History Primer 149: British Tranter 1868 Documentary

Published on December 28, 2021
Duration: 80:12

This documentary provides an in-depth look at the Tranter Model 1868 revolver, a compact, early centerfire design. It details its historical context within Birmingham's gun trade, William Tranter's innovations like the dual-trigger mechanism and later single/double-action designs, and the specific features of the 1868 model, including its .450 Adams cartridge chambering and unique ejector system. The video also explores its potential military and colonial service, offering a comprehensive technical and historical analysis.

Quick Summary

The Tranter Model 1868 is a compact, early centerfire revolver weighing 1.5 lbs with an 8.1-inch length, typically featuring a 5-shot cylinder chambering the .450 Adams cartridge. It showcases William Tranter's innovations in single and double-action mechanisms and unique features like a captured ejector rod and a specific loading gate design requiring manual hammer rebound for safe operation.

Chapters

  1. 00:20Introduction: Tranter Model 1868
  2. 01:36Birmingham's Gun Quarter History
  3. 04:14William Tranter's Early Life & Career
  4. 06:43Tranter's Dual Trigger Revolver
  5. 10:25The 1863 Army Model
  6. 15:55Tranter's 1868 Patent Features
  7. 17:08The 1868 Army Model Emerges
  8. 20:24Detailed Look: Tranter 1868 Revolver
  9. 24:43Cylinder Removal and Spring Issues
  10. 28:27Side Plate and Internal Mechanism
  11. 31:22Animation: Single & Double Action
  12. 33:38Shooting the Tranter 1868
  13. 36:00British Army Handgun Shortage
  14. 39:49Colonial Markings: Cape Colony
  15. 41:49South African Conflicts (Zulu War)
  16. 46:41Officer's Account of Tranter in South Africa
  17. 47:23Expert Opinion: May's First Impressions
  18. 52:14Loading & Unloading Experience
  19. 58:53Shooting Impressions: Single Action
  20. 61:00Shooting Impressions: Double Action
  21. 63:21Recoil and .450 Adams Cartridge
  22. 65:53Smoke and Fire

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the Tranter Model 1868 revolver?

The Tranter Model 1868 is a compact revolver, weighing approximately 1.5 pounds with an 8.1-inch overall length. This specific version features a 5-shot cylinder, though 6-shot models were more common, and it chambers the .450 Adams centerfire cartridge.

What was William Tranter's contribution to firearms design?

William Tranter was a key figure in Birmingham's gun trade, known for his innovations like the dual-trigger revolver patented in 1853. His later designs, including the 1868 model, featured single and double-action mechanisms and were produced for both commercial and potential military markets.

How does the Tranter 1868 handle loading and unloading?

Loading and unloading are done through a spring-biased gate. Crucially, the hammer must be in the manually rebounded position to safely rotate the cylinder. Spent cases are ejected manually with the ejector rod.

What is significant about the .450 Adams cartridge used in the Tranter 1868?

The .450 Adams, adopted as the .450 Boxer Mark 1, was a short, stout black powder cartridge. It provided a .45 caliber projectile with manageable recoil in compact firearms like the Tranter 1868, serving as a British standard until 1880.

What are some unique operational features of the Tranter 1868?

The Tranter 1868 has a captured ejector rod requiring a spring-loaded lever to release. It also features a unique 'bird's beak' extension bar in its trigger mechanism for single and double-action operation, and a side plate designed for easier maintenance.

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