Only 50 made: the Colt Franklin's survival story and the collector who saved them

Published on February 27, 2026
Duration: 1:14

This video details the story of the Colt Franklin rifle, of which only 50 were made. Despite passing US Army and Navy trials in 1887-1888 with over 4,000 rounds fired without issue, the rifle was not adopted due to concerns about the delicate, exposed box magazine being easily damaged by enlisted men. The speaker, an expert in firearms history, highlights how most of these rifles were destroyed, with their survival attributed to the diligence of a Colt collector active from the 1890s to the 1920s.

Quick Summary

The Colt Franklin rifle, with only 50 units produced, failed U.S. military adoption due to its delicate, exposed box magazine. Despite passing trials, concerns over damage by enlisted men led to its rejection, with most units subsequently destroyed.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Colt Franklin Rifle: Only 50 Made
  2. 00:24Delicate Design & Military Perception
  3. 01:04Collector Saved the Rifles

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the Colt Franklin rifle not adopted by the U.S. military?

The Colt Franklin rifle was not adopted primarily because its exposed box magazine was perceived as too delicate and prone to damage by enlisted soldiers during military trials in 1887-1888.

How many Colt Franklin rifles were manufactured?

Only 50 Colt Franklin rifles were manufactured by Colt. This extremely limited production run contributes to their rarity and historical significance today.

What happened to most of the Colt Franklin rifles?

The majority of the Colt Franklin rifles were destroyed. Their perceived fragility and lack of military adoption led to their disposal, making surviving examples highly sought after by collectors.

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