The Colt Model 1861-1865 Revolving Rifle series, a fascinating and somewhat rare piece of history, designed similarly to Colt’s famous revolvers but adapted into a long gun format.
Key Features of the Colt Revolving Rifle:
Design and Operation:
The Colt 1865 Revolving Rifle is built with a rotating cylinder similar to a revolver, typically holding 5 or 6 rounds, depending on the caliber.
The rifle was lever-activated, meaning a trigger guard lever would be pulled to rotate the cylinder and ready the next round, just like in Colt’s revolver handguns.
Caliber:
These rifles were chambered in several calibers, most commonly .36 caliber (Navy) and .44 caliber (Army), though larger variants like the .56 caliber were also produced for more power.
.56 caliber models were primarily military-issue weapons during the Civil War, but there were commercial versions as well.
Barrel Length and Configuration:
The Colt revolving rifles came with varying barrel lengths, with models often featuring 24-inch to 30-inch barrels, designed for use as infantry rifles.
Historical Context:
These rifles saw service in the American Civil War. The Colt Revolving Rifle had potential advantages like rapid fire, but it also had notable flaws.
One issue was the risk of “chain fire,” where more than one chamber might discharge simultaneously due to sparks igniting neighboring cylinders.
Despite their innovative design, these rifles were not widely adopted by soldiers, largely due to the danger of cylinder gap blast, where the flash from the cylinder would cause injury to the support hand when gripping the forearm during firing.
If it has grooves inside the barrel (rifling), it’s a rifle designed for accuracy.
A smooth barrel might indicate a shotgun, but this is highly unlikely for a Colt of that period.
Value and Collectibility:
Due to their limited production and use during the Civil War, these rifles are highly collectible today. Condition, caliber, and historical provenance play significant roles in their valuation.
Safety and Usage:
While a fascinating historical firearm, the Colt 1865 Revolving Rifle is considered unsafe to shoot with modern ammunition due to its design flaws (especially the risk of chain fires).
If you plan to display or preserve it, ensure it’s inspected by a qualified gunsmith to assess its condition and ensure any historical restoration aligns with its preservation.
