Griswold & Gunnison: The Best Confederate Revolver Makers

Published on October 21, 2017
Duration: 9:52

This video provides an expert-level review of the Griswold & Gunnison Revolver, a significant Confederate firearm. Ian McCollum details its history, manufacturing, and technical specifications, highlighting its reliability and standardization despite wartime material shortages. The review emphasizes unique features and variations, offering deep insight into Confederate arms production.

Quick Summary

The Griswold & Gunnison Revolver stands out as a reliable and standardized Confederate firearm, produced in approximately 3,700 units. This .36 caliber, 6-shot revolver, often with a brass frame, was a copy of the Colt 3rd Model Dragoon but featured unique adaptations like a lack of capping groove and cylinders made from twisted bar iron due to wartime shortages.

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 significant among Confederate firearms?

The Griswold & Gunnison Revolver was significant due to its exceptional success, reliability, and standardization, contrasting with many other Confederate arms makers who struggled with consistent production during the Civil War.

What are the key technical specifications of the Griswold & Gunnison Revolver?

The Griswold & Gunnison Revolver is a .36 caliber, 6-shot firearm, typically featuring a brass frame (though rare iron frames exist). Its cylinders were often made from twisted bar iron due to wartime steel shortages.

What historical context surrounds the Griswold & Gunnison factory?

Founded by Samuel Griswold and Arvin Gunnison in Griswoldville, Georgia, the factory converted a cotton gin operation into an arms factory in 1862. It was destroyed by Union forces in November 1864.

What are some distinctive features of the Griswold & Gunnison Revolver?

Distinctive features include a backward-tilted grip, the absence of a capping groove on the recoil shield, and variations in barrel shank design (round transitioning to octagonal around serial number 1500).

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →