Remington's Revolving Rifle: Not Expensive, but not Successful

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  • Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
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    While Colt put significant effort into developing a revolving rifle design, Remington chose to simply use their existing New Model revolver architecture. Remington introduced it's Revolving Rifle (it had no other model name) in 1865, and a total of about 800 were made by 1880 when it was gone from their catalog.
    The rifle was available in both .36 and .44 caliber (both holding six shots) as a percussion gun. In 1872 Remington introduced a factory rimfire cartridge conversion, in .38 Long rimfire (six shots) and .46 Long rimfire (five shots). Standard production was offered with 24, 26, and 28 inch barrels, brass furnishings, and a variety of trigger guard and sight options. The rifle was very economical for Remington to produce, as it used existing New Model revolver frames and actions, stocks from the Remington Beals single shot rifle, and really no significant changes aside from a lengthened loading lever.
    In addition to the typical problems of revolving percussion rifles, the Remington was rather underpowered for a hunting rifle (as it was advertised). It was simply unable to compete with the other options, most notably Winchester's lever action rifles.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 467

  • @badopinionsrighthere
    @badopinionsrighthere 2 роки тому +868

    I always find revolving rifles fascinating, even if there's really not much there beyond "we put a stock and a long barrel on a revolver"

    • @kajetandziebaj6405
      @kajetandziebaj6405 2 роки тому +80

      They look cool as heck.

    • @eldorados_lost_searcher
      @eldorados_lost_searcher 2 роки тому +59

      Ever seen a revolving shotgun?

    • @kajetandziebaj6405
      @kajetandziebaj6405 2 роки тому +51

      @@eldorados_lost_searcher I have now. Holy shit :O

    • @elementalist1984
      @elementalist1984 2 роки тому +6

      Me too. It's one of the guns on my wish list

    • @CCW1911
      @CCW1911 2 роки тому +46

      One of the downsides is that if you extend your arm to hold the barrel like a rifle you expose the tender skin on the inside of your forearm to the hot gasses and lead coming from the cylinder gap, it's awkward holding it like a pistol with that much weight forward. Some new designs have shields around the cylinder to deal with that but a lot don't as a friend learned after the first shot with his...ouch.

  • @incorrectbeans
    @incorrectbeans 2 роки тому +1247

    Gun designers today: "It may not be a success... but at least it will be on FW someday."

    • @RabidMortal1
      @RabidMortal1 2 роки тому +29

      Cries in Hudson

    • @Requeium
      @Requeium 2 роки тому +30

      Oh, hey look! Kel-Tecs mission statement!

    • @frankcommatobe8009
      @frankcommatobe8009 2 роки тому +21

      @@CalvZynist isn’t gun jesus’ name Ian?

    • @Alext0250
      @Alext0250 2 роки тому +5

      That alone should be a mark of success in its own mannner

    • @EricHamm
      @EricHamm 2 роки тому +5

      @@frankcommatobe8009 Voice to Text, notice lack of punctuations.

  • @charleykeenan6171
    @charleykeenan6171 2 роки тому +205

    Why do I feel like the same people were buying this as are buying revolver rifles today (me included)? The "gee-wiz" factor is high with this beautiful old firearm..

    • @alekpo2000
      @alekpo2000 2 роки тому +5

      i know its a really old gun but this seemed to be worn out pretty much so somebody in the past used it alot, dosnt seem like a display gun

    • @davesrandomstuff2279
      @davesrandomstuff2279 2 роки тому

      Uberti makes a reproduction of this. I have one. Its a lot of fun to shoot, but I couldn't tell you why.

  • @davidzhuxptnt
    @davidzhuxptnt 2 роки тому +122

    Just got my hands on a Remington 1875 (Outlaw) Carbine reproduction, very exquisite looking firearm. Despite being chambered in 357 mag it has the 1858 style of webbing along the extractor arm which really gives it extra styling points.

    • @TheWolfsnack
      @TheWolfsnack 2 роки тому +1

      Back in the 90's I had an Uberti copy .44 percussion carbine....

    • @davidzhuxptnt
      @davidzhuxptnt 2 роки тому +1

      @@JRB781 I think it was either Uberti or Navy Arms, it has all the brass features just like the 1858 shown here, with a case hardened receiver. Beautiful finish since it was kept new in storage in 30 years. 👌

    • @davidzhuxptnt
      @davidzhuxptnt 2 роки тому

      @@JRB781 no problem, hope you have luck finding one too if you are looking

    • @russbilzing5348
      @russbilzing5348 2 роки тому +2

      I have a 12 inch barreled 1858 pistol, the "Buffalo Hunter" version. Someone had added a Henry rifle stock to it. I find that in this configuration, it is a good short range carbine and a short over-the-shoulder scabbard keeps it very handy. Best of luck with your newer model.

