Cochran Turret Revolver

Published on April 3, 2016
Duration: 12:36

The Cochran Turret Revolver, a rare 7-shot, .38 caliber antique firearm, featured a unique perpendicular cylinder rotation. Inventor John Cochran, a mechanical prodigy, developed this design in 1837, contracting C.B. Allen for manufacturing. Despite its innovative under-hammer action and manual indexing, safety concerns like chain firing limited its success, with only about 150 units produced.

Quick Summary

The Cochran Turret Revolver is a rare antique firearm distinguished by its cylinder rotating on an axis perpendicular to the barrel. Developed in 1837, this 7-shot, .38 caliber pistol featured an under-hammer action but suffered from safety issues like chain firing, limiting its success.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Turret Revolvers
  2. 01:27Safety Concerns and Rarity
  3. 02:39Inventor John Cochran's Background
  4. 05:35Technical Specs & Indexing Mechanism
  5. 07:07Disassembly and Materials
  6. 09:09Action and Sights Explained
  7. 11:36Manufacturing and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Cochran Turret Revolver different from a standard revolver?

The Cochran Turret Revolver differs because its cylinder rotates on an axis perpendicular to the barrel, with chambers arranged like spokes on a wheel, unlike the parallel axis rotation found in most conventional revolvers.

Why were turret revolvers like the Cochran model generally unsuccessful?

Turret revolvers faced significant safety issues, primarily 'chain firing,' where multiple powder charges could ignite simultaneously, potentially firing projectiles toward the shooter and limiting their practical adoption.

How many Cochran Turret Revolvers were produced?

Production numbers for the Cochran Turret Revolver were very low. Only about 150 of these rare firearms were manufactured, making them highly sought after by collectors.

What are the key technical specifications of the Cochran Turret Revolver?

The Cochran Turret Revolver, developed in 1837, is a 7-shot, .38 caliber pistol featuring an under-hammer action and manual cylinder indexing. It typically has an iron frame and unique grip materials.

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