Colt Sidehammer "Root" Dragoon Prototype

Published on November 17, 2016
Duration: 7:03

This guide details the examination of a rare Colt Sidehammer 'Root' Dragoon Prototype, drawing on expert insights from Ian McCollum. It covers the unique mechanical features, historical context, and design comparisons, emphasizing the advanced engineering and craftsmanship of this experimental firearm. The assessment highlights its solid frame, side-mounted hammer, innovative 'creeping' loading lever, and its place in Colt's developmental history.

Quick Summary

The Colt Sidehammer 'Root' Dragoon Prototype is a rare experimental firearm featuring a solid frame with a top strap, a side-mounted hammer for cylinder access, and Elijah Root's geared 'creeping' loading lever. It shares the size of the 1848 Dragoon, indicating its intended role as a heavy sidearm, and utilizes a unique cylinder axis locking system.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Prototype
  2. 00:37Mechanical Design Features
  3. 01:31Scaling the Sidehammer System
  4. 02:30Size and Model Comparison
  5. 03:16The Creeping Loading Lever
  6. 04:14Sighting and Finish
  7. 04:34Technical Specifications and Operation
  8. 05:52Historical Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt Sidehammer 'Root' Dragoon Prototype unique?

Its uniqueness lies in its solid frame with a top strap, a side-mounted hammer for cylinder axis accessibility, and Elijah Root's patented 'creeping' loading lever with a geared mechanism for enhanced leverage. It also features a distinct cylinder axis locking system.

How does the Colt Sidehammer 'Root' Dragoon Prototype compare in size to other Colt models?

The prototype is nearly identical in size to the 1848 Dragoon, indicating its intended role as a heavy service sidearm. This contrasts with the smaller, more delicate 1855 Pocket Sidehammer models.

What is the significance of Elijah Root's 'creeping' loading lever on this prototype?

Elijah Root's patented 'creeping' loading lever uses gear teeth to provide significantly more mechanical advantage and leverage when seating bullets into the chambers, representing an advancement over earlier loading lever designs.

Why was the Sidehammer design not adopted for the main Colt line?

While the Sidehammer system proved robust when scaled up, Colt ultimately chose to scale up the 1851 Navy design to create the 1860 Army, rather than pursuing the Sidehammer Dragoon configuration for mass production.

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