Ludicrously Huge .45-70 and .50-70 Revolvers

Published on November 26, 2019
Duration: 8:08

This video from Forgotten Weapons, featuring Ian McCollum, delves into the unique Century Model 100 and 500 revolvers. These firearms are essentially scaled-up Colt Single Action Army mechanisms chambered for powerful rifle cartridges like the .45-70 and .50-70 Government. The presentation highlights their historical context, custom nature, and robust construction, emphasizing the use of bronze for their frames to withstand the pressures of these potent rounds.

Quick Summary

The Century Model 100 and 500 revolvers are custom firearms based on scaled-up Colt SAA designs, chambered for rifle cartridges like .45-70 and .50-70. Their frames are made of bronze to handle high pressures, and they were developed by Earl Keller and Gene Phelps in 1973. The Model 500, 'The Mother Load,' features a solid cylinder for the .50-70 cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Century Mfg. Inc. Revolvers
  2. 01:54Model 100 Technical Details
  3. 04:26Model 500 'The Mother Load' Details
  4. 06:37Production History and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Century Model 100 and 500 revolvers?

The Century Model 100 and 500 are custom-built revolvers based on scaled-up Colt Single Action Army mechanisms. They are chambered in powerful rifle cartridges like .45-70 Government and .50-70 Government, respectively, and are known for their exceptionally large size and robust construction.

Why were the Century revolvers made with bronze frames?

The frames of the Century Model 100 and 500 revolvers were constructed from bronze, not brass, to provide the necessary structural integrity and strength to withstand the significantly higher pressures generated by rifle cartridges like the .45-70 and .50-70 when fired with modern smokeless powders.

Who developed the Century Model 100 and 500 revolvers?

The project to create these large-caliber revolvers was initiated in 1973 by Earl Keller and Gene Phelps in Greenfield, Indiana. They aimed to commemorate the centennial of the .45-70 cartridge with these unique firearms.

What is the difference between the Century Model 100 and Model 500?

The primary difference lies in their chambering: the Model 100 fires the .45-70 Government cartridge and has a 6-round capacity, while the Model 500, nicknamed 'The Mother Load,' is chambered in the more powerful .50-70 Government and features a solid, non-fluted cylinder for added strength.

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