    • @seantierney3
      @seantierney3 2 роки тому

      lucky. I have been trying to track one of those down for a while now. but I am weird and like revolving carbines

  • @calvingreene90
    @calvingreene90 2 роки тому +33

    Given the low development and production tooling costs it was probably a financial success if only a minor one.

  • @davejob630
    @davejob630 2 роки тому +118

    Pretty sure I remember having a toy revolving rifle as part of a cowboys and Indians play set.

    • @geodkyt
      @geodkyt 2 роки тому +7

      I had one as well.

    • @tomtomd.6841
      @tomtomd.6841 2 роки тому +8

      I also had a toy like this, i really loved it. Tom/Germany

    • @benm5913
      @benm5913 2 роки тому +7

      They still sell them at outdoors places in the American Midwest. I bought one for my son a couple years ago.

    • @cameronmccreary4758
      @cameronmccreary4758 2 роки тому +3

      I had one,as well as, the Man from U.N.C.L.E. (United Network Command for Law Enforcement) P38 carbine.

    • @aidenburnside6380
      @aidenburnside6380 2 роки тому +1

      @@benm5913 yup, you can still get the cap gun versions at Cabela's

  • @Immopimmo
    @Immopimmo 2 роки тому +53

    I love those old revolving rifles. Not the most practical but they're just too cool.

    • @BrassCatcher
      @BrassCatcher 2 роки тому +7

      I recently picked up the heritage rancher. Although the quality isn’t that of a fine antique it does scratch the itch.

    • @AgnumMD
      @AgnumMD 2 роки тому +3

      Kind of funny. I've always wished there was one available in Hunter: Call of the Wild.

  • @MandoWookie
    @MandoWookie 2 роки тому +73

    Well, folks, finally a Forgotten Weapons subject that is not only an interesting failure that evokes steampunk vibes, but one that is readily available for affordable prices in the form of Eye-talian reproductions! And as a bonus, you can get it not only as its base cap-&-ball form, but also cartridge conversion cylinders that work identically to the historical method! So you can own almost the exact rifle Ian presents.
    And best of all, due to its status as a blackpowder muzzleloader, it is more easily available is many places that other arms may not be.

  • @killa1two
    @killa1two 2 роки тому +4

    Thank you for your videos Ian. Without them, millions of people would never get to know the rich history of manufacturing and engineering of the most used tool in the world.

  • @herbertliedel7019
    @herbertliedel7019 2 роки тому +2

    I remember one of the classic civil war tintypes of a cavalry man with a Colt revolving rifle and his left hand has a cloth wrapping or bandage on it.

  • @RonOhio
    @RonOhio 2 роки тому +11

    Interesting choice to leave the loading lever on, and looking at that hammer, would that still work with a percussion cylinder? It still has a flat face below the "firing pin" for the rimfire cartridge. That was kind of a thing back then from what I have seen, accommodating people at the far end of a supply chain with the ability to make do with what is available.

  • @graemejagger4636
    @graemejagger4636 2 роки тому +3

    I invented the revolving rifle in my head when I was 10 turns out i was 150 years late

  • @questionablekumquats4437
    @questionablekumquats4437 2 роки тому +5

    I've always wondered why revolving rifles never caught on, but it makes sense when you consider that the lever action rifle, which is better in every way I can think of, was invented rather close to the popular use of revolvers

  • @healyburnham393
    @healyburnham393 8 місяців тому

    I have a beautiful Uberti replica with a Kenny Howell ,45 Colt conversion cylinder. Perfect!

  • @HerrJordel
    @HerrJordel 2 роки тому

    One of the moments that sparked my firearms enthusiasm was as a kid when we went to a school trip to the castle of Chapultepec in Mexico city. In there they have a museum with a bunch of interesting weapons from the 1800's that were actually used historically: crude revolving and harmonica rifles, a gatling gun and many other interesting designs and unique hand made mechanisms. Also the building is beautiful! if you ever come to Mexico that's one you should visit!

  • @alancrews2066
    @alancrews2066 2 роки тому

    I would by a new production version of this. Nifty rang/plinking/ conversation piece.

  • @frankdindl901
    @frankdindl901 2 роки тому

    The inventor of the bored through cylinder revolver was Rollin White. US Patent 12,648 patented on April 3, 1855. He licensed the patent to S&W. Interesting story.

  • @johnk1955
    @johnk1955 2 роки тому +2

    Does Magpul make a collapsible stock for it yet?

  • @mattfleming86
    @mattfleming86 2 роки тому +5

    I would love a revolving rifle- but for me to personally enjoy it, it would need to accept centerfire cartridges and probably have a crane or otherwise be easy to load. No slower than levergun repeaters to fire or replinish- and there is always that "single action" (Sorry, St. Othias. I have sinned) if you need a precise shot.

    • @christophernemeth421
      @christophernemeth421 2 роки тому +1

      The Rossi Circuit Judge is a revolving rifle and loads like a standard DA revolver

  • @Divenity
    @Divenity 2 роки тому

    I still can't believe Remington was allowed to hold a patent for just drilling a hole all the way through a piece of metal instead of just partway.

