In the early transition from the long-lived flintlock system, handgun development closely paralleled that of the long arms. With the advent of the revolving pistols, however; came patents that created monopolies in revolver production and the through-bored cylinder necessary for self-contained metallic cartridges. The caplock revolvers took on a separate evolution and remained state of the art long after the widespread appearance of cartridge firing rifles and shotguns. They rode in the holsters of of explorers and adventurers across the world and granted safe conduct in the back-alleys of the Industrial West right up until the last quarter of the 19th Century. Handguns possess a mystique distinctly different from that of other firearms. They are tools of personal empowerment-chosen by their owners to provide independence and freedom of movement. In the ambitious, optimistic early years of western industrial civilization they were the emblem of liberty and equality and the bane of repressive governments and social movements. Largely because of the traditions that emerged in the time of the caplock pistols and revolvers, they remain so in the early years of the 21st Century.

"Those old blackpowder handguns look great hung over your mantle -- but they're much more fun to shoot! Now, thanks to Handbook of Modern Percussion Revolvers, author Michael Morgan shows you just how entertaining these history-making firearms can be. Inside, you'll find: detailed loading advice for today's modern blackpowder percussion cap revolvers, tips and tricks for accurate shooting, in-depth breakdowns for the three most popular working reproductions, [and] dozens of historical fun facts and trivia"--Page 4 of cover.

This fascinating visual account of firearms shows everything from the earliest cannons to modern weapons of war. It also highlights how gun technology and military tactics developed in tandem over time. Centuries ago, the Chinese discovered that if they put gunpowder and a projectile into a metal tube and ignited it, they could fire the projectile with enormous force. The first guns were born. Firearms: An Illustrated History showcases over 300 firearms including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, machine-guns, and artillery, each with annotated close-up photographs and details of their origins, barrel, and caliber. It details the use of the firearms, not just in the military but for sport, hunting, and law enforcement. This comprehensive volume traces the history of firearms, highlighting "turning points" such as the rifle with its parallel spiraled groves that could impart a spin to bullets making them fly straighter. It also showcases iconic firearms such as the Walther PPK self-loading pistol popularised in James Bond films. With information on the great gunsmiths including Beretta and Kalashnikov and a detailed guide to how guns work, Firearms: An Illustrated History is an essential purchase for everyone interested in guns and military history.

Traces the Manhattan background from its formation in 1855 to its succession by the American Standard Tool Company in 1869 Illustrated with photographs by noted collector Miles W. Standish Manhattan's activities spanned the years 1855 to 1873--an exciting period in American firearms that witnessed the high development of the percussion revolver, its rapid decline in the post-Civil War years, and the emergence of metallic cartridge arms. Substantiated by original records, the author discusses Manhattan's four patents, the connection of the Manhattan .22 caliber revolvers with the early usage of the .22 long cartridges, a lawsuit between Smith & Wesson and Herman Boker & Company, as well as many other aspects of Manhattan's history. A serious work on an American maker, this book constitutes a significant contribution to firearms history and merits a place on the bookshelf of every arms collector and enthusiast.

Welcome to the 19th century when men were men and a .45 caliber slug settled more arguments than lawyers! Back in the Old West, the black powder revolver ruled the roost and everyone from Civil War soldiers to town marshals, Texas Rangers, and saloon girls was packing a six-shooter. Black Powder Revolvers Reproductions and Replicas takes you back to those days of old with a rousing history of the guns that settled not only the Civil War but the American West. Even though films and television have made the Old West a little bigger than life, the guns of the era are as real as Wild Bill Hickok, Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill Cody. Starting with a history of Colts revolvers from the 1830s Patersons to 1862 Pocket Models, and continuing through the major competitive makes of the 1860s, this book will give readers an insight into the guns and gunmen from one of Americas most epic periods.Black Powder Revolvers - Reproductions & Replicas by Dennis Adler is the only publication in print covering the wide variety of reproduction black powder revolvers manufactured since 1959. Lavishly illustrated with hundreds of stunning color images, this newest deluxe book in oversized landscape format is sure to be enjoyed and appreciated by black powder enthusiasts worldwide.

A fascinating look at the history and development of the revolver. Highly detailed and informative, Percussion Revolvers explores the advent, development, and use of precartridge revolvers during the middle years of the nineteenth century. The percussion revolver emerged in the 1830s and remained state-of-the-art until metallic cartridge revolvers came into common use in the mid-1870s. Through the use of modern replicas, shooting enthusiasts Mike Cumpston and Johnny Bates investigate the capacities and limitations of the original revolvers, providing insight into their accuracy, utility, and ballistic performance. Chapters include: Replicas: The Good, the Bad, and the Awful Early Revolvers, 1836–47: The Paterson and the Walker Colts The Dragoons Colt Revolvers of Midcentury: The Pocket and Navy Models Holsters, Belts, and Sashes The Later Years: The Last of the Colt Percussion Designs A Hail of Lead: The Confederate LeMat Bates and Cumpston discuss the development of the precartridge arms, placing them in their proper historic context. They also take a look at modern replicas, including detailed information on selection, maintenance, and shooting, while delving into both the positive and negative realities that can be encountered when using these firearms. A valuable reference for students, fiction writers, and active shooters, Percussion Revolvers is an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of caplock handguns and their modern replicas.