Prior to Samuel Colt’s 1835-1836 patents for the revolver, American handguns were, for the most part, variations of European-style single shot pistols, first of the flintlock type and later the new cap-and-ball percussion lock design. There were double barrels, swivel barrels, and even multiple barreled Pepperbox pistols, but the revolver was at best a theoretical design before 1836. This is not to say that revolvers did not exist before Colt’s patent, they just didn’t work. Samuel Colt’s design did. This is the story of how it came to be.
Handguns
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Cowboy Time Machine: Colt’s First Revolver, the Paterson, Yesterday & Today
Published: November 9, 2016 { 6 comments }
S&W .500 Magnum Gel Tests, Cylinder Gap Blast, Internals & Construction
Published: November 3, 2016 { 38 comments }The lore surrounding the brute force of the Smith & Wesson S&W500 is legion. There have been plenty of tales about what this gun is capable of doing, both to the lackadaisical shooter and the intended target. I decided I needed to sort through some and separate fact from fiction and test one for myself.
Battle of the Longslides—Top Picks from Yesterday & Today
Published: November 3, 2016 { 19 comments }The longslide is not a new concept. Extended versions of standard handguns date back to the days of cased dueling pistols. However, it was only in modern times that the concept has been truly perfected. Here are half a dozen of some of the best examples of the genre, from yesterday through to today.
Remington Showcases New ‘RP45’ and Longslide 10mm 1911
Published: October 26, 2016 { 29 comments }Remington’s new handguns include a polymer-framed ,striker-fired double-stack pistol chambered for .45 ACP and the a longslide 1911 chambered for 10mm Auto.
28 Round Snail Drum Mag for 1911+ 15 Round ProMag Reviews
Published: October 22, 2016 { 20 comments }28 Round 1911 Snail Drum – $69.99 15 Round ProMag – $20.08 Several months ago I ran across a pretty cool product that resembles the old snail mag for the Luger 9mm pistol. It is a 28 round 1911 mag, so I figured I’d order it and see how it goes. Then I forgot I [...]
Wilson Combat X-TAC Series 1911s—Full Review & Round Up.
Published: October 18, 2016 { 7 comments }I have had the opportunity to evaluate over a dozen guns from Wilson, and the quality, fit, and finish never disappoints. For many years, a Wilson Combat CQB was on my list of pistols to add to my daily rotation. I never got around to ordering one and at this time, and I’m glad I put it off. In my mind, there is a new king and that is the X-TAC Elite.
A .50-Caliber Glock? Full Review: Conversion Kit & Complete Gun
Published: October 12, 2016 { 97 comments }“Why do I carry a .45? Because they don’t make a .46!” is one of the popular sayings among large caliber enthusiasts, almost right up there with, “…because shooting twice is just silly.” We’ve all seen and heard them – and some of us will even admit to haven said them. Well, folks they may still not make a .46 – but guess what? You can get a Glock in .50!
Kick-Ass 7.5mm FK BRNO Pistol Green-Lit by ATF
Published: October 8, 2016 { 76 comments }The FK BRNO Field Pistol is chambered for the 7.5mm FK cartridge that shoots a roughly .30-caliber bullet at .44 Magnum power levels.
The Ruger .380 LCP Reborn: The New LCP II—Full Review.
Published: October 6, 2016 { 123 comments }For more information, visit . To purchase a Ruger LCP II on GunsAmerica.com, click this link: . Making improvements to an iconic firearm is always a tough decision. And yes, the is iconic; it was one of the significant catalysts for the now prolific variety of .380 ACP pocket pistols on the market, and the [...]
Sig’s New P320RX Competition & Defense Pistol—Full Review
Published: September 30, 2016 { 26 comments }Some gun makers are partnering with optics makers to provide an out-of-the-box-ready solution. SIG takes that up one notch by doing the partnering in-house. And at an MSRP of $869, this writer thinks it is a great value. You could say that the RX is just what the doctor ordered!