Starr revolver
Starr DA (Starr double-action) Double-action | |
---|---|
Muzzle velocity | 725 ft/s (221 m/s)[1] |
Feed system | 6 round cylinder[2] |
A Starr revolver (Starr DA) is a
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Starr_DA_44_revolver_1862.jpg/220px-Starr_DA_44_revolver_1862.jpg)
Power and charge
The Starr DA .44 cylinder holds in each chamber 33 grains (2.1 g) of powder, the bullet weighs 138 grains (8.9 g).[1]
Three variations
Starr received patent number 30843 on December 4, 1860 for the DA revolver.[6]
Starr patent:
Generally there are