  • @CT--lg8lv
    @CT--lg8lv 2 роки тому

    Quick request could you try to cover the aps underwater rifle sometime in the future?

  • @seanjarnigan8978
    @seanjarnigan8978 2 роки тому

    I can imagine those old west fudds saying "i dont trust them fancy lever guns" when they bought these things.

  • @MURDOCK1500
    @MURDOCK1500 2 роки тому +2

    Do you think some shooters carried a spare loaded chamber already loaded?

  • @austinhaltiner1489
    @austinhaltiner1489 2 роки тому +1

    No matter how ineffective revolver rifles are I'll always think they're pretty cool.

  • @loupiscanis9449
    @loupiscanis9449 2 роки тому

    Thank you , Ian .

  • @brienmauer8134
    @brienmauer8134 2 роки тому +3

    Bbbbut Ian!, you DIDN'T cover the part where a .38 cal bullet travels down a .36 cal barrel!!!😳 sounds like an EXPLOSIVE formula! You know kinda like 10 lbs of 💩, in a 5lb bag!

    • @barryervin8536
      @barryervin8536 2 роки тому +1

      I'm assuming the cartridge case was .38" but the bullet was still .36" diameter?

    • @brienmauer8134
      @brienmauer8134 2 роки тому +1

      @@barryervin8536 .38 special AND .357 are BOTH sub .38 CALIBER! I was just messin With gun Jesus!😁😁

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому

      @@barryervin8536 no, at the time the bullet was "heeled" and the same diameter as the brass case, like a .22lr still is. With soft lead it would swage down in the barrel.

  • @omnivore2220
    @omnivore2220 2 роки тому

    Toward the end of the run they advertised them as coming with both a percussion cylinder and a cartridge cylinder, hence the retention of the loading plunger (which would otherwise just be an annoyance). Therefore, I don't believe there much if any "conversion" being done there beyond simply swapping out cylinders. I have one of the modern repros from Uberti. They used the pistol loading lever, and it has an 18" bbl, but it's a hoot all the same.

  • @pietrokania8684
    @pietrokania8684 2 роки тому

    Now I want a rifling revolver

  • @bananieldiamonds1921
    @bananieldiamonds1921 2 роки тому

    they should have put the cylinder in front of the support hand. like an old smg, like the berretta 38 and how the support hand can go behind the magazine

  • @coleparker
    @coleparker Рік тому

    Interesting. Just curious, do you happen to know if Colt would do the same conversion for their 1855 Revolver Carbines?

  • @KathrynLiz1
    @KathrynLiz1 2 роки тому

    I have a repro percussion one (Uberti).... a fun little rifle (carbine).... pretty accurate too... I shoot it a lot..... The required grip is one to which on soon becomes accustomed.... entertaining...

  • @Mrgunsngear
    @Mrgunsngear 2 роки тому +1

    so strange that more repeating guns weren't used during the Civil War. I know some were but the numbers just aren't what I think they'd be with what was out there at the time

    • @mixedfootage8010
      @mixedfootage8010 2 роки тому +2

      militaries tend to be two decades behind on small arms technology

    • @claudelamoreux8543
      @claudelamoreux8543 2 роки тому +1

      Muskets are cheaper.

    • @kodylarson2983
      @kodylarson2983 2 роки тому +3

      one reason is government and the military were afraid the mass issuing of repeating arms would cause an over usage of ammunition particularly when and if formations panicked. More real reason is It was an economic and a timing issue for the US . . . the economy had just been split in half and both sides needed guns now.

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому +2

      Significantly more expensive. The Spencer was *three months pay* for a soldier. And it used non-standard ammo, which complicated supply.
      When you're going from "a few thousand" soldiers to several million, cost is a very significant issue.
      Basically, only the Cavalry got repeaters, and even then not all units did.

    • @SuperFunkmachine
      @SuperFunkmachine 2 роки тому

      @@mixedfootage8010 Given as the Brown Bess turns up in numbers converted to percussion you can see how the demand unearthed every thing.

  • @AlexRoivas
    @AlexRoivas 3 місяці тому

    I wonder if a revolver rifle would work better with a nagant revolver since it's bullet is made to fully enclose the gas

  • @ChrisB.C.
    @ChrisB.C. 2 роки тому +1

    I've always wanted to get a repro of this, cut it down to about a 12" barrel and smoothbore it. Sort an a non-NFA "SBS" Ye Olde Circuit Judge.

  • @jasonz7788
    @jasonz7788 2 роки тому

    Great work Sir thank you

  • @carl-magnuscarlsson7713
    @carl-magnuscarlsson7713 2 роки тому +1

    No tooling or development cost? Yes please!

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому

      Right? Totally understand why Remington did it!
      "Can't guarantee we will sell many, but any is more than zero!"

