Reprocussion 009: Colt 1855 New Model Pocket "Root"

Published on November 26, 2024
Duration: 65:54

This video provides an in-depth review of the Colt 1855 New Model Pocket Pistol, commonly known as the 'Root' model. It details the historical context, design innovations attributed to Elijah King Root, and technical specifications of this percussion revolver. The review covers its compact size, .31 caliber chambering, unique side hammer, and the 'creeping' rack-and-pinion loading lever, while also discussing its place in Colt's product line and its historical significance.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1855 New Model Pocket Pistol, or 'Root' model, is a compact percussion revolver featuring a .31 caliber bore, a five-shot cylinder, and single-action operation. Its design, influenced by Elijah King Root, includes a unique side hammer and a 'creeping' rack-and-pinion loading lever for improved projectile seating. Weighing just over 1.5 lbs and measuring 7 3/4 inches, it was intended for pocket carry.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction to the Colt 1855 Root Model
  2. 00:29Physical Dimensions and Weight
  3. 00:41Caliber and Cylinder Capacity
  4. 00:52Operation: Single Action Only
  5. 01:00Black Powder Maintenance Recommendations
  6. 01:41Relevance of Rock Island Auction House
  7. 02:13Reproduction vs. Original: Functionality Issues
  8. 02:37Scarcity of Data on the Root Revolver
  9. 03:00Colt's Product Line Before the Root Model
  10. 03:35Elijah King Root's Background and Influence
  11. 05:00Root Hired by Colt for Manufacturing Efficiency
  12. 06:06Distinguishing Root's Contributions
  13. 06:15Root's Early Indexing Patents
  14. 07:00Colt's Patent Delay Strategy
  15. 07:33The Root Revolver's Design Attribution
  16. 07:51The Creeping Loading Lever Explained
  17. 09:00Patent Disputes and Savage Arms
  18. 10:00Colt's Investigations into Improvements
  19. 10:03Top Strap Reinforcement and Takedown Methods
  20. 10:32Prototype Colt 1850 Design
  21. 11:11Indexing Mechanism: Jack Width System Modification
  22. 11:24Arbor Design and Black Powder Fouling Mitigation
  23. 12:05Offset Hammer and Tumbler Mechanism
  24. 13:06Colt's Factory Expansion in Hartford
  25. 14:10Production of Next Generation Pistols
  26. 14:43Introduction Date and Social Context
  27. 15:33Financial Foresight: Panic of 1857
  28. 16:12New Model Pocket Pistol: .265 Caliber
  29. 16:30Original vs. Reproduction Root Revolvers
  30. 17:05Caliber Differences: .28 vs. .31
  31. 17:53Comparison with Colt's Previous Pocket Model
  32. 18:18Frame Construction: Open Top vs. Full Frame
  33. 19:46Top Strap Tapering and Strength
  34. 20:13Fluted Cylinder for Weight Reduction
  35. 20:44Single Action Operation and Trigger Type
  36. 21:03Safety Features: Half-Cock and Empty Chamber
  37. 22:35Unique Lockwork and Side Hammer
  38. 23:11Hand Mechanism and Arbor Rotation
  39. 23:35Cylinder Locking Bolt Function
  40. 24:16Cylinder and Arbor Removal Process
  41. 25:19Reproduction Cylinder and Firing Cones
  42. 26:30Reassembly Issues and Hand Damage
  43. 28:35The Definitive Root Feature: Loading Lever
  44. 29:40Loading Lever Retention Mechanisms
  45. 30:30Inspection Window and Internal Access
  46. 31:15Animated Breakdown: Loading and Firing Cycle
  47. 32:03Trigger and Tumbler Interaction
  48. 32:58Cylinder Rotation: Arbor and Lugs
  49. 33:36Cylinder Locking Bolt Mechanism
  50. 34:09Locking Bolt Engagement During Firing
  51. 35:57Collector Classifications: Model 3 Root
  52. 37:31Early Root Variations: Model 1 & 1A
  53. 38:23Later Root Variations: Model 2 & 2A
  54. 38:49Introduction of Silver Spring Steel: Model 3
  55. 39:03Transition to .31 Caliber: Model 5
  56. 40:05Civil War Demand and Round Cylinders: Model 6
  57. 40:25Arbor Retention Change: Model 7
  58. 40:47Included Accessories: Flask and Mold
  59. 40:54The Root as a Hold-Out Gun
  60. 41:03Root Revolver in the Civil War
  61. 41:25End of Production and Estimated Numbers
  62. 42:08Prototype Variations: .36 and .44 Caliber
  63. 43:03Elijah Root's Later Career and the Lincoln Miller
  64. 43:23Root Becomes President of Colt's
  65. 43:36May's Opinion on the Root Revolver
  66. 44:05Ergonomics and Feel of an Original Root
  67. 45:14Hammer Spur and Cocking Action
  68. 45:26Double Click on the Hammer
  69. 46:06Delicate Lockwork and Hand Mechanism
  70. 47:12Robustness of the Full Frame Design
  71. 47:39Grip and Frame Width
  72. 48:08Loading Lever Feel and Functionality
  73. 49:15Effectiveness of the Creeping Lever
  74. 50:00Powder Load and Compression for Accuracy
  75. 51:02Loading and Capping Process
  76. 51:26Trigger Lightness and Lack of Guard
  77. 51:52Recoil and Power of the .28 Caliber
  78. 52:45Overall Impression: Cute but Complex
  79. 53:20Reproduction Hand Issues and Repair Attempts
  80. 55:52Ideal Hand Material and Design
  81. 56:36Carry Method: Chamber Empty or Half-Cock
  82. 57:50Locking Bolt Friction Problems
  83. 58:47Difficulty Removing Cylinder and Arbor
  84. 59:47Comparison to Other Pocket Percussion Revolvers
  85. 60:04Appreciation for the Top Strap Rigidity
  86. 60:07Concerns about the Inspection Window
  87. 60:11Side Hammer and Lockwork Frustration
  88. 60:16Preference for .31 Caliber Later Models
  89. 61:33Malfunction and Cleaning Ease
  90. 61:48Special Thanks to Brandon and Rock Island Auction
  91. 63:34Extraneous Story: 'Lot of Water' Street Sign
  92. 64:42Gun Show Anecdote: Tim Prince
  93. 65:32Animated Breakdown: Locking Bolt Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colt 1855 New Model Pocket Pistol commonly known as?

The Colt 1855 New Model Pocket Pistol is commonly known by collectors as the 'Root' model, named after Elijah King Root, who was instrumental in its design and Colt's manufacturing advancements.

What are the key technical specifications of the Colt 1855 Root Revolver?

The Colt 1855 Root Revolver typically features a .31 caliber bore, a five-shot cylinder, and an overall length of about 7 3/4 inches, weighing just over 1.5 lbs. It operates in single-action only and has a distinctive side hammer.

What is the significance of the 'creeping' loading lever on the Colt Root revolver?

The 'creeping' loading lever on the Colt Root revolver is a rack and pinion system that provides increased leverage and ensures consistent seating of the projectile, improving loading ease and accuracy compared to simpler lever designs.

What are some common issues or design considerations with the Colt 1855 Root Revolver?

The Root revolver's lockwork, particularly the hand mechanism, is noted for its complexity and potential for malfunction. Early models also had less robust cylinder retention systems, and the lack of a trigger guard requires careful handling.

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