History of WWI Primer 044: Greek Colt Army Special & Spanish Copy Documentary

Published on January 31, 2017
Duration: 42:35

This documentary delves into the Colt Army Special revolver and its Spanish copies, highlighting their mechanical evolution and WWI service. Key insights include Colt's clockwise cylinder rotation for improved accuracy and the introduction of the Positive Lock safety. The video also details the Greek military's adoption of the Colt Army Special and contrasts it with the Spanish Model 92, noting differences in ergonomics and performance during live-fire testing.

Quick Summary

The Colt Army Special featured clockwise cylinder rotation, pressing the cylinder into the frame for improved alignment and accuracy. Introduced in 1905, it also incorporated the 'Positive' lock safety mechanism. Greece was a notable foreign adopter, purchasing approximately 26,000 units during WWI.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt Army Special & Spanish Copies
  2. 01:21Colt vs. S&W: Cylinder Rotation Mechanics
  3. 03:38James J. Peard & Design Evolution
  4. 05:39The Positive Lock Safety Feature
  5. 07:32Internal Action Analysis (Galand Influence)
  6. 12:51Greek Military Adoption of the Colt Army Special
  7. 19:04Spanish Model 92 Copy Explained
  8. 25:18Range Testing: Colt vs. Spanish Copy
  9. 28:20Historical Legacy & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Colt Army Special's cylinder rotation?

The Colt Army Special featured clockwise cylinder rotation. This design choice pressed the cylinder into the frame during firing, which improved alignment and accuracy without requiring an additional barrel lug, differentiating it from some competitors.

Did the US Army adopt the Colt Army Special during WWI?

No, the US Army did not initially adopt the Colt Army Special. However, Greece purchased around 26,000 units during WWI, with facilitation from France. These Greek contract revolvers bear specific military markings.

What safety features did the Colt Army Special incorporate?

In 1905, Colt introduced the 'Positive' lock, a significant safety advancement. This hammer block safety, designed by George H. Tansley, prevents the hammer from striking the primer unless the trigger is fully pulled.

How did the Spanish Model 92 copy compare to the Colt Army Special?

The Spanish Model 92 was a copy of the Colt Army Special, often chambered in 8mm Ordnance for French contracts. While visually similar, it had simplified internals and different ergonomics. Range tests indicated the Colt had a smoother trigger and better sights compared to the Spanish copy.

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