  • @redsky8509
    @redsky8509 2 роки тому

    keep both hands behind the cylinder, they spit fire out the sides.

  • @carlericvonkleistiii2188
    @carlericvonkleistiii2188 2 роки тому

    Modern manufacturers should make these available in modern(ish) calibers, such as .357 magnum, .45 Long Colt (old, yes, but worthwhile, and LONG COLT, not Short), or even the big .460 and
    .500 pistol calibers. There would be little tooling redesign to create a rifle based on modern revolver frames. The chain fire risk is eliminated by modern cartridges, and a simple mechanical design could force the cylinder against the breech to eliminate blow-by of gasses, like on the Nagant pistols.
    This ain't rocket science...

  • @darkinferno1469
    @darkinferno1469 2 роки тому

    Chain firing of the cap and balls happened with the pistols. Which sucks but won’t hurt you too bad potentially
    Doing it with your hand in front of the cylinders….. means your kissing a hand

  • @sleepyrasta420
    @sleepyrasta420 2 роки тому

    I would love to have one of these, i like the old west guns but unfortunately i live in the UK so there's no chance.

  • @cnb1971
    @cnb1971 2 роки тому

    Watching this made me think of Lee van Cleef in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

  • @dakotahicks6725
    @dakotahicks6725 2 роки тому +3

    It didnt make it back then but the new 45/410 judge flies off the shelves now

  • @taggartlawfirm
    @taggartlawfirm 2 роки тому

    I’m not sure but what it would be quicker to load as a cap and ball weapon.

  • @JB-wj6vc
    @JB-wj6vc 2 роки тому

    The ideal revolving rifle for cavalry use in the 1850s would have a hook to over your arm kinda like a spas 12 and a 16 inch barrel or shorter.

  • @juiceFORfunNOTyet
    @juiceFORfunNOTyet 2 роки тому

    Спасибо за вашу работу, делайте подобные ролики ещё!

  • @roosterj2599
    @roosterj2599 2 роки тому

    I have seen a couple sniper versions of this Remington. Theres an Italian double action revolver rifle that is a takedown deal with a scope and a big pod. Correct me on the country of origin if I'm wrong.

  • @GhostDrewSenju
    @GhostDrewSenju 2 роки тому

    I have a rough rider just like that.

  • @mikepette4422
    @mikepette4422 2 роки тому

    well I know I'd much rather have a .44 cal for "hunting" as they marketed them
    or .46 cal rimfire which i must say I've never heard of before... need to look deeper into that

  • @KageMinowara
    @KageMinowara 2 роки тому

    Would the problem of the cylinder gap shooting sparks at your arm be solved by wearing a leather glove with a sleeve?

  • @WulfgarOpenthroat
    @WulfgarOpenthroat 2 роки тому

    Cylinder gap issue seems like it would be easily solved by wearing heavy clothing or a leather arm guard ala some archers, etc. No need to hold the rifle oddly.

    • @clothar23
      @clothar23 2 роки тому

      Or like three mintues of work fitting a couple pieces of metal directly foward of the chamber.

  • @urugulu1656
    @urugulu1656 2 роки тому

    fudds: well atleast it propably doesnt malfunction
    😁😁😁

  • @anthropicandroid4494
    @anthropicandroid4494 2 роки тому +1

    One of the few firearms one can buy in California

  • @ouroboros5271
    @ouroboros5271 2 роки тому +7

    Oh lord almighty- I used to joke with my friends about revolver rifles, I didn't know they were REAL-

    • @19redmiata94
      @19redmiata94 2 роки тому +1

      They are real and a few are still made today, like the Rossi circuit judge wich is a .410 ga/ .45 LC revolver rifle/shotgun.

    • @mr.mojorisin9999
      @mr.mojorisin9999 2 роки тому +1

      Thats ok, one time i really thought i had something going with heated toilet seat. But they already had em.

  • @rasmusalmqvist5960
    @rasmusalmqvist5960 2 роки тому

    I suspect the accuracy would have been pretty poor. Does anyone know more on this topic?

  • @Jurarigo
    @Jurarigo 2 роки тому

    I always thought revolver rifles were just a silly concept for toy guns, you know, the ones that fire soft orange bullets. But no, they're real and kind of neat.

  • @homelessEh
    @homelessEh 2 роки тому

    is there any finer a loading mechanism then the humble revolver. a simple cylinder some simple holes few notches and bam. done.. no crazy crazy springs no multi bit modular magazine or clippage. i think they hit it right on the nose all thoes centuries ago.

  • @Jason-fm4my
    @Jason-fm4my 2 роки тому

    I remember this from ultimate general, civil war. I thought it would be OP, but it was a bit disappointing.

  • @Damian-03x3
    @Damian-03x3 2 роки тому

    Looks pretty cool at least.

  • @calvingreene90
    @calvingreene90 2 роки тому

    It is kind of shame that by the time militaries were ready for general issue repeating rifles the self contained metallic cartridge had rendered revolving rifles obsolete.

