Leveraction revolvers
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Leveraction revolvers
P.W. Porter Turret Revolver
One of the earliest was the P.W. Porter Turret Revolver. Made in very limited numbers during the early 1850's, this .41 caliber 9-shot revolver featured a revolving turret that was actuated by working the finger lever. This also cocked the hammer. Priming was automatic and used the pill lock system Barrel length was 5 1/4". This is one of the most unusual revolvers ever made. The problem with it was the same one that plagued Porter's Turret Rifle ... the loaded turret pointed directly at the shooters face! Not a good thing if there happened to be a chain-fire.
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Savage-North Figure 8 Model
Produced in 4 configurations this 36 caliber revolver featured a figure-8 finger lever that rotated the cylinder and cocked the hammer. The finger lever also housed the trigger. Probably less than 1000 total were made.
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Savage Revolving Firearms Co.
Navy Model
After Savage reorganized in 1859 under this name they began working on an improvement of the Figure 8 Revolver. The Navy Model featured a more refined finger lever and other improvements. The guns were made in 36 caliber and retained some features from the Figure 8 Revolver including the chamfered chambers that fitted over the end of the barrel to produce a tighter seal.
Around 20,000 of these revolvers were made from 1861 until sometime in the mid -1860's, most for government contracts.
The single-action revolver quickly replaced the lever-action revolvers, being much simpler and easier to manipulate in a crisis situation. The single-action revolvers were less complicated in construction and number of parts also. The ruggedness and reliability of the single-action is legendary.
While the lever-action revolvers are interesting and a vital part of the history of leverguns, they simply could not compete with the improved firearms coming on the scene. This is in stark contrast to the rifles which even in today's high-tech world hold their own among shooters and hunters.
One of the earliest was the P.W. Porter Turret Revolver. Made in very limited numbers during the early 1850's, this .41 caliber 9-shot revolver featured a revolving turret that was actuated by working the finger lever. This also cocked the hammer. Priming was automatic and used the pill lock system Barrel length was 5 1/4". This is one of the most unusual revolvers ever made. The problem with it was the same one that plagued Porter's Turret Rifle ... the loaded turret pointed directly at the shooters face! Not a good thing if there happened to be a chain-fire.
_____
Savage-North Figure 8 Model
Produced in 4 configurations this 36 caliber revolver featured a figure-8 finger lever that rotated the cylinder and cocked the hammer. The finger lever also housed the trigger. Probably less than 1000 total were made.
_____
Savage Revolving Firearms Co.
Navy Model
After Savage reorganized in 1859 under this name they began working on an improvement of the Figure 8 Revolver. The Navy Model featured a more refined finger lever and other improvements. The guns were made in 36 caliber and retained some features from the Figure 8 Revolver including the chamfered chambers that fitted over the end of the barrel to produce a tighter seal.
Around 20,000 of these revolvers were made from 1861 until sometime in the mid -1860's, most for government contracts.
The single-action revolver quickly replaced the lever-action revolvers, being much simpler and easier to manipulate in a crisis situation. The single-action revolvers were less complicated in construction and number of parts also. The ruggedness and reliability of the single-action is legendary.
While the lever-action revolvers are interesting and a vital part of the history of leverguns, they simply could not compete with the improved firearms coming on the scene. This is in stark contrast to the rifles which even in today's high-tech world hold their own among shooters and hunters.
Re: Leveraction revolvers
They're kind of homely if not downright ugly but that's just my opinion.....
I've got a series of novels set in the war between states where the protagonist carries a savage. I think they could be cornwell's "starbuck chronicles" but I'm not sure.
I've got a series of novels set in the war between states where the protagonist carries a savage. I think they could be cornwell's "starbuck chronicles" but I'm not sure.
m.A.g.a. !
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
Jim,
I had one of those Savage revolvers it came to me completely frozen and even after a month in Kroil it was still locked up. I had to take out every screw using the secret drill press method…….that’s the easy way to take out a screw and not mess nothing up.
This is the one I had…should have kept it but I was money hungry for another single action Colt.
https://youtu.be/OvZuy6oaTkY
I had one of those Savage revolvers it came to me completely frozen and even after a month in Kroil it was still locked up. I had to take out every screw using the secret drill press method…….that’s the easy way to take out a screw and not mess nothing up.
This is the one I had…should have kept it but I was money hungry for another single action Colt.
https://youtu.be/OvZuy6oaTkY
Re: Leveraction revolvers
They are home Ray .. for sure.
Jack, I would take a Colt any day over the Savage, even the percussion Colts. I had a Savage that had been dug up in Creed, Colorado. It was missing the internals and the hammer. Just the frame, cylinder and lever. I had it at a Gun Show and sold it to a gentleman from England who was going to try and take it back home. He especially wanted the paper with it that told of how it was found. I was happy to sell it to him.
Jack, I would take a Colt any day over the Savage, even the percussion Colts. I had a Savage that had been dug up in Creed, Colorado. It was missing the internals and the hammer. Just the frame, cylinder and lever. I had it at a Gun Show and sold it to a gentleman from England who was going to try and take it back home. He especially wanted the paper with it that told of how it was found. I was happy to sell it to him.
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
here is one of mine:
and another:
these were custom built and the fun part of these is that they are both 22LR rimfires !
and another:
these were custom built and the fun part of these is that they are both 22LR rimfires !
cable
Re: Leveraction revolvers
Those are very cool, Cable!
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
Doctor Cable: Amazing!
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
thanks, fellows. i probably paid too much for them but...... so be it.
wish i had a savage lever action percussion pistol repro set set up the same way
wish i had a savage lever action percussion pistol repro set set up the same way
cable
Re: Leveraction revolvers
Cool looking guns. Not everything has to be pretty.
D. Brian Casady
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
Quid Llatine Dictum Sit, Altum Viditur.
Advanced is being able to do the basics while your leg is on fire---Bill Jeans
Don't ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up---Robert Frost
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
Neato Harold…..many years ago I had serial number 22 of a Volcanic……even posted it here….I joked that I used it as a door prop. It was complete except missing a side plate…….oh well….just memories now.
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Re: Leveraction revolvers
Thanks for posting these Jim. It is always fun to learn a little more about our hobby and history.
JBowen
JBowen