The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle was Samuel Colt's second attempt at a revolving rifle, improving upon the 'ring trigger' model with a more powerful .525 caliber and a simpler exposed hammer mechanism. Despite its advancements, including a 6-shot capacity and a 24-inch barrel, it suffered from high cost and issues like chain fires, leading to Colt's company bankruptcy in 1842. This rifle saw limited military adoption, with contracts for the U.S. War Department and the Republic of Texas.
This video provides an in-depth look at the Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle, highlighting its unique mechanical features. It details the single-action mechanism, the cylinder rotation driven by the hammer, and the integrated locking pin system. The demonstration covers the loading process using the side-mounted ramrod and the specific .525 caliber.
The Rossi Circuit Judge is critically examined as a potentially useless rifle due to significant performance drawbacks stemming from its revolving action. Comparative tests against a Taurus Judge handgun and a Henry lever-action rifle reveal minimal velocity gains from its longer barrel and substantial energy loss through the cylinder gap. This gap also renders it ineffective as a suppressor host and dangerous due to escaping gas.
The Daniels patent turret rifle, patented in 1838, features a unique 7-shot manually indexed cylinder arranged like spokes. Manufactured by C.B. Allen, it's a rare smoothbore musket in .55 caliber, designed with flash guards to prevent chain fires. Its under-hammer action requires manual cocking and cylinder rotation via a spring lever.
This video tests a rare .36 caliber Colt Model 1855 Revolving Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first repeating firearm adopted by the US military. It details safety concerns like chain fire and gas splatter, emphasizing proper hand placement. The test also reveals issues with modern percussion caps not sealing properly on British-proofed nipples, causing 'spackling'.
The Nichols & Childs revolving rifle, patented in 1838, was a contemporary of the Colt Paterson but proved less practical due to its manual cylinder rotation and gas seal mechanism. While the patent suggested auto-indexing, production models often lacked it. With a heavy barrel and chambered in .36 caliber, only about 100-150 were produced before the partnership dissolved, overshadowed by Colt's superior designs.
The North & Skinner Wedge-Lock Revolving Rifle, produced between 1852-1856, was an experimental 1850s firearm aiming to solve the cylinder gap issue common in revolving rifles. Its innovative wedge-lock mechanism pushed the cylinder forward upon closing the lever, creating a near gas-tight seal. This .44 caliber, 6-shot percussion rifle featured a lever-action system and was marked 'THE WORLD'S REVOLVER'.
The J&J Miller Pill-Lock Revolving Rifle represents a unique evolutionary step in firearms technology, predating Colt's dominance. Its innovative pill-lock ignition system, using mercury fulminate pellets, offered a significant capacity advantage with its seven-shot cylinder. The rifle's manual indexing mechanism and intricate design highlight the ingenuity of 19th-century gunsmithing.
The Wesson & Leavitt Revolving Rifle, a rare 19th-century firearm, faced limited production due to a Colt patent infringement lawsuit. This led to design changes like manual indexing and a Maynard tape primer, making it less desirable. Practical design flaws, such as the cylinder gap and potential for chain fire, necessitated holding the rifle carefully to avoid injury.
The Smith & Wesson Model 320 Revolving Rifle, produced from 1879-1887, is a rare firearm based on the New Model No. 3 revolver. Its design suffered from 'blow-by' gas leakage at the cylinder gap, a significant issue in a rifle that was manageable in handguns. This model featured a unique proprietary .320 S&W cartridge and advanced sighting systems for its time.
This GOG TV segment from 2012 showcases the Rossi Circuit Judge Revolving Rifle, chambered in both .22LR and .22 Magnum. The video, presented by Gallery of Guns, highlights this unique firearm which combines features of a revolver and a rifle. Interested viewers can get an instant quote via a provided link.
This YouTube video segment from GalleryofGuns.com, likely from their 2012 TV show, features a "Cool To Own" look at the Rossi Circuit Judge Revolving Rifle. The description highlights its ability to chamber both .45 Long Colt (.45LC) and .410 shotshells (410M), showcasing its versatility. A direct link is provided for viewers to get an instant quote on the firearm, indicating a strong sales or promotional angle for the product and GalleryofGuns.com.
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