Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine

History of the Colt Model 1855 Rotary Carbine

The Colt Rotary Rifle of 1855 - aptly called the "Model 1855" - attempted to provide the repetitive action of a revolver in a shortened rifle ("carbine") form. Carbines are usually a short-barreled form of their longer rifle counterparts, suitable for cavalry or second-line infantry (still a category of guns today).

The Model 1855 combines all these qualities in a convenient but not-so-perfect design under the Colt product brand.

The Model 1855 is available in three different caliber forms: . 36, . 44 and . 56. Additionally, the rifle is available in four barrel lengths: 15, 18, 21 and 24 inches. If the chosen caliber is .36 or .44 is a 6-round cylinder for .56, limit the gun to a five-round cylinder.

Regardless, the combination of the revolver's repetitive action, the rifle's accuracy, and a larger ammunition supply than any rifle at the time gave the Model 1855's operator a distinct advantage in a firefight.

Visually, the Model 1855 was different from the rifled rifles in use at the time, and more like a glimpse into the world of long guns that defined the "Wild West". The carbine has a round barrel in a metal frame for durability. Cylinders are slotted and set in a closed frame design.

The firing action consisted of percussion, operated by a hammer mounted on the right side of the gun body. The trigger is located under the rifle-style handle and is protected by an elegant oval trigger ring. When firing, the wooden stock is bent at the butt to accommodate the shoulder.

Overall, the Model 1855 is an elegant design that combines metal and wood and offers the clean lines typical of Colt products of the time.

The Model 1855 was introduced by the U.S. Army in 1855, but it did not enter full service until 1857 due to problems with ammunition "boiling". After the cartridge is fired, a large amount of hot gas is generated in and around the cartridge, which deposits in various parts of the cartridge chamber.

Since gunpowder ignites naturally under such heated conditions, this residual gas may seep into the remaining chambered rounds and trigger them in unexpected ways. Bullets will be fired directly from the cylinder itself, hitting anything in front of them as if triggered by the hammer/hat assembly.

This behavior could injure the operator's support arm or anyone unfortunate enough to get close to the front of the weapon. This flaw eventually brought the carbine into disrepute.

The burn-out problem was so obvious that special instructions were given to the shooter. This involved using a gun with only one chamber, defeating the purpose of being ready to fire five or six rounds.

Another suggestion included the operator holding the gun in his auxiliary hand, close to the trigger group, and out of reach and misfire path. It appears that the Type 1855 is as dangerous to its users as it is to specific targets.

Regardless, the weapon continued to be used, and sources say the U.S. government purchased between 4,435 and 4,712 rifles for use during the Civil War. The massive supply of ammunition certainly added much-needed repetitive firepower to Union troops, and proved quite lethal in experienced handsa weapon that did earn the respect of Union soldiers despite the limited production of the weapon.

Notable operations involving the Model 1855 include the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19-20, 1863. A version equipped with a super receiver scope can be used in sniper roles with lethal effectiveness.

Success on the field is not directly related to Colt's success in the general market. U.S. authorities reassessed the safety of the rotary rifle, after a group decided not to keep the weapon in the Army's inventory or add it to existing stockpiles.

The rifle was thus retired and many copies were sold at a low price at the time. Thus ending the legacy of the Colt Model 1855 "Rotary Rifle". The total production of over 4,400 samples and its use in the Civil War made this carbine a very rare and exceptional weapon available today.

Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine Specification

ROLES

STRUCTURAL

PERFORMANCE

VARIANTS