Military-Issue Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle

Published on April 23, 2025
Duration: 10:25

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle was Samuel Colt's second attempt at a revolving rifle, improving upon the 'ring trigger' model with a more powerful .525 caliber and a simpler exposed hammer mechanism. Despite its advancements, including a 6-shot capacity and a 24-inch barrel, it suffered from high cost and issues like chain fires, leading to Colt's company bankruptcy in 1842. This rifle saw limited military adoption, with contracts for the U.S. War Department and the Republic of Texas.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle featured a .525 caliber bore and a 6-shot capacity, representing an improvement over earlier models. It utilized a unique internal rotation mechanism and saw limited military contracts before the company's bankruptcy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Colt 1839 Paterson
  2. 01:31Improvements Over Previous Models
  3. 02:10Technical Features and Loading Process
  4. 03:16Barrel, Sights, and Markings
  5. 04:32Firing Mechanism Explained
  6. 05:01Disassembly and Inspector Marks (WAT Cartouche)
  7. 05:43Internal Rotation Mechanism Details
  8. 07:16Production Numbers and Military Contracts
  9. 08:36Commercial Failure and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is the Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle?

The Colt Model 1839 Paterson Revolving Rifle is chambered in a powerful .525 caliber. This was a significant upgrade for its time, offering more stopping power compared to some earlier firearm designs.

What were the main military contracts for the Colt 1839 Paterson rifle?

Major contracts included 360 rifles for the U.S. War Department (Navy and Dragoons), 300 for the Republic of Texas (Army, Navy, and Rangers), and 46 for Rhode Island, indicating its limited but notable military adoption.

Why did the Colt 1839 Paterson rifle ultimately fail commercially?

Despite its mechanical improvements, the Colt 1839 was expensive to produce and suffered from issues like chain fires. These factors contributed to its commercial failure and the bankruptcy of Colt's first firearms company in 1842.

How does the Colt 1839 Paterson's cylinder rotation differ from modern revolvers?

Unlike modern revolvers with ratchet teeth, the 1839 uses a rotating lug on the internal axis that engages a notch in the cylinder to force rotation. A locking pin retracts during cocking to allow this movement.

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