Colt Model 1855 "Root" Sidehammer
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1855
Also known as: Colt Root, Root Revolver, Model 1855 Sidehammer, New Model Pocket Pistol
Overview
The Colt Model 1855 Sidehammer, commonly called the Colt Root revolver, was a compact single-action percussion pocket revolver designed by Colt factory superintendent Elisha K. Root and patented on Christmas Day 1855. It is notable as the only solid-frame, side-hammer percussion revolver Colt ever produced; the topstrap-equipped solid frame would not reappear in Colt's line until the 1873 Single Action Army. Early First Series guns were chambered in .28 caliber, while later Second Series models used .31 caliber, both loaded as five-shot cap-and-ball with a creeping loading lever and fired by a side-mounted hammer.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 480 g (16.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Barrel Length | 89 mm (3.50") |
| Action Type | Single Action Revolver |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolver Cylinder |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .31 Caliber Percussion · primary — also known as .31 cap and ball, .31 pocket
- .28 Caliber Percussion — also known as .28 cap and ball, .28 pocket
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Muzzle Loaded Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notch
- Features: Side Hammer, Solid Frame, Creeping Loading Lever, Spur Trigger, Roll Engraved Cylinder, Percussion Cap Ignition
Service history
Operators
- American civilians
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 40,000 · Production years: 1855-1870
About 40,000 made across all models: ~26,000 First Series .28 (1855-1861) and ~14,000 Second Series .31 (1860-1873)
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Elisha King Root
Discontinued: 1870
Notes
Sources disagree on a few points: overall length is given as 8 in (203 mm) by most sources versus 6.97 in by militaryfactory, hammer side is cited as right (dealer sources) versus left (militaryfactory), and one source erroneously lists six shots rather than five. Weight varies with barrel length (~17-20 oz). Roll-engraved cylinders show cabin (.28) or cabin/stagecoach (.31) scenes.
Background
Elisha K. Root was Colt's master mechanic and factory superintendent, the man who actually built out Colt's revolutionary mass-production armory, and the sidehammer revolver bearing his name is the only solid-frame, side-hammer percussion revolver Colt ever made. The same sidehammer action was scaled up to power the Colt Model 1855 revolving rifles and carbines, and its creeping loading lever became standard on Colt's later 1860 Army, 1861 Navy and 1862 Police revolvers.