    • @plzifan3773
      @plzifan3773 2 роки тому

      the same thing happened with lever action rifles

  • @roballen8431
    @roballen8431 Рік тому

    The Taurus carbine has two projections that divert the gas and bullet shavings.had remington and colt done this the history of revolving rifles would be different

  • @wallaroo1295
    @wallaroo1295 2 роки тому

    It took me a very long time, and lots of professional range time, to understand *why* Rem put that weird shape on the loading lever. - I suspect it was for the holstering, and faster draw. Just like we do today, but back then. Humans don't change that much in our "humanity" - and we have proven we are limitless in our inhumanity. Make a faster gun, for better to kill our fellow humans . Seems to be the way of human evolution...

  • @tristen9736
    @tristen9736 2 роки тому

    Literally the bigger iron

  • @benm5913
    @benm5913 2 роки тому +279

    I love revolving rifles. Also, I think the drawbacks during use are over stated. If you read about the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the US Civil War, there isn't a single complaint that came out of that unit. They were a sharpshooter unit that used revolver rifles throughout the war. Their actions at the Battle of Chickamauga make great reading. They fired an average of 58 rounds per man per day. That's significantly more than their muzzle loading counterparts. Despite the overstated issues people bring up about revolver rifles.
    I think cartridges were simply invented so very quickly after capped revolver rifles that they didn't catch on. If you have the machining and chemistry available to make these...cartridges just make more sense.

    • @Zundfolge
      @Zundfolge 2 роки тому +73

      I suspect that men wearing long sleeve wool shirts are going to have less issues with a revolving rifle than your modern man in a short sleeve T-Shirt at the range.

    • @benm5913
      @benm5913 2 роки тому +57

      @@Zundfolge There's also an expectation difference. The 21st OVI were a bunch of frontiersman. If they had to hold the rifle with both hands at the semi pistol grip...so what? It's not ergonomic, but, it slings a lot of lead.
      Now, we get mad at GRIPZONE and make memes if a firearm is the slightest bit inconvenient.

    • @kodiakkeith
      @kodiakkeith 2 роки тому +50

      A union soldier wore a heavy wool jacket over a long sleeved shirt and underclothing. They didn't take that off even on a hot day unless they were digging latrines or the like. In battle they always wore that along with leather gear w/ cartridges, caps, canteen, etc. At any rate, a 19th century guy was heavier dressed than today, soldier or civilian. The problem, as Ian points out, wasn't so much the cylinder gap, it was that the lever guns were just superior in every way.

    • @cheutho
      @cheutho 2 роки тому +30

      I think that's the biggest part of it. It was a solution to a problem that had more or less stopped existing. Once people could put cartridges in magazines, it was pretty much over for revolving rifles.

    • @AsbestosMuffins
      @AsbestosMuffins 2 роки тому +7

      seems like the problem was more there were specifically bad revolving rifles (some ian has featured!) that gave the whole class a bad name. there is legitimate concern about how to hold it though, but that's more drill and training

  • @enricopaolocoronado2511
    @enricopaolocoronado2511 2 роки тому +407

    Even if it's not a success, there's something rather classy about a revolver rifle.

    • @geodkyt
      @geodkyt 2 роки тому +8

      ..until you get a flashover... but once you have metallic cases, there is no advantage to a revolving rifle whatsoever - quite the contrary.

    • @pirig-gal
      @pirig-gal 2 роки тому +32

      @@geodkyt I think i looks cool in the same vein as bullpup rifles do. I like how it looks, even though I'm aware of the drawbacks of the design.

    • @matthayward7889
      @matthayward7889 2 роки тому

      Amen!

    • @M0rinkashi
      @M0rinkashi 2 роки тому +26

      @@geodkyt _There IS one advantage..._
      *_Engravings!_*

    • @jeffdouglas3201
      @jeffdouglas3201 2 роки тому +4

      @@geodkyt thanks for your expert opinion....you should write a book

  • @blnematode1267
    @blnematode1267 2 роки тому +93

    I’ve been curious about these revolving rifles since I was a kid. It long seemed to me that this should have been the ideal weapon available at the time to carry in the Civil War. But thanks to Ian I now realize no it really wasn’t. So many factors about this concept that aren’t superficially apparent. So thanks Ian for the video.

    • @benm5913
      @benm5913 2 роки тому +19

      I think the drawbacks during use are over stated. If you read about the 21st Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the US Civil War, there isn't a single complaint that came out of that unit. They were a sharpshooter unit that used revolver rifles throughout the war. Their actions at the Battle of Chickamauga make great reading.
      I think cartridges were simply invented so very quickly after capped revolver rifles that they didn't catch on. If you have the machining and chemistry available to make these...cartridges just make more sense.

