In the grand narrative of firearm evolution, Japan’s Meiji Type 18 Murata rifle holds a unique place as the nation’s first domestically produced military rifle. Designed by Major Murata Tsuneyoshi, this rifle was a crucial step in Japan’s transition from imported weaponry to self-sufficient arms manufacturing. As the world’s great powers raced toward industrial and...
The Colt Paterson Pistol
The Colt Paterson revolver stands as one of the most significant milestones in firearms history, marking the birth of the modern revolving firearm. Samuel Colt’s early revolver was not just a weapon; it was a revolutionary concept that redefined personal armament. From its origins in the 1830s to its pivotal role in shaping American frontier...
The 1863 Starr Army Revolver: The Unsung Workhorse of the Civil War
The American Civil War was a proving ground for firearms innovation, a time when manufacturers fought not only on battlefields but also in factories, pushing the limits of technology to supply the Union and Confederate forces with reliable weaponry. Among the pantheon of Civil War revolvers, one name often takes a backseat to the likes...
Martin Meylin's Gunshop: The Legacy of an Early American Gunsmith
The history of firearms in America is deeply interwoven with the pioneering gunsmiths who established the foundation of American riflemaking. Among these early craftsmen, Martin Meylin stands as a key figure in the evolution of gunsmithing in Pennsylvania. While often associated with the development of the Pennsylvania long rifle (also known as the Kentucky rifle),...