A gear control device for a motor-vehicle gearbox, the gear control device comprising first and second drums rotatably mounted about respective first and second rotation axes not coincident with each other, an actuation unit arranged to bring about rotation of the first and second drums in a synchronized manner about the respective rotation axes, and a stop member associated with the first drum, wherein each of the drums has, on a cylindrical lateral surface thereof, at least one guide channel arranged to guide in slidable manner at least one follower member, whereby rotary movement of said first drum about the first rotation axis is converted into translatory movement of said at least one follower member, and wherein a series of positioning notches are provided on the cylindrical lateral surface of the first drum and are spaced apart angularly along a circumference of said first drum for snap-engagement by the stop member.