Moore's Patent Revolver (Swing-Out Cylinder)

Published on February 13, 2015
Duration: 6:54

The Moore's Patent Revolver, produced from 1860-1862, was the first commercially available swing-out cylinder revolver. It fired a .32 Rimfire cartridge and was used by Union soldiers during the Civil War. Despite its innovative design, it infringed on Rollin White's patent, leading to its production being halted by Smith & Wesson, making it a rare collector's item.

Quick Summary

The Moore's Patent Revolver, manufactured between 1860 and 1862, holds historical significance as the first commercially available revolver featuring a swing-out cylinder. It fired a .32 Rimfire cartridge and was used during the Civil War, though its production was cut short by patent disputes.

Chapters

  1. 00:19Introduction to Moore's Patent Revolver
  2. 00:59Mechanical Operation: Swing-Out Cylinder
  3. 01:34Ejection and Loading Process
  4. 02:14Firing Mechanism and .32 Rimfire Caliber
  5. 03:13Patent Infringement and Legal Issues
  6. 05:12Aftermath and Rarity of the Moore Revolver

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Moore's Patent Revolver historically significant?

The Moore's Patent Revolver is significant because it was the first commercially produced revolver to feature a swing-out cylinder, a design innovation that became standard in modern handguns.

What caliber did the Moore's Patent Revolver fire?

The Moore's Patent Revolver fired a .32 caliber rimfire cartridge. This was interchangeable with the .32 rimfire ammunition used by Smith & Wesson revolvers of the era.

Why was the production of the Moore's Patent Revolver stopped?

Production was halted because the revolver infringed upon Rollin White's patent for bored-through cylinders, which was exclusively licensed to Smith & Wesson. Smith & Wesson successfully sued Moore's Patent Firearms Co. in 1862.

How rare are Moore's Patent Revolvers today?

Moore's Patent Revolvers are considered rare collector's items. Only about 7,800 were originally manufactured between 1860 and 1862 before production ceased due to patent issues.

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