Only 50 made: the Colt Franklin's survival story and the collector who saved them
The Colt Franklin rifle, with only 50 units manufactured, underwent US Army and Navy trials in 1887-1888, firing approximately 4,000 rounds without significant issues. Despite its performance, the military did not place an order, likely due to concerns about the delicate, exposed box magazine being susceptible to damage by enlisted men. Most of these rifles were subsequently destroyed, with their survival attributed to a dedicated Colt collector.






