Colt 1855 10-Gauge Revolving Shotgun

Published on June 3, 2015
Duration: 7:44

The Colt 1855 Revolving Shotgun, designed by Elisha Root, featured innovative mechanics like a side-hammer and a unique creeping ramrod for easier loading of large charges. Its cylinder axis pin housed the rotation ratchets and stop notches, allowing for smoother cylinder faces and easier removal. Colt avoided chamber shields to prevent sparks from reflecting back, mitigating chain fire risks.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1855 Revolving Shotgun featured a unique 'creeping' ramrod with a rack and pinion system for better leverage and a side-hammer design allowing cylinder removal from the rear. Colt omitted chamber shields to prevent dangerous chain fires from reflected sparks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Comparison
  2. 01:32Creeping Ramrod Design
  3. 02:10Side-Hammer & Cylinder Removal
  4. 03:06Unique Internal Mechanics
  5. 05:09Cylinder Gap & Safety Issues
  6. 06:24Production History & Specs

Frequently Asked Questions

What was unique about the Colt 1855 Revolving Shotgun's loading mechanism?

The Colt 1855 featured an innovative 'creeping' ramrod designed by Elisha Root. It utilized a rack and pinion system, offering significantly more leverage for loading the large 10-gauge charges compared to simpler pivot designs.

How did the Colt 1855 Revolving Shotgun facilitate easier cylinder removal?

The shotgun incorporated a side-hammer system. This design allowed the cylinder axis pin to be withdrawn from the rear of the frame, rather than the front, making the process of removing the cylinder much more convenient.

What safety feature did Colt implement regarding the cylinder gap on the 1855 Revolving Shotgun?

Colt deliberately avoided using metal shields around the cylinder gap. This was a safety measure to prevent sparks from reflecting back into the chambers, which could increase the risk of dangerous chain fires.

What were the production numbers and available configurations for the Colt 1855 Revolving Shotgun?

Approximately 1,100 Colt 1855 Revolving Shotguns were produced between 1860 and 1863. They were offered in 10, 12, 16, and 20 gauge, with barrel lengths ranging from 27 to 36 inches.

Related News

All News →

More General Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →