For most people, the word western is associated with the legendary colt. In fact, this model of a rifle unit is far from the only one. At one time, American gunsmiths developed quite a few killer samples of handguns. Information on the best Wild West revolvers is contained in this article.
A bit of history
According to one version, in 1836, Samuel Colt developed his Corvo revolvers to develop his Wild West revolvers, which followed from Boston to Calcutta. Is this really so, it is precisely unclear. However, during his journey, the designer made the first wooden mock-up of a weapon, which later became known as a revolver. Since Colt had the business acumen and enterprise when he returned to the United States, he first patented his invention. This document No. 1304 describes the basic principles of operation of this drum weapon.
Colt paterson
The release of five-shot capsule revolvers of the Wild West began at the end of 1836 in the city of Paterson, New Jersey. The place of manufacture of these rifle units was the Colt's Patent Firearms factory. By 1842, 2,350 units were manufactured. The first 28-gauge samples had an imperfect design. In addition, Wild West revolvers turned out to be unreliable and unsafe to operate. This explains why the US government was not interested in this model. Trying to rectify the situation, the factory launched the production of more powerful 36-caliber revolvers, namely Holster No. 5. These weapons were acquired mainly by Texas rangers. A total of 1 thousand units were manufactured. The five-shot capsule revolver had an open frame and a single-action trigger. The trigger was folded into the body. To produce a shot, it was required to cock it each time. Sights are represented by the front sight and the whole located on the trigger. Within a second, the projectile covered a distance of 270 m. The revolver weighed 1.2 kg. Its total length was 35 cm. Colt Paterson's aiming range was 60 m.
Colt walker
These Wild West revolvers (photo of weapons in the article) were developed in 1846. Designed by model Samuel Colt and ranger captain Samuel Walker. The new 44-caliber model was going to replace the imperfect Colt Paterson. Unlike the previous model, this revolver is equipped with six ammunition. It also has an open frame, but a trigger guard has been added to it. Weapon mass increased to 2.5 kg. The aiming range was also increased from 60 m to 100. The total length of the Colt Walker is 39 cm. The fired bullet has an initial speed of 370 m / s.
Colt dragon
In 1848, S. Colt received an order from the US government to create a new model of revolver for dragoons. Wild West revolvers used by equestrian mountain shooters are referred to in the technical documentation as Colt Dragon Mod. 1948. In the new model, the designer eliminated the disadvantages of the Colt Walker. The new revolver is lighter and comes with an additional latch for the ramrod. Revolvers from the times of the Wild West were produced in three stages, in each of which certain improvements were made to the trigger mechanism. From 1848 to 1850 produced 7 thousand units, from 1850 to 1851. - 2550 pcs. The third issue lasted from 1851 to 1860. During this time period, 10 thousand revolvers were made. Of these, 8 thousand were purchased by the US government, the rest by civilian consumers. Weighed a revolver 37.5 cm long. Not more than 1.9 kg. Targeted shooting from it was possible at a distance of up to 75 m. The projectile fired towards the target at a speed of 330 m / s.
Colt navy
This 36-caliber revolver was launched in 1851 for the officers of the Navy. According to experts, the design of the Colt Navy turned out to be quite successful. Therefore, the release of this shooting model lasted until 1873. In total, the arms industry produced 250 thousand units. The revolver was with an improved trigger mechanism. The improvement was that the breech of the drum between the chambers was equipped with a special peg. As a result, if the drum is not fully tightened, the trigger will not work and does not initiate ignition of the capsule.
An octagonal barrel revolver weighs just 1.2 kg. The total length does not exceed 33 cm. Targeted shooting from this weapon is possible at a distance of up to 75 m. The projectile overcomes 230 m per second.
Remington M1858
The developer of this shooting model is the American arms company Eliphalet Remington & Sons. The revolver is presented in two versions, namely the 36th and 44th calibers. Production lasted until 1875. A total of 132 thousand rifle units were manufactured. Production lasted in three stages. Revolvers differed in the appearance of the triggers, the device of drums and underbarrel arms. Remington M1858 is a six-shot capsule revolver, has a solid frame and a single trigger mechanism. The presence of fuses in this weapon was not provided. The length of the revolver is 33.7 cm, weight - 1.2 kg. The bullet developed a speed of up to 350 m / s. The aiming range in the range from 70 to 75 m.
Colt Army Model 1860
Designed a revolver in 1860 specifically for the military. Serial production lasted until 1873. During this period, 200 thousand units were manufactured. Of these, 130 thousand were acquired by the United States government. Due to the fact that these revolvers were relatively inexpensive (at that time one revolver could be bought for only $ 20), they were also in great demand among civilian consumers. Weapons weighed no more than 1.2 kg. The length of the revolver was 35.5 cm. The aiming range was increased to 90 m. However, the bullet speed was reduced to 305 m / s.
Peacemaker
In 1873, the famous company Colt launched the M1873 Single Action Army. In history, this weapon is also known as Peacemaker, which in translation means "Peacekeeper". Despite the fact that today this model is considered a cult model and has many admirers, at that time its mass production lasted only until 1940. For the US armed forces, revolvers did only 9 years, in 1892, the Peacemaker was withdrawn from service. For all the time, 358 thousand units were released, of which the US Army bought 37 thousand.
The six-shot revolver has a solid frame, and on the right side there is a folding door of the drum, through which loading is performed. Removal of shot cartridges is carried out by means of a spring-loaded extractor. It is located under the trunk on the right. The trigger can be mounted on a safety half-cock. Unlike the previous versions, this model weighs up to 1 kg., And its length is only 31.8 cm. A projectile with a muzzle energy of 750 J released at a speed of 300 m / s.
About non-combat options
Judging by numerous reviews, today entertaining shooting from "pneumatic" has gained great popularity. To purchase a wind gun, you do not need to go through a complicated registration procedure, and to shoot, you do not have to look for a specially equipped shooting range. According to the owners, outwardly pneumatic pistols, like Wild West revolvers. Umarex's Colt Single Acrion Army 45 from one of the pretty-bought wind models. The basis for this "pneumatic" was the legendary Peacemaker. The energy source in the wind model is a 12-gram can of CO2. Shooting is carried out by 4.5 mm steel balls, which develop a flight speed of up to 120 m / s. The gun with an unregulated front sight and the whole, automatic fuse. Since the trigger mechanism is a single action, a shot is only possible with the cocked trigger. Weighs "pneumatic" 950 g.
Finally
In addition to military models and “injuries”, various models of Wild West revolvers are also sold in specialized stores. Their price varies from 4 to 6 thousand rubles. These accessories will be a good gift for men.