    • @christopherreed4723
      @christopherreed4723 2 роки тому +13

      You also had units like the 7th Illinois that equipped themselves with Henrys.
      The Ordnance Department during the Civil War was staffed by a collection of semi-fossilized relics who flat out refused to consider anything other than single-shot muzzle-loading rifles. Some units got around this by purchasing their own weapons instead of drawing them from Army stocks. The 7th Illinois lucked out or had deeper pockets.
      The manufacturers were equally frustrated by this. Some relied on regiments making private purchases. Some went bankrupt waiting for Ordnance to pull their head out of their fourth point of contact. And others (I'm looking at you, Mr. Spencer 😄) made house calls.

    • @christopherreed4723
      @christopherreed4723 2 роки тому +6

      @@quentintin1 True, but sticking with an outdated system no matter what isn't a great approach either. The Ordnance chiefs' arguments against everything other than the issued rifled musket were that a) faster loading just encouraged troops to waste ammunition, and b) the additional ammunition use would overstretch the logistics capabilities of the Army. Both arguments have *some* validity. However, having individual regiments self-equip themselves with non-issue firearms put just as much strain on logistics (more, since most of those rifles didn't share ammunition), and the Union supply chain didn't collapse (any more than being in a constant state of such). Since most fire was essentially unaimed anyway, the "waste of ammunition" argument doesn't carry much water (in any case, that same argument has been pushed every time newer, faster firing weapons were introduced, and not just in the US, so it's merit is pretty dubious).
      The Union had the potential industrial capacity to manufacture metal-cased ammo on a large scale. It had the manpower to rotate units out of combat for retraining, and God knows the designs were out there, even within the US. Yet the Army stuck with close-order line formation tactics designed for muskets with an effective range of 100 yards and an approach of tit-for-tat casualties, despite the issued rifle being effective to 200 yards. This stagnation of tactics is one reason for the staggering casualty numbers in Civil War battles.
      Caveat: I'm saying this in hindsight and as a gun nerd. That said, a Union regiment trained in "light" infantry tactics (Sir John Moore et al.) and equipped with license-built Vetterli rifles is is theoretical (and IMO rather daunting) possibility.

    • @tamlandipper29
      @tamlandipper29 2 роки тому

      @@quentintin1 I think you may be overstating it as a change. Most units were freshly raised.
      I would also observe that there is an 'opportunity' training burden with going into line with equal or less firepower than the enemy. You have to train more replacements than otherwise.
      To climb onto my soapbox I would again observe that you pay for training and logistics in sweat and gold , and you pay a debt of firepower in blood.

    • @Robert-qm7yi
      @Robert-qm7yi 2 роки тому

      @@benm5913 Having shot a repro, they're not overstated. It's like a flashbang mixed with getting punched in the face every shot, definitely not a good rifle for a sharpshooter compared to a standard percussion rifle

  • @BrassCatcher
    @BrassCatcher 2 роки тому +59

    Today is going to mark a pivotal moment in my personal life. Thank you for taking my mind off of it for a moment with one of my favorite types of forgotten weapons.

    • @EricHamm
      @EricHamm 2 роки тому +8

      Good luck!

    • @araknidude
      @araknidude 2 роки тому +6

      Best of luck to you, friend

    • @itsapittie
      @itsapittie 2 роки тому +6

      I hope it goes well.

    • @georgewhitworth9742
      @georgewhitworth9742 2 роки тому +5

      Prayers that it goes well!

    • @BrassCatcher
      @BrassCatcher 2 роки тому +10

      @Beaverish Buck Teeth that’s what I was waiting for...the internet lol

  • @johnmorgan1629
    @johnmorgan1629 2 роки тому +101

    Remington back in the day, 'Look guys I don't think this is going to be a great success, but I bet in the future it'll have people talking.'
    Ian today, looks at Remington Revolver Rifle, 'Ah, just my thing.'

  • @SergeantPsycho
    @SergeantPsycho 2 роки тому +81

    Remington's Revolving Rifle really revolutionized repeaters remarkably.

  • @tarmaque
    @tarmaque 2 роки тому +25

    Revolving rifles are just cool. I think that may be the defining factor in anything "cool": They have problems and aren't ideal for their purpose, but they work well enough and somehow look "right."

  • @Matt-xc6sp
    @Matt-xc6sp 2 роки тому +44

    I love how all these 19th century guns could be bought from the factory with whatever custom work you wanted.
    Wish we had that today.

    • @WALTERBROADDUS
      @WALTERBROADDUS 2 роки тому +13

      Actually most companies have a custom shop.

    • @yulusleonard985
      @yulusleonard985 2 роки тому

      Uberti?

    • @aidenburnside6380
      @aidenburnside6380 2 роки тому +7

      Still can, if you have enough money

    • @hoonterofhoonters6588
      @hoonterofhoonters6588 2 роки тому +3

      In my gunsmith fantasy which will never be realized, I run a shop where you can custom order everything about your gun. It's interesting that there is some basis in reality for that sort of model.

