Honestly it depends on the revolver. Different revolvers do hold different amounts of ammo. I have seen heavier revolvers like .357 or .44 that hold anywhere from 5 to 6 shots. I have also seen light caliber revolvers like a .38 or .32 that holds 8 to even 12 shots. Of course, a 12 shot revolver is typically only a very light weight like the .32, and they tend to be very small guns. Thay being said, most movies don't show that. They show a guy with a huge ass gun that probably only hold 5 to 6 shots at best. Then again, very few shows or movies ever show guns accurately. The sound from shooting even a light caliber gun can deafening in an open space. The sound of a .357 is so loud its unbelievable.