History Of The Revolver

Published on November 23, 2019
Duration: 6:21

This video traces the evolution of the revolver from early hand cannons to modern firearms. It highlights key innovations like the matchlock, flintlock, and the first self-rotating cylinder by Samuel Colt. The narrative emphasizes the development of metallic cartridges and significant models like the Colt Single Action Army and the Smith & Wesson Model 10, underscoring the enduring popularity of revolvers and their associated calibers.

Quick Summary

The history of the revolver spans millennia, beginning with the two-person hand cannon and evolving through the matchlock and flintlock eras. Samuel Colt's 1836 patent for a hammer-rotated cylinder revolutionized firearm design, leading to iconic models like the Colt Single Action Army and the Smith & Wesson Model 10, which fired the enduringly popular .38 Special cartridge. The development of magnum calibers like the .357 and .44 further advanced revolver capabilities.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction: The Benefit of Firearms
  2. 00:32Origins: The Hand Cannon
  3. 00:46The Matchlock Era
  4. 01:04Seeking Faster Fire: Flintlock and Early Revolvers
  5. 01:50Elisha Collier's Flintlock Revolver
  6. 02:08Samuel Colt's Repeating Revolver Patent
  7. 02:35Colt's Revolving Pocket Pistols and Early Models
  8. 02:44The Colt 1851 Navy and Colt Army
  9. 03:23Metallic Cartridges: Eugen Lefaucheux
  10. 03:42Smith & Wesson Enters the Market
  11. 03:50The Iconic Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker)
  12. 04:04The Modern Revolver: Colt Model 1889
  13. 04:38Smith & Wesson's Model 1896 and Model 10
  14. 05:06The Magnum Era: .357 and .44 Magnum
  15. 05:42The Enduring Popularity of the Revolver

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the earliest form of a firearm that required two people to operate?

The earliest form of a firearm that required two people to operate was the hand cannon, which originated in Asia thousands of years ago. One person held the cannon steady while another lit the fuse.

Who patented the first repeating revolver that rotated using a cocked hammer?

Samuel Colt patented the first repeating revolver that rotated using a cocked hammer in 1836. He claimed the inspiration came from the capstan mechanism found on sailing ships.

What innovation did Eugen Lefaucheux introduce to revolvers in 1854?

In 1854, Eugen Lefaucheux introduced the first revolver to use a self-contained metallic cartridge. This was the 12mm pinfire cartridge, a significant step towards modern ammunition.

Which revolver became the best-selling handgun of the 20th century?

The Smith & Wesson Model 10, also known as the Model 1899 or Military & Police, became the best-selling handgun of the 20th century, selling over 6 million units and firing the .38 Special cartridge.

What were the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum cartridges originally designed for?

The .357 Magnum was developed in 1934 to address police needs, specifically to penetrate car doors. The .44 Magnum, produced from 1956, became known for its power and was famously featured in the Smith & Wesson Model 29.

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