    • @prycenewberg3976
      @prycenewberg3976 2 роки тому

      You can. You just have to pay for it, and most people don't want to. Some years ago, Hickock45 custom ordered three Colt Single Action revolvers. At a guess, I'd say he probably paid over $1,000 for each one, and possibly more than $2,000. That's the kind of money you're looking at to get custom work.

  • @TubeRadiosRule
    @TubeRadiosRule 2 роки тому +13

    These were available with interchangeable percussion cylinders even for the factory converted rimfires. Handy if you were out in the middle of nowhere and couldn't get cartridges, but caps, powder, and lead for casting into bullets were readily available at even the most remote trading posts.

  • @Kookanoodles
    @Kookanoodles 2 роки тому +16

    I must say, Ian, it has been agony waiting for the new video each day hoping it will be the Christian Prouteau interview! :-D

  • @Count_Smackula
    @Count_Smackula 2 роки тому +7

    Similar to GM "parts binning" new models. Not quite lipstick on a pig, but close. 😉

  • @davidmorningstar
    @davidmorningstar 2 роки тому +7

    I will always like revolving rifles despite their flaws. A single action Nagant gas-seal carbine would be my bae.

  • @Chris-fu4xg
    @Chris-fu4xg 2 роки тому +8

    I know nothing about guns. Never fired one not particularly interested in doing so but...
    .... your videos are brilliant, well presented and with accurate history.
    It's like watching a hairy Yoda dispensing wisdom.

    • @Plymouth888
      @Plymouth888 2 роки тому

      Have you watched Steve1989mre on military rations? He is just the same.

  • @EricHamm
    @EricHamm 2 роки тому +11

    I can't wait to see what Ian and Jonathan from Royal Armories will do when they finally have a collab video. Even if it is Zoom, I think Ian and Jonathan could really elevate each other's content and would benefit the world. Perhaps a Q&A video guest?

    • @redaethel4619
      @redaethel4619 2 роки тому +3

      Already have done some on British bullpups.

    • @matthewmorales8184
      @matthewmorales8184 2 роки тому +3

      They made a book. And Ian has spent a bunch of time at the Armouries

  • @adamgitmed3779
    @adamgitmed3779 2 роки тому +7

    I really want to see this gun in action lol even if it is essentially just an Extended Remington revolver.

  • @howardanon7433
    @howardanon7433 2 роки тому +5

    that would be 621 dollars in todays market if it costed 25 back then

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому

      Try "two months pay"

    • @clothar23
      @clothar23 2 роки тому

      @@ScottKenny1978 Two months pay back than maybe.
      If your only making 310 bucks a month today...shit you're employer is breaking all sorts of laws.
      Or you only work like 30 hours a month at a wage slave job.

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому +1

      @@clothar23 yes, two months pay back then.
      It's a much more useful measure of how much it cost, because cost of living has gone weird compared to inflation.

  • @rewn4350
    @rewn4350 2 роки тому +8

    I gotta say I love mines, although slightly impractical for anything other than having fun, the elegant stirrup on the handgaurd and canteen stock just make it look cool to me.

  • @nigeh5326
    @nigeh5326 2 роки тому +6

    I had a toy version of this gun along with a toy SLR and M16. They all fired caps and gave me hours of fun with friends 😊

  • @dbx1233
    @dbx1233 2 роки тому +2

    Your absolutely right about these rifles not selling very well. The general store in the old town I live has several of these rifles. They have been on the stores shelves since 1867. Personally, I don't think they will ever sell, they have a price of $75. As far as I'm concerned they can stay on these shelves another 154 years. $75. That's ridiculous. If they ever go on clearance I may buy one.

  • @cabbage0dusk
    @cabbage0dusk 2 роки тому +8

    I'm surprised there aren't more revolving rifle options in the UK considering it'd give us the closest thing to a semi-auto centrefire rifle that we'd be allowed... i'm sure with a more modern design they could include safety features to mitigate gas venting from the cylinder .etc.

    • @ArcturusOTE
      @ArcturusOTE 2 роки тому +2

      Maybe a marriage of a gas seal and a Mateba-style recoil operated cycle system

    • @71simonforrester
      @71simonforrester 2 роки тому +1

      Ironically they're more practical as a percussion gun in the UK as you can actually legally own it! One positive about percussion is that you can always get ammo! If you have seen how the reloaders make ammo for those gorgeous Belgian pinfire revolvers, you realise the ingenuity of black powder enthusiasts!

    • @FireballFoundry
      @FireballFoundry 2 роки тому +1

      Here's how that would go down.
      They would get mildly popular, the daily mail would write a story about revolver assault rifles, priti patel would have an orgasm banning them.

  • @zacharyrollick6169
    @zacharyrollick6169 2 роки тому +3

    I thought about buying one of the Uberti replicas.

  • @gregcampwriter
    @gregcampwriter 2 роки тому +4

    I've heard of people dropping the loading lever to function as a forward grip, but with hot gases escaping through the cylinder gap and nothing but bare metal to hold on to out front, this is not so good in practice.

  • @judsongaiden9878
    @judsongaiden9878 2 роки тому +15

    That style of stock is "dandy," in the parlance of the times. 19th-century guns had an aesthetic elegance to them of the sort you just don't see anymore (not including repros).
    * *insert Jakobs reference* *

    • @brittakriep2938
      @brittakriep2938 2 роки тому

      There are still in small numbers custom made guns produced by traditional gunsmith shops, which use oldstyle design.

  • @hewhoshallnotbenamed5168
    @hewhoshallnotbenamed5168 2 роки тому +6

    Is there/was there a such thing as a revolving shotgun?

    • @watariovids1645
      @watariovids1645 2 роки тому

      I have seen some modern production revolving shotguns in 410.

    • @geodkyt
      @geodkyt 2 роки тому +3

      Yes, and Ian even has a pair of videos on Colt 1855 10 gauge revolving shotguns - one converted into a monster pistol.

    • @hewhoshallnotbenamed5168
      @hewhoshallnotbenamed5168 2 роки тому

      @@geodkyt Cool. I'm gonna go through his backlog and find those videos.

    • @XtreeM_FaiL
      @XtreeM_FaiL 2 роки тому +1

      Pancor Jackhammer.

    • @deadbrain99
      @deadbrain99 2 роки тому

      The Russian MTs255 is a revolver rifle that shoots shotgun shells.

  • @TestECull
    @TestECull 2 роки тому +2

    I would love to have a revolving rifle like that, but on a modern double action frame. I know it's not the most practical rifle around, but I ain't tryin' to use the thing just to survive so who cares.

    • @DABrock-author
      @DABrock-author 2 роки тому

      Look for a Rossi Circuit Judge .45 Colt / .410 shotgun revolving rifle.

  • @Nerad137
    @Nerad137 2 роки тому +1

    Military rifles: how idiot proof can we make this mechanism?
    Hunting rifles: can you still work it through two pairs of gloves with a facemask and hood on and your glasses steamed up while trying to keep your ass from falling asleep?

  • @Dark_Ages_Crusader
    @Dark_Ages_Crusader 2 роки тому +1

    I own a operating replica. It’s definitely got more power than the pistol. It feels like something a rich baroness would carry while on horseback tour of her plantation.

  • @hugebartlett1884
    @hugebartlett1884 2 роки тому +1

    Not much good for holding up the bank. You'd get stuck in the doorway! Saw the barrel off to get out!

  • @NATO94
    @NATO94 2 роки тому +1

    I'm Ian Mcallem and I'm here to say
    We're about to look at guns in a major way
    This piece is forgotten, lost to time
    Let me review it, in a sick ass rhyme

  • @Raph584
    @Raph584 2 роки тому +2

    those rifle always remind me of the Joker's gun in the Burton's Batman movie

    • @johns7734
      @johns7734 2 роки тому

      Wasn't that the Buntline Special?

    • @EricHamm
      @EricHamm 2 роки тому

      @@johns7734 Hells no. Demolition Ranch has a video shooting a few of those. I don't remember the model name but they really seem like novelty guns, while quite effective as they shoot some crazy large magnum caliber, they are the opposite of practical. Though the recoil is basically chill cause the gun weighs quite a lot.

  • @ricktimmons458
    @ricktimmons458 2 роки тому +1

    saw a show where a revolver rifle was used to kill a buffalo. long time ago; thought it was a 5 shot.

  • @hemidas
    @hemidas 2 роки тому +1

    Looks like a Fallout: New Vegas weapon.

  • @thomasusrus
    @thomasusrus 2 роки тому +2

    This looks like something you would find in Fallout games

  • @actio4marchal203
    @actio4marchal203 2 роки тому +2

    "Angel face's gun in Blueberry's adventure: " Le hors la loi"& "Angel face"

  • @seansavanah579
    @seansavanah579 2 роки тому +2

    so why was octagonal such a common style ? was it easier to manufacture than a round barrel ?

    • @yulusleonard985
      @yulusleonard985 2 роки тому

      Yes! basically use 6-8 plates hammered together. But today octagonal barrel are just cosmetic and require extra machining.

    • @ScottKenny1978
      @ScottKenny1978 2 роки тому +1

      Barrel blanks back then were made from square stock. You can quickly mill off the corners to get an octagon barrel, but turning one round or half-round was time consuming.
      Today, the opposite is true, and cutting an octagon out of a cylinder is a lot more complicated.

  • @cateatingcorn7276
    @cateatingcorn7276 2 роки тому +2

    The next best thing will be a sideways revolving cylinder on top of a p90

  • @alexsuetopka
    @alexsuetopka 2 роки тому +1

    I remember this gun, I think it was used in The Hateful Eight

  • @Qingeaton
    @Qingeaton 2 роки тому +2

    These are so cool. I love the look. I'd like one for my collection just because.