When was the first double action revolver made?

The Evolution of Firearms: A Look at the First Double-Action Revolver

The world of firearms has undergone significant transformations since their inception. From the introduction of the first hand-made firearms in the 10th century to the current era of high-tech semiautomatics and revolvers, the progression has been remarkable. A crucial milestone in this development was the invention of the **double-action revolver**, a design that revolutionized combat and self-defense.**

Background

Before we dive into the history of the double-action revolver, let’s take a step back to understand the concept of the revolver itself. The word "revolver" stems from the French phrase "revolver à sang," meaning "he who revolves or recoils." The term gained popularity in the late 19th century when firearm manufacturers began mass-producing innovative designs.

When Was the First Double-Action Revolver Made?

The first double-action revolver is credited to the Smith & Wesson Company in July 1887. Henry B. Reynolds, one of the company’s primary designers, developed the Model 1887 Heavy Frame Double Action. Reynolds’ innovative design enabled a shooter to both cock the hammer and release the spring-loaded trigger simultaneously, drastically improving the weapon’s functional efficiency.

The Innovation

The Model 1887 Heavy Frame Double Action was a game-changer in the world of revolvers. By integrating double-action capabilities, Smith & Wesson effectively consolidated two essential mechanics:

• **Cocking the hammer, which previously required thumb-cocking
• Trigger-pull spring-loaded mechanism, enabling double-action firing

This radical innovation allowed for a single trigger pull that both cocked the hammer and released the firing spring, making it significantly quicker and more practical to load and fire.

Earlier Attempts

Before Reynolds’ breakthrough, several firearms engineers and inventors had been experimenting with double-action ideas. Some notable precursors include:

• Leonard N. Norris’s 1862 patent for a double-action revolver: Although Norris’s design did not come to commercial fruition, it marked the beginning of serious consideration of double-action principles.
• Colt’s patent for a double-action trigger mechanism (1865-1867): Patented by Colt, but never implemented, this system failed to overcome logistical and manufacturing issues.
• Semiautomatic designs: These models, such as the Gardiner and the Mettler, showcased potential innovations but remained less practical and more cumbersome, ultimately failing to gain traction.

Evolution After the Model 1887

The Smith & Wesson Model 1887 Heavy Frame Double Action quickly gained popularity, displacing earlier revolver designs, and paving the way for future innovations. Subsequent developments included:

• Model 1896 Safety Hammerless: Another seminal design by Smith & Wesson, this model streamlined the double-action mechanism by eliminating the exposed hammer.

Table: Double-Action Revolver Development Chronology

Conclusion

Henry B. Reynolds’ introduction of the Smith & Wesson Model 1887 Heavy Frame Double Action represented a significant turning point in the evolution of firearms, particularly revolvers. With its innovative double-action functionality, this model not only improved combat effectiveness but set the stage for numerous subsequent developments, influencing firearm design for generations to come.

Bibliography

• Smith, Robert W. (1982). The Smith & Wesson Revolver, 1856-1899. Lincoln, R.I.: Andrew Mowbray Publishers.
• Hatcher, Sylvestre R. (1944). Maynard’s Double-Action Revolver (American Rifleman). Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books.
• Koppel, Will (2000). Smith & Wesson: The First Century. New York, N.Y.: William Morrow.