Hopkins & Allen XL Navy Rimfire .38 Service Revolver

Published on August 18, 2020
Duration: 6:18

This entry details the Hopkins & Allen XL Navy .38 Rimfire revolver, a historically significant firearm. Expert Ian McCollum provides an in-depth look at its design, including its single-action mechanism, 6-round capacity, and unique safety cylinder patent. The review highlights its rarity due to low production numbers and market challenges faced by the brand.

Quick Summary

The Hopkins & Allen XL Navy is a .38 Rimfire single-action revolver known for its 6-round capacity and 6-inch barrel. It features a unique 1875 patented safety cylinder with notches for hammer engagement, enhancing safety. Despite its quality, low production numbers (approx. 2,700 for the XL series) and brand association with cheaper guns led to poor sales by the mid-1880s.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Hopkins & Allen XL Navy
  2. 01:18Design and Mechanical Features
  3. 03:06The Safety Cylinder Patent
  4. 04:18Markings and Production Numbers
  5. 05:27Market Failure and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Hopkins & Allen XL Navy revolver?

The Hopkins & Allen XL Navy revolver is chambered in .38 Rimfire, specifically noted as the '38-100 CAL' on the frame.

What are the key safety features of the Hopkins & Allen XL Navy?

A significant safety feature is the 1875 patented 'safety cylinder,' which includes notches between the chambers. The hammer can rest securely in these notches, preventing accidental discharge if the firearm is dropped.

How rare are the Hopkins & Allen XL series revolvers?

The entire XL series, including the Navy, Police, and Army models, had an estimated total production of only about 2,700 units, making them quite rare and collectible.

Why did the Hopkins & Allen XL Navy fail in the market?

Despite being well-made, the model suffered from poor sales, largely due to the Hopkins & Allen brand's association with cheaper, lower-quality 'suicide special' firearms, which overshadowed their more robust offerings.

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