human history - the history of wars.Throughout its existence, people often engage in armed confrontation.Over time, improved technology, changing the methods and means of warfare.Revolver Colt its appearance marked another milestone in the development of weapons, his new principles in the design of handguns.Its creation was accompanied by a number of interesting facts that are described in this article.
first gun
Firearms of this type is known from the XV century.The first samples were singly charged.As an explosive black powder was used, and submunitions, are typically lead ball.I muzzle-loading gun.The ignition of gunpowder happened using a special device called a lock.Since the XVIII century, guns were equipped with locks of the silicon type.Technological development has led to the emergence of the first revolvers, ie models with drum mechanism.Initially, such a weapon is not widespread, since a complex system is not charging provides fast continuous shooting.Everything changed after the invention in 1807 of detonation capsule powder composition.This principle of firing revolver opened broad prospects.Now the main question was who first manage to implement this technology in the production and issue of new revolvers organize on an industrial scale.
future King of Arms
Samuel Colt was born in the family of industrialist Christopher Colt 19 July 1814.From a young age, Sam drew weapons.He studied with great interest the various models of the time.The knowledge gained in handy later, when it was created the first Colt revolver.In addition, to rethink the design of the gun Samuel helped a number of observations made during his service as a sailor on a merchant ship «Corvo».His attention was drawn to the mechanism of raising the ship's anchor, to rotate in only one direction.He also became interested in the device with the wheel lock position after the turn.The principles of operation of these mechanisms has incorporated capsule Colt revolver, patented in 1835 in England.A year later, a patent was obtained in the United States.
production on an industrial scale
In 1847, Colt has registered his own company.First gunsmith he opened in the city of Patterson.Produced in a workshop the new Colt revolver shooting different fluent and good firepower.Despite this, the first time the company had serious problems with sales.The situation will change incident that occurred with a group of Texas Rangers.With a revolver, "Colt" as the main armament, 16 guardians of the law have faced 80 Indians.Rangers come out of the fight victorious without losing a single man.This success provided the gunsmith order for 1,000 units for Texas expeditionary corps, and laid the foundation for further cooperation with the US government.Conflict with Mexico and the civil war in the country has further strengthened the financial position of the manufacturer.Colt Revolver has become a real symbol of America.For ordinary citizens, he was also an effective means of self-defense, and sometimes a factor of survival in difficult times.
