Volcanic Navy Pistol No. 2
Volcanic Repeating Arms Company · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1856
Also known as: Volcanic No. 2 Navy, Volcanic Belt Pistol, Volcanic Holster Pistol
Overview
The Volcanic Navy Pistol No. 2 was a lever-action repeating handgun firing the caseless .41 Volcanic 'Rocket Ball' cartridge from an under-barrel tubular magazine. Offered with a 6-inch 'Belt' barrel or an 8-inch 'Holster' barrel, it carried roughly eight rounds and was among the first true repeating pistols, though the underpowered Rocket Ball charge limited its effectiveness.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Action Type | Lever Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .41 Volcanic (Rocket Ball) · primary — also known as .41 Rocket Ball, .41 Volcanic
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Features: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine, Caseless Rocket Ball Ammunition, Gunmetal Frame, Brass Front Post Sight, Dovetailed V Notch Rear Sight
Base model
Production
Estimated total produced: 300 · Production years: 1856-1860
Approximately 300 No. 2 Navy pistols produced; production spanned the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company and its successor, the New Haven Arms Company
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Horace Smith
Discontinued: 1860
Notes
The 6-inch barrel version was called the 'Belt' model and the 8-inch version the 'Holster' model; the 8-inch length is recorded here. Only about 300 No. 2 Navy pistols are believed to have been produced. Later examples were assembled under the successor New Haven Arms Company.
Background
The Volcanic pistols were the joint product of Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, the same pair who would go on to found Smith & Wesson. Oliver Winchester, an early Volcanic investor, took the company over after its 1856 insolvency, seeding the lineage that became Winchester Repeating Arms.