Colt Model 1839 Carbine
Colt Model 1839 Carbine | |
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![]() A surviving example of the early Colt Model 1836, a model that preceded the 1839 | |
Type | Carbine |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
Used by | United States Republic of Texas |
Production history | |
Designer | Single-action |
Feed system | 6-round cylinder |
The Colt Model 1839 Carbine is an early
Overview
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Model_1839_Carbine_Patent.jpg/220px-Model_1839_Carbine_Patent.jpg)
The Model 1839 Carbine features a standard 24-inch (61 cm) round barrel with a browned finish. The other metal parts are blued.[2] Although the 24-inch barrel length is most common, 28-inch (71 cm) and 32-inch (81 cm) lengths were produced.[1] The overall length of the 24-inch carbine is 43 inches (110 cm) and the weight of the firearm is 10+1⁄2 pounds (4.8 kg).[3] Unlike Colt Ring Lever rifles, the Model 1839 Carbine features a smoothbore barrel that is chambered in .525 caliber. The 2+1⁄2-inch (6.4 cm) six-shot cylinder features an elaborate roll scene including depictions of a naval battle, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and a hunter with lion.[2][1] The front and rear edges of the cylinder were originally square, though by late production, the rear cylinder edge was rounded. Loading levers affixed to the right side of the frame were not present on early models, becoming standard during mid-production in August 1840.[2][4] The stock is varnished walnut and the buttplate features a rounded heel.[1][5]
The trigger guard on the Model 1839 Carbine is an oval in shape and features a "rearward spur" that continues along the bottom of the stock a short distance before curling back forming a small open circle.[2][5] The Model 1839 is distinguished from the larger Ring Lever rifles by the lack of a ring lever in front of the trigger guard and the presence of an external hammer. Cocking the external hammer back rotates the cylinder to the next position.[2][3]
Model 1839 Shotgun
The Model 1839 Shotgun is similar in appearance and operation to the Model 1839 Carbine.[2][1] The shotgun features a 24-inch (61 cm) or 32-inch (81 cm) Damascus barrel. The six-shot cylinder is 3+1⁄2 inches (8.9 cm) long and features a roll scene which includes depictions of "the American eagle, a deer-hunting sequence, and an Indian with bird hunters."[1] The shotgun is chambered in 16 gauge, (.62 caliber) and lacks an attached loading lever.[2][1]
Refurbished models
These models, which were original Model 1839 Carbines reacquired and refurbished by Colt in 1848, feature unadorned polished cylinders and
Production
In 1838, production of the Model 1839 Carbine began in the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company's factory in Paterson, New Jersey. Production lasted until 1841, with a total of about 950 firearms produced (serial numbers 1–950). Model 1839 Shotguns were manufactured from 1839 to 1841, with between 225 and 262 guns produced (serial numbers 1–225 or 262).[2][1][6] Approximately twenty-five variants of the Model 1839 Carbine were manufactured at some point during Patent Arms' tenure that featured an elongated 3+1⁄4-inch (8.3 cm) cylinder. These models were produced to accommodate a larger musket-sized charge of powder.[1]
Reception and use
Numerous Model 1839 Carbines were sold to several military organizations, though they were never adopted in any widespread manner. The Texas military was a major customer for Colt's new repeating weapons, purchasing several orders of the Model 1839 Carbines.
In 1841, Captain Edwin Vose Sumner conducted field trials with the Colt Model 1839 Carbine and the Jenks Carbine at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania. Sumner's early tests of the two carbines led him to favor the Jenks, which he found to be "twelve rounds quicker than the Colt's carbines". Ultimately, Sumner found the Colt Model 1839 Carbine to be inadequate for military service. Over time, it was found that the cylinders of the Colt Carbine began to corrode due in part to material issues. This caused small holes to develop between the chambers that enabled chain fires to occur.[9] Despite the Model 1839's improvements in operation over Colt's Ring Lever rifles and high regard by Samuel Colt, the carbine failed to fulfill Colt's expectations.[1][5] In addition to some of the aforementioned quality control problems, the carbine's high price proved undesirable for many consumers leading to fewer sales than expected.[10][11]
The Model 1839 Carbine most likely saw action with the United States Marine Corps during the Mexican–American War. The carbines saw action during Winfield Scott's Mexico City campaign beginning with the landings at Veracruz and continuing inland towards Mexico City.[10]
References
- ^ ISBN 9781440226519.
- ^ ISBN 9781440237539.
- ^ ISBN 9780803289031.
- ^ a b c d Castro, John (Spring 1979). "From the Beginning: Patent Arms Manufacturing Co., "Colts Patent"" (PDF). The American Society of Arms Collectors Bulletin. 40. The American Society of Arms Collectors: 45–46. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-08-10. Retrieved 2014-06-17.
- ^ ISBN 9780896892415.
- Autry National Center of the American West. Archived from the originalon December 25, 2015. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ^ ISBN 9781574412284.
- ISBN 9781440226960.
- ISBN 9780786472581.
- ^ National Rifle Association of America National Firearms Museum. Archived from the originalon March 7, 2016. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
- ISBN 9780160899140.