Simply put, yes, fanning will shorten the life of a revolver. This '51 for brushy was in for an action job and the stop and block treatment. A lot of other things needed to be done as well so, EVERYTHING got done!! The bolt block is a big addition that lends itself to the ability for fanning. The bolt absolutly cannot move or it will turn into a wedge and be pushed down, thereby allowing the cylinder to jump lockup. There needs to be no contact between the hand and ratchet at full cock (thanks to action stop and clearencing).
If this were to be a comp. gun (fanning all the time) the set up wouldn't allow normal cocking. Momentum is the biggie in that set up.
Brushies gun was to be used normally but can be fanned if the urge hits ( a little tougher feat)! Also, I do what I call sculpting the bolt. It's lighter and profiled to not upset the edge of the lock notch. It also enters the notch faster than a normal bolt.
No wire springs were used in this gun ( nor any of mine for that matter!).
45 Dragoon