Colt 1861 Navy (foreground) and 1860 Army (background) “File:Coltnewmodles.jpg” by Michael E. Cumpston is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Introduction Few firearms have shaped American history like the Colt 1851 Navy and the Colt 1860 Army revolvers. Designed by Samuel Colt, these two cap-and-ball revolvers were not only some of the most widely used handguns of the mid-19th…
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Articles by Staff Editor on Powder & Lead. In-depth firearms content covering history, reloading, gear reviews, and shooting sports.
The 1855 Colt New Model Revolving Rifle
The 1855 Colt New Model Revolving Rifle: A Pioneering but Flawed FirearmThe mid-19th century was a period of rapid innovation in firearms technology, and few weapons exemplify both the ambition and limitations of that era quite like the Colt New Model Revolving Rifle. Developed by Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company, this firearm sought to extend…
The Colt Lightning
Additional Historical ContextThe annals of firearms history are teeming with groundbreaking designs, innovators, and remarkable engineering. One of the most iconic creations to emerge from this is the Colt Lightning rifle. Known for its speed and reliability, the Colt Lightning carved out a unique place for itself in the vast firearms landscape.Introduced in 1884 by…
The Dance Brothers Revolver: Texas Confederate Arms
IntroductionIn American firearms history, few weapons embody the resilience and ingenuity of Southern gunsmithing during the Civil War as profoundly as the Dance Brothers revolver. Manufactured in Texas by the Dance family, these rare and distinctive six-shooters served as a crucial alternative to Colt revolvers at a time when the Confederacy was desperate for domestically…
The M25 Sniper Weapon System: History and Performance
The M25 Sniper Weapon System: Its Development, Manufacture, and UseThe M25 Sniper Weapon System is a testament to the blend of technological advancement and precise craftsmanship. Created for precision shooting in challenging battlefield conditions, the M25 has seen use in several conflicts, solidifying its position as a formidable asset in the arsenal of the United…
What is bullet seating and how do I do it?
Bullet Seating Bullet seating is the process of pressing the bullet into the case of a cartridge during the reloading process. The depth at which the bullet is seated can have significant effects on the accuracy and safety of the cartridge. Here are the basic steps for bullet seating: Materials Required: Procedure: Remember, safety should…
The Winchester Model 1885 High-Wall Rifle
Additional Historical ContextIn the world of firearms, certain designs stand out as true icons, representing a bygone era when craftsmanship, precision, and simplicity were the hallmarks of gunmaking. One such icon is the High-Wall Rifle. Built with a robust falling block action and known for its exceptional accuracy and elegant lines, the High-Wall Rifle holds…
The Springfield Model 1861: A Pivotal Civil War Arm
Additional Historical Context The Springfield Model 1861, one of the most prolific weapons of the American Civil War era, was born amidst rapidly advancing firearm technology. Its origin can be traced back to the Springfield Armory, an iconic institution established in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1794 by George Washington. The Armory was dedicated to the production…
Mossberg & Sons: A History of American Firearms
Introduction to MossbergFounded in 1919, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. stands as the oldest family-owned firearms manufacturer in the United States, with a reputation built on affordability, reliability, and innovative firearm design. From its beginnings in New Haven, Connecticut, to its rise as a dominant force in the firearms industry, Mossberg has consistently delivered firearms…
The Henry Rifle: A Revolution in Firearms History
The Henry Rifle: The Lever-Action Firearm That Revolutionized Warfare and the American FrontierThe Henry rifle stands as one of the most revolutionary firearms in history. From its introduction in the early 1860s to its enduring legacy in modern reproductions, the Henry rifle set the stage for lever-action technology that would shape the future of firearms….