Military-Issue Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle

Published on April 23, 2025
Duration: 10:25

This guide details the disassembly of the Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle, a historical firearm from Samuel Colt's early manufacturing period. The process involves removing a single locking wedge to separate the barrel and cylinder from the main frame, as explained by Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons. This procedure is crucial for maintenance and understanding the mechanics of this significant piece of firearms history.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle, a significant early firearm from Samuel Colt's company, features a .525 caliber bore and a 6-shot capacity. Approximately 950 were produced, with notable contracts for the Republic of Texas and the U.S. War Department. Disassembly involves removing a single locking wedge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt 1839
  2. 01:31Improvements Over Previous Models
  3. 02:10Technical Features and Loading
  4. 03:16Barrel, Sights, and Markings
  5. 04:32Firing Mechanism
  6. 05:01Disassembly and Inspection Marks
  7. 05:43Internal Rotation Mechanism
  8. 07:16Production and Military Contracts
  9. 08:36Commercial Failure and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle?

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle is chambered in .525 caliber. This was a powerful round for its time, contributing to the rifle's intended military applications.

How many rounds does the Colt 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle hold?

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle has a 6-shot cylinder capacity. This was a reduction from some earlier experimental models but standard for many percussion revolvers of the era.

Who inspected the Colt 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle shown?

The specific Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle featured in the video bears the 'WAT' cartouche, indicating inspection by U.S. military inspector William Anderson Thornton.

What were the main issues with the Colt 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle?

Despite its innovations, the Colt 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle was expensive to produce and suffered from issues like chain fires, which ultimately contributed to the bankruptcy of Colt's early manufacturing company.

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