Griswold & Gunnison: The Best Confederate Revolver Makers

Published on October 21, 2017
Duration: 9:52

This review details the Griswold & Gunnison revolver, a remarkably successful Confederate arms maker during the Civil War. It highlights their .36 caliber, 6-shot copies of the Colt Dragoon, noting distinctive features like brass frames and twisted iron cylinders due to material shortages. The production was notably standardized and high-quality for the era, with variations in barrel shank design. The factory was destroyed in late 1864.

Quick Summary

The Griswold & Gunnison revolver was a highly successful Confederate firearm, notably a .36 caliber, 6-shot copy of the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon. It featured a brass frame and cylinders made from twisted bar iron due to Civil War material shortages, demonstrating remarkable standardization and quality for the Confederacy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Griswold & Gunnison
  2. 00:43Samuel Griswold's Background
  3. 02:02Transition to Arms Production
  4. 03:48Model Variations and Consistency
  5. 04:59Technical Design and Features
  6. 05:58Barrel Shank Changes
  7. 06:23Material Challenges: Iron vs. Steel
  8. 07:43Major B.G. Brown Presentation Piece
  9. 08:25The End of Griswoldville

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Griswold & Gunnison revolver stand out among Confederate firearms?

Griswold & Gunnison was exceptionally successful and reliable, producing remarkably standardized and high-quality revolvers, unlike many other Confederate arms makers who struggled with consistency and reliability.

What caliber and model was the Griswold & Gunnison revolver based on?

The Griswold & Gunnison revolver is a .36 caliber, 6-shot firearm that served as a copy of the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon, featuring a backward-tilted grip and lacking a capping groove.

What materials were used for the Griswold & Gunnison revolver's frame and cylinder?

Most Griswold & Gunnison revolvers feature a brass frame, though rare iron-framed versions exist. Due to steel shortages, their cylinders were typically made from twisted bar iron.

When and how did Griswold & Gunnison cease production?

Production of the Griswold & Gunnison revolvers ended in November 1864 when the Union Army destroyed the Griswoldville factory complex during Sherman's March to the Sea.

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