US Model 1836 R. Johnson Percussion Pistol

The Elgin Cutlass Pistol, patented by George Elgin around 1837, uniquely combined a percussion pistol with a large blade, capitalizing on the popularity of Bowie knives. Produced by Morrill, Mosman & Blair and the Allen Company, variations exist with different barrel and trigger guard styles. The US Navy acquired 150 Allen-made units in 1838, marking an early instance of percussion handgun use by the military.

This video features firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson unboxing and examining a unique Victorian-era percussion pistol, potentially a Reilly model, with a peculiar "Emigrants of the Universe?" label. The episode delves into the pistol's design, its intended purpose, and the historical context of its maker, offering insights into a specific period of British firearms history. The video also includes beauty shots of the firearm and historical background on Reilly.

This expert guide details the mechanical innovations behind the Colt 1860 New Model Army's larger .44 caliber bore. It explains how Colt utilized a rebated cylinder, frame notching, and an enlarged forcing cone to fit the bigger chamber onto a frame similar to the .36 caliber 1851 Navy model. The information highlights Colt's engineering solutions and contrasts the physical differences between the Army and Navy models.

The Sure Defender is a rare, single-shot percussion knuckleduster pistol from the 1860s, predating common pinfire revolvers. It features integrated brass knuckles for grip and striking, a folding dagger, and a unique mechanism where the knuckles fold back to form the pistol grip. This combination firearm was an early example of 'tacti-cool' design.

This video compares the 1860 Colt percussion revolver with a Richard-Mason cartridge conversion, highlighting the surprising reliability of correctly loaded percussion firearms. It details historical projectile choices, the minimal logistical difference between paper and metallic cartridges for users, and safety features like cylinder notches. The comparison also touches on shooting performance and the impact of fouling.

This video presents a rare Colt 1851 Navy revolver featuring a unique 'canteen stock.' The stock, made of walnut with an integrated pewter canteen, significantly improves accuracy by providing a third point of contact. Provenance suggests it was a gift from Samuel Colt to F.W.H. Sheffield, a banker from Dubuque, Iowa.

This short showcases the historical 1855 Springfield rifle musket firing a .58 caliber Minie ball. It demonstrates the traditional muzzle-loading process with black powder and a percussion cap. The video highlights the satisfying impact on a gong, offering a glimpse into historical ballistics and firearm handling.

This review covers the Uberti reproduction of the 1860 Henry Rifle, highlighting its historical significance as the first successful lever-action. It details the unique loading mechanism, design flaws like the open magazine, and its evolution from Volcanic Arms to the Winchester 1866. The video demonstrates its rapid-fire capability and discusses its legacy as a precursor to modern lever-action firearms.

The 500 S&W Magnum, built on the X-frame, is a handgun designed for extreme power, dwarfing the .44 Magnum. It demonstrates significant recoil and impressive penetration capabilities, capable of passing through over 2,100 pages of a medical textbook. While not ideal for precision shooting due to blast and recoil, it serves as a powerful novelty or specialized hunting tool.

This video features a detailed look at a Mauser Kar 98K BYF 43, showcasing its historical significance and practical performance. Hickok45 demonstrates its accuracy on steel targets, discusses its all-matching condition, and explains the functionality of stripper clips for reloading. The review also touches on the rifle's historical context, the Mauser bolt-action design's influence, and the 8mm Mauser caliber's characteristics.