Colt Paterson
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1836
Also known as: Paterson revolver, Colt Model 1836, Texas Paterson
Overview
The Colt Paterson was the first commercially successful repeating firearm to use a revolving cylinder with multiple chambers aligned to a single barrel. Patented by Samuel Colt in 1836 and built by the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company in Paterson, New Jersey, it was a single-action, five-shot percussion revolver with a distinctive folding trigger that dropped down only when the hammer was cocked. Early guns were chambered in .28 caliber, with the larger .36 holster model following.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1200 g (42.3 oz) |
| Overall Length | 349 mm (13.74") |
| Barrel Length | 191 mm (7.52") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 7 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .36 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · primary — also known as .36 cal, .36 percussion, 9.1mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Pins Between Nipples
- Features: Revolving Cylinder, Folding Trigger, Single Action Only, Percussion Cap Ignition
Variants
- Colt Paterson No. 5 Holster (Texas) Model — Holster Model
- Colt Paterson No. 2 Pocket (Baby) Model — Pocket Model
Service history
Operators
- Republic of Texas (Texas Rangers) · adopted 1839
- United States
Conflicts
- Comanche Wars (1836-1875)
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 2,800 · Production years: 1836-1842
Total across all Paterson models; the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company went bankrupt in 1842
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Samuel Colt
Discontinued: 1842
Notes
About 2,800 revolvers of all types were produced before the company failed in 1842. The Texas Rangers' use of the .36 No. 5 'Texas' model, notably at the Battle of Walker's Creek in 1844, demonstrated the revolver's combat value and helped revive Colt's fortunes.
Background
The Paterson's success with the Texas Rangers led Captain Samuel Walker to seek out Samuel Colt and co-design the massive Walker revolver, reviving Colt's business after the original Paterson company had already gone bankrupt.