Clerke 1st 22 Revolver : World's Worst Revolver

Published on March 18, 2023
Duration: 15:17

This guide details the disassembly and operation of the Clerke 1st .22 LR revolver, a historical firearm from the 'Saturday Night Special' era. It covers the process of removing the cylinder, ejecting spent casings, and accessing internal components. The speaker, an experienced firearms reviewer, emphasizes the gun's low-budget construction and potential reliability issues, advising against its use for self-defense while suggesting it as a collector's item or range toy.

Quick Summary

The Clerke 1st .22 LR revolver, produced by Clerke Technicorp, is a historical 'Saturday Night Special' firearm. Made from zinc alloy with a 2.25-inch barrel and 6-round capacity, it features a heavy double-action trigger (11lb 13oz) and mediocre accuracy. While a curious relic, its low quality and potential reliability issues make it unsuitable for self-defense, best kept as a collector's item or range toy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Clerke 1st
  2. 02:26Design and Construction
  3. 04:40Trigger and Internal Components
  4. 06:16Operation and Loading
  5. 09:28Technical Specifications and Testing
  6. 11:03Final Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Clerke 1st .22 LR revolver?

The Clerke 1st is a .22 LR revolver produced by Clerke Technicorp in Santa Monica, California, as a response to the 1968 Gun Control Act. It's often referred to as the 'world's worst revolver' due to its low-budget construction and potential reliability issues, making it a historical curiosity rather than a practical firearm.

What were the main construction materials and features of the Clerke 1st?

The Clerke 1st is primarily made of a zinc alloy with a chrome finish. It features a double/single action design, a 6-round capacity in .22 LR, and a 2.25-inch barrel. The construction is noted for being somewhat crude, with a simple internal mechanism and a cylinder pin held by a spring detent.

How does the Clerke 1st perform in terms of trigger pull and accuracy?

The double-action trigger pull is very heavy at nearly 12 lbs, while the single-action is significantly better at under 4 lbs. Accuracy is described as mediocre, with testing at 7 yards showing a group of shots, indicating it's not designed for precision shooting.

Is the Clerke 1st .22 LR revolver recommended for self-defense?

No, the speaker strongly advises against using the Clerke 1st for self-defense. Its low quality, potential for unreliability, and crude design make it an unsuitable choice for critical situations. It is better suited as a collector's item or a novelty range toy.

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