History of WWI Primer 043: U.S. Colt New Army Documentary

Published on January 17, 2017
Duration: 54:43

This documentary details the Colt New Army revolver, a key sidearm for the U.S. during the Spanish-American War and re-issued during WWI. It covers Samuel Colt's early innovations, the development of double-action designs, and the specific military trials that led to the Model 1892. The video also analyzes the revolver's mechanical intricacies, range performance, and its eventual legacy in military service.

Quick Summary

The Colt New Army was a U.S. service revolver chambered in .38 Long Colt with a 6-round swing-out cylinder. It saw service in the Spanish-American War and was re-issued during WWI due to high demand. Key developments included the Model 1892 with a cylinder stop and later safety improvements like the Felton patent.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt New Army WWI Service
  2. 01:35Samuel Colt & Early Company History
  3. 04:38The Shift to Double Action Revolvers
  4. 10:14William Mason & Winchester Rivalry
  5. 12:15U.S. Navy Adoption: Model 1889
  6. 16:52Army Trials & Model 1892 Development
  7. 21:13Safety Improvements & Model Variations
  8. 31:11Mechanical Overview & Animation
  9. 36:28Range Performance & Ergonomics
  10. 40:49WWI Service & Legacy of the New Army

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary military use of the Colt New Army revolver?

The Colt New Army served as a primary service revolver for the U.S. Armed Forces during the Spanish-American War. Due to demand, it was also re-issued during World War I to meet the massive need for sidearms, particularly for rear-echelon troops and guards.

What caliber and capacity did the Colt New Army feature?

The Colt New Army revolver was chambered in .38 Long Colt and featured a 6-round swing-out cylinder. This caliber offered manageable recoil, making it a mild shooter despite the firearm's weight.

What were the key improvements leading to the Colt Model 1892?

The Model 1892 addressed flaws in earlier designs by incorporating a cylinder stop, which was a crucial improvement over previous models. It also offered fewer parts, better balance, and superior rust resistance compared to competitors.

Did the Colt New Army have any significant safety features?

Early models had a potential safety flaw. However, the Model 1894 introduced a significant safety improvement with a patented lever that blocked the hammer unless the cylinder was fully closed, preventing accidental discharges.

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