The era of percussion pistols
John C Pursley looks at the ignition system that superseded flintlock firearms
John C Pursley takes a look at the ignition system that superseded flintlock firearms. It was so superior that gunmakers promptly modified their existing firearm models.
Although flintlock system pistols dominated firearms production for almost 200 years, manufacturers never solved the problem of two types of gun powder needing to be carried by the shooter, one for priming which was finely grained and a course blend for firing the projectile. In addition, the flintlock system was unreliable in damp or wet weather and were only single-shot weapons.
Ironically, a Scottish man of the cloth, Reverend Forsyth, solved one of the problems by developing an ignition system, in 1807, which, combined certain chemicals, would create a spark when struck with a sharp blow, much like a toy cap gun.
The compound is made from mercury, nitric acid and alcohol known as mercuric fulminate, with its chemical formula being Hg (ONC)2.
Further experimentation resulted in the 1822 development of the percussion cap that contained a small amount of the dried chemical composition in the bottom of a small copper cuplike holder which during the loading process is pressed onto to a nipple mounted in the rear of the pistol barrel. Immediately after the shooter pulls the trigger, the hammer strikes the percussion cap and kindles the chemical subsequently creating a spark. The flash is channeled through a small orifice in the nipple which ignites the gun powder in the barrel creating the explosion that fires the projectile.
The flint and percussion locks are precisely identical in relation to the mainspring, hammer, tumbler, sear, and sear spring with the hammer having three positions, uncocked, half-cocked, and fully cocked.
The new transformation, also referred to as cap and ball, was so superior to the flintlock system that gunmakers promptly modified their existing firearm models to percussion ignition, leaving the former technology in the dust.
Colt and his innovation
Samuel Colt (1814–1862) is generally credited with the invention of the first revolver (the Patterson model) with its rotating cylinder containing five bullets, fired by percussion caps and an innovative cocking device. He was granted a US patent in February
1836. However, Colt did not originate the pistol firing system as Elisha Collier (1788–1856) had invented a self-priming revolver in 1818. Also, Colt’s Patterson Model was a total commercial failure resulting in the collapse of his business after only six years and the production of about 22,000 pistols.
Not to be deterred, Colt regained his footing and in 1847 introduced the massive 4.5lb Walker Colt in .44 calibre which remained the most powerful handgun
until the inception of the .357
Magnum in 1935. Approximately 1,100 were produced with only 200 known survivors today.
The following year Colt introduced his Dragoon model of which three variations were manufactured until 1860. These were also heavy pistols in .44 calibre, but the cylinder was shorter, making for a smaller charge which was easier on the shooter’s wrist. About 19,000 of these were produced.
Also introduced at the same time was the Pocket Pistol, or better known today as the Baby Dragoon. This was a much smaller handgun chambered in
.31 calibre with a five-shot cylinder as opposed to the other models which held six rounds. It was not nearly as powerful as the other two models, but more comparable to a modern .22 calibre Long
Rifle cartridge.
This pistol was the most popular percussion firearm produced by Samuel Colt’s firm and over three million units were sold. It is said the pistol was a favourite of early California gold miners.
Colt soon introduced his most famous percussion pistol, referred to as the 1851 Navy or better known as the Navy Colt, which is ironic as neither the US Army nor Navy officially adopted the firearm, although both sides used them in the American Civil War. Produced from 1851 until 1873, over 270,000 were purchased, including many in international sales.
The 1851 Navy was used by the British military during the Crimean War (most likely during the Charge of the Light Brigade) and a good number of these pistols still exist and can be purchased, starting at about £8,000. Some greatly exceed that amount depending on condition, matching part numbers, previous documented owners, etc.
Proving the new firearm
With the opening of the American West, settlers and lawmen gained a distinct advantage over the indigenous Native American tribes who roamed freely over the area killing thousands of frontier settlers in what now comprises the state of Texas.
A group calling themselves Texas Rangers, formed in the late 1830s, rode after the raiders usually armed with only two muzzle loading pistols and a rifle giving them three shots apiece at most in their effort to rescue captives or reclaim stolen livestock. On the other hand, the warriors carried bows, with a seemingly
endless supply of arrows, along with war clubs and lances that resulted in the Rangers usually coming out on the losing side.
However, once armed with .36, fiveshot cylinder Colt Patterson revolvers, the advantage turned to the Texans. This was made evident in 1841 when about 50 Rangers, under Captain Jack Hays, engaged hundreds of Indians in what is now known as the Battle of Bandera Pass. After the usual three volleys, the warriors closed in to finish off the Rangers with lances and arrows but were caught off guard as the Rangers maintained their fire. The fight was the turning point of the Texas/Comanche wars.
Single shot flintlock pistols became arms of the past and for the next
30 years, percussion revolvers were the handgun of choice. And, as it transpired, the US Army was one of the last organisations to adapt to the new technology, but finally armed its soldiers during the Mexican War of 1846.
Competition for Sam Colt
Colt held on tight to his patent for the percussion revolver often suing others over infringement rights but in 1857, his patent expired and competitors like Remington opened their doors and began working on their own designs. One of the most successful, due to patent markings, is well-known today as the New Model 1958 Army.
Like Colt, Remington manufactured models in .31, .36, and .44 calibre and the company gained an advantage in sales when the main Colt plant in Hartford, Connecticut burned to the ground in 1864 at the height of the American Civil War. Unable to meet the demands of the Union Army, the contracts for sidearms were awarded to the Remington Company.
The New Army in .44 calibre quickly became the most popular choice of sidearm for officers and civilians who had to purchase their own firearms, even if they were more expensive than the Colt models. But, the price was well worth it as the Remingtons were superior to the competition.
The main difference was the Remington had a top strap over the cylinder to strengthen the frame and provide a location for the rear sight. The design advantage also made it easier to remove the spent cylinder and replace it with a pre-loaded one during action. It only took seconds to slide a pin to release the cylinder on the Remington, versus dismantling the Colt pistol into three components which took minutes.
Modern use of percussion firearms
Although now considered to be outmoded technology, percussion revolvers remain extremely popular and many enthusiasts enjoy them for their robust noise, combined with smoke and flame from the end of the barrel when fired. Cap and ball revolvers also connect us to a fascinating era of the Old West. Most however, are used strictly for entertainment and character, as cartridge firearms are cleaner, more efficient, and faster to load, but cost about 50% more to shoot as the ammunition is more expensive.
Make no mistake, these firearms are still potent, and an American old west legend James Wild Bill Hickok found percussion revolvers to be more than