Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers
Compact Colt revolvers derived from Paterson designs, popular for self-defense.
They include the .31 caliber Model 1849 and later .36 caliber variants such as the Pocket Police, all sharing a design lineage with the larger 1851 Navy and 1860 Army models. These revolvers are notable for their compact size and widespread use in the mid-19th century.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- United States
- Designer
- Samuel Colt
- Designed
- Baby Dragoon: 1847
- Pocket Model of 1849: 1850
- Pocket Navy and Pocket Police: 1861
- Manufacturer
- Colt Firearms
- Produced
- c. 1847–1873
- Weight
- 26 oz (with 4-inch barrel without loading lever)
- Length
- 8.75 inches with 4-inch barrel
- Barrel length
- about 3- to 6-inches
Facts from the source article.
Period use
One legend suggests pocket models were popular with Civil War officers not as combat arms but for defense against battlefield surgeons amputating limbs; a more plausible reason is that officers were not expected to engage in combat except in self-defense, and the small size and light weight made them attractive. Richard Francis Burton carried a selection of Colt Revolvers on his journeys, including a Pocket model. Bloody Bill Anderson reportedly preferred the Pocket Police model. In 1872, gambler Shang Stanton killed Slim Jim Shumway with an 1849 Pocket Revolver with a silver finish and carved ivory grip.
Shooting characteristics
Shooting the Pocket Revolvers at moderate range is more challenging than with larger Colt-type revolvers. The small, slender grip makes it difficult for average-sized hands to fit the pinkie finger, and the thin, round cross-section allows the gun to shift in the grasp. The sights are very small and hard to see. Point of impact is generally a foot or more above point of aim at 25 yards, but consistent. By using Kentucky windage or installing a taller front sight, a shooter can make telling hits on a man-sized silhouette at that range and effective sustained fire at shorter distances. For its intended purpose of short-range defense, this creates little problem: pointing at the center of the torso results in a chest hit, preferable to an abdominal wound. The weapon was quite suitable for its era as a close-range defensive arm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who made Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers?
Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers was made by Colt Firearms.
Where was Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers developed?
Colt Pocket Percussion Revolvers was developed in United States.
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