The Butterfield Army Revolver and its Automatic Priming

Published on October 30, 2017
Duration: 8:48

This video provides an expert-level examination of the rare Butterfield Army Revolver, highlighting its innovative but flawed automatic priming system. The presenter, Ian McCollum, details the revolver's specifications, operation, and historical context, noting its limited production run due to an early contract termination. The analysis includes a deep dive into the mechanical workings and practical limitations of the priming mechanism.

Quick Summary

The Butterfield Army Revolver, patented in 1855, is notable for its automatic pellet priming system, which fed primers from a frame magazine to eliminate manual capping and prevent cap jams. However, these primers were fragile and not waterproof, limiting field reliability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Butterfield Revolver
  2. 00:33Basic Specifications and Patent
  3. 00:50Automatic Priming System Explained
  4. 01:23Pros and Cons of the Primer System
  5. 02:12Design, Markings, and Serial Numbers
  6. 02:54Operation and Loading Procedure
  7. 04:54Sights and Sight Picture
  8. 05:33Internal Disassembly and Mechanism
  9. 07:34Historical Context and Production Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Butterfield Army Revolver's priming system unique?

The Butterfield Army Revolver featured an automatic priming system that used a magazine of pellet or wafer primers. When the hammer was cocked, a mechanism automatically fed a primer over the nipple, eliminating the need for manual capping.

What were the advantages and disadvantages of the Butterfield Revolver's automatic priming system?

The primary advantage was preventing jams caused by spent percussion caps. However, the primer pellets were fragile, not waterproof, and less reliable in field conditions compared to standard metal percussion caps.

How many Butterfield Army Revolvers were produced?

Although a contract was issued for 2,300 revolvers, it was terminated early. Consequently, only approximately 640 units of the Butterfield Army Revolver were ever produced, making it a rare firearm.

What are the basic specifications of the Butterfield Army Revolver?

The Butterfield Army Revolver is a five-shot, single-action pistol chambered in .41 caliber. It features a brass frame and typically has a 7.5-inch barrel. It was patented by Jesse Butterfield in 1855.

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