular detail to the top of the revolver barrel.

Enclose a small triangular shape above the barrel. Tip: Keep this small so it doesn't distract from the main shape.

Step 14: Hammer Detail

Drawing the hammer mechanism at the back of the revolver.

Draw a small curved shape at the top left corner. Tip: This represents the hammer of the revolver.

Step 15: Frame Detail

Adding structural lines to the frame of the revolver.

Add an irregular curved shape on the left side of the gun body. Tip: This helps define the frame's structure.

Step 16: Cylinder Details

Adding bullet chamber details to the revolver cylinder.

Draw two small rectangles in the center of the cylinder. Add a horizontal line through each. Tip: These represent the bullet chambers.

Step 17: Grip Detail

Drawing a circular detail on the revolver handle grip.

Draw a circle in the middle of the grip, then add a line through it. Tip: This looks like a decorative screw or pin.

Step 18: Adding Texture

Applying cross-hatching texture to the revolver handle.

Use cross-hatching (diagonal lines in both directions) on the grip. Tip: This creates a realistic 'checkered' texture for the handle.

Step 19: Final Shading

Adding final shading and barrel details to the revolver drawing.

Add straight lines along the barrel and light shading to the bottom. Tip: Keep your lines close together for darker shadows.

Step 20: Adding Color

The finished, colored cartoon revolver with brown handle and grey metal.

Color the handle brown and the metal parts in shades of grey. Tip: Leave a tiny white space on the metal to make it look shiny!