History of WWI Primer 147: US Colt 1900 Documentary

Published on November 30, 2021
Duration: 83:22

This video provides a detailed history and technical examination of the Colt Model 1900, also known as the Browning Patent Automatic Colt Pistol. It covers the pistol's development, its place in early automatic firearm history, its military trials, and its eventual commercialization. The presenter, Matthias, offers expert insights into its design, operation, and the challenges faced by early automatic pistol technology, highlighting its revolutionary features like the modern slide.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1900, also known as the Browning Patent Automatic Colt Pistol, was a revolutionary early automatic handgun. It was the first to feature a modern slide design and a short recoil locked breech system with a dropping barrel lock, firing the newly developed 38 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00:20Introduction: Browning's Patent Automatic Colt Pistol
  2. 00:36:00Technical Specifications and Early Development
  3. 00:48:00John Moses Browning's Early Work and Colt's Involvement
  4. 01:48:00Context: The State of Firearms in 1896
  5. 03:51:00Emergence of Automatic Designs and Browning's Innovations
  6. 06:08:00Colt's Patent Firearms and Early Automatic Development
  7. 08:00:00Browning's Focus Shifts to Automatic Pistols
  8. 10:05:00Browning's 1896 Patent Applications
  9. 12:23:00Colt vs. FN: Early Automatic Pistol Market
  10. 13:47:00US Army's Caliber Debate and Early Autoloader Interest
  11. 16:33:00Ordnance Board Reviews of Automatic Pistols (1899-1900)
  12. 17:01:00Colt Prototype Testing and Performance
  13. 19:12:00John T. Thompson's Advocacy and Cartridge Development
  14. 20:14:00Field Trials: 100 Colt Automatics Ordered
  15. 21:10:00Post-Spanish-American War Context and Territory Issues
  16. 23:07:00Field Reports from the Philippines
  17. 24:14:00Detailed Look at the Sight Safety Mechanism
  18. 29:20:00Officer Feedback and Suggestions for Improvement
  19. 30:21:00Commercial Production and the 'Sporting Model'
  20. 31:39:00US Navy Trials of the Colt Automatic
  21. 34:07:00Colt Integrates Field Report Improvements
  22. 36:18:00Close-up of the Colt Model 1900 Configuration
  23. 38:57:00Disassembly Procedure
  24. 41:00:00Internal Components and Slide Design
  25. 43:14:00Animation: Operating Mechanism Explained
  26. 47:22:00Shooting Impressions and Performance
  27. 48:18:00Second Field Trials in the Philippines
  28. 50:22:00Evolution of the Commercial Model 1900
  29. 51:33:00Changes to the Rear Sight and Firing Pin
  30. 53:51:00Sporting Model Evolution and Serial Numbers
  31. 57:35:00Mae's Opinion: Shooting the Colt 1900
  32. 59:01:00Modern vs. 1900 Perspective on the Pistol's Appearance
  33. 01:00:28Handling and Grip Impressions
  34. 01:03:31Muzzle Weight and Balance
  35. 01:04:34Magazine Release and Reloading
  36. 01:05:31Sights and Safety Mechanism Operation
  37. 01:06:39Slide Operation and Recoil Spring
  38. 01:09:14Conclusion: Legacy of the Colt Model 1900

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Colt Model 1900 in firearm history?

The Colt Model 1900, also known as the Browning Patent Automatic Colt Pistol, is significant as it was the first handgun to feature a modern slide design, enclosing the action and allowing for manipulation of the lock. It also introduced a short recoil locked breech system with a dropping barrel lock.

What caliber did the Colt Model 1900 fire?

The Colt Model 1900 fired a newly developed 38 Automatic Colt Pistol (ACP) cartridge. This was a rimless cartridge specifically designed for this firearm and is distinct from the later 380 ACP.

What were some of the main criticisms of the Colt Model 1900 during its military trials?

During military trials, criticisms of the Colt Model 1900 included a small ejection port, issues with broken firing pins, an awkward sight safety mechanism, a grip that was too short for some users, and concerns about the power of the 38 caliber cartridge.

How was the Colt Model 1900 disassembled?

Disassembly of the Colt Model 1900 involves retracting the slide slightly, inserting a wire or Allen key to stop an internal plunger, pushing out a cross-block, and then sliding the slide off the rear of the frame. Reassembly reverses these steps.

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