History of WWI Primer 101: Colt New Service Revolver Documentary

Published on June 18, 2019
Duration: 52:08

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Colt New Service revolver, focusing on its WWI-era British contract variant chambered in .455 Eley. It details the revolver's mechanical evolution from earlier Colt designs, highlights key patents and designers like William Mason and Carl J. Ehbets, and discusses its adoption by Canada and Britain during WWI. The video also covers its post-war surplus market and modifications, offering a comprehensive historical and technical overview from the recognized authority C&Rsenal.

Quick Summary

The Colt New Service revolver, particularly the WWI British contract .455 Eley variant, is detailed in this documentary. It highlights mechanical innovations by designers like Carl J. Ehbets, its adoption by Canada and Britain, and its superior trigger pull compared to Webley revolvers. Post-war modifications are also discussed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt New Service
  2. 01:02Colt's Double Action Evolution
  3. 02:56Key Designers and Patents
  4. 04:54Mechanical Overview
  5. 07:09The 'New Action' and Safety Features
  6. 10:29Military Adoption: Canada and Britain
  7. 14:45Range Performance and Ergonomics
  8. 17:09Post-War Surplus and Modifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber was the British contract Colt New Service revolver used in WWI?

The British contract Colt New Service revolver used in WWI was primarily chambered in .455 Eley, specifically the Mark I variant, featuring a 5.5-inch barrel for British military service.

Who were the key designers behind the Colt New Service revolver's mechanism?

Key figures in the development of the Colt New Service included William Mason, who contributed to Colt's double-action evolution, and Carl J. Ehbets, who developed the crucial swing-out cylinder and simultaneous extraction system.

How did the Colt New Service compare ergonomically to other WWI revolvers?

The Colt New Service was noted for its excellent grip ergonomics and surprisingly tall sights for its era. Its trigger pull was also described as exceptionally smooth, often considered superior to that of the Webley revolvers.

What happened to Colt New Service revolvers after WWI?

After WWI, many Colt New Service revolvers were sold as surplus. A common modification was "shaving" the cylinder to accept .45 Long Colt cartridges for the American market, which unfortunately reduced their collectibility.

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