Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation) - Unsafe in Any Direction

Published on March 7, 2018
Duration: 10:00

This video provides an expert-level overview of the Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation), detailing its historical context, unique radial turret design, and safety improvements over earlier models. Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons highlights the rifle's mechanics, including its lever-action, 9-round capacity, .50 caliber chambering, and innovative priming system, while also discussing its inherent safety risks and historical anecdotes.

Quick Summary

The Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation), patented by P.W. Porter in 1851, is a .50 caliber lever-action repeater with a 9-round capacity. Its distinctive radial turret design, where chambers point outward, posed chain fire risks, addressed in the second pattern with flash guards and a grip safety. Production occurred in New York, with about 1,200 units made total.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Porter Turret Rifle (Second Variant)
  2. 00:38Historical Context: P.W. Porter & Production
  3. 01:18Radial vs. Axial Design: Safety Implications
  4. 02:34Basic Specifications: Caliber, Capacity, Action
  5. 03:30Internal Mechanics: Flash Hole & Indexing
  6. 04:27Second Pattern Improvements: Flash Guards & Grip Safety
  7. 05:31Loading and Sights: Offset Sights
  8. 06:27Priming System: Clock Spring Mechanism
  9. 07:51Safety Vents: Gas Management
  10. 08:28The Sam Colt Anecdote: Reputation Damage

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation) unique?

The Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation) is unique due to its radial turret action, where chambers point outward, differing from typical axial revolvers. It also features a .50 caliber chambering, a 9-round capacity, and specific safety improvements like flash guards and a grip safety introduced in the second pattern.

What were the safety concerns with the Porter Turret Rifle?

The primary safety concern with the Porter Turret Rifle was the potential for chain fires, where a flash from one ignited primer could set off adjacent rounds. This risk was amplified by its radial turret design, which could direct discharges towards the shooter. The second variation introduced features to mitigate this.

Who patented the Porter Turret Rifle and when?

The Porter Turret Rifle was patented by P.W. Porter in 1851. The second and third patterns of the rifle were produced in New York, following initial manufacturing in Massachusetts. Approximately 1,200 units were made in total.

What are the key mechanical features of the Porter Turret Rifle (2nd Variation)?

The second variation is a lever-action repeater chambered in .50 caliber with a 9-round capacity. It utilizes a unique side-striking hammer mechanism and an improved priming magazine with a clock spring for automatic primer feed. The action features an indexing pawl for chamber alignment.

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