1860 Colt vs Cartridge Conversion

Published on July 16, 2020
Duration: 17:27

This video compares the 1860 Colt percussion revolver with a Richard-Mason cartridge conversion, highlighting the surprising reliability of correctly loaded percussion firearms. It details historical projectile choices, the minimal logistical difference between paper and metallic cartridges for users, and safety features like cylinder notches. The comparison also touches on shooting performance and the impact of fouling.

Quick Summary

Correctly loaded 1860 Colt percussion revolvers were highly reliable, comparable to early cartridge conversions. Historically, they used conical projectiles (210-217 grains) with ballistics similar to .44 Colt cartridges, and paper cartridges were logistically similar to metallic ones for users.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 1860 Colt vs Cartridge Conversion
  2. 01:10Backup Gun Match Test
  3. 02:23Percussion Gun Reliability & Black Powder
  4. 04:39Projectiles: Conical vs. Round Ball
  5. 06:18Paper vs. Metallic Cartridges
  6. 07:39Capacity and Safety Notches
  7. 09:16Shooting Performance & Reloading
  8. 11:37Ballistics and Fouling Control

Frequently Asked Questions

Were early cartridge conversions more reliable than percussion revolvers?

Not necessarily. When loaded correctly, percussion revolvers like the 1860 Colt were highly reliable. The transition to cartridges was gradual because percussion systems, when understood and maintained, offered dependable performance.

What kind of bullets did the 1860 Colt percussion revolver use?

Historically, .44 caliber percussion revolvers like the 1860 Colt typically used conical projectiles weighing around 210-217 grains. These offered ballistics comparable to later .44 Colt metallic cartridges.

How did paper cartridges compare to metallic cartridges for users?

For the average user in the 1800s, the logistical difference between carrying paper cartridges for percussion guns and metallic cartridges for conversions was minimal. Both offered a convenient way to load firearms.

What is the main difference in carry capacity and safety between a 1860 Colt and a conversion?

The 1860 Colt percussion revolver has safety notches allowing a safe 6-round carry. Early cartridge conversions often lacked this, necessitating carrying only 5 rounds with the hammer resting on an empty chamber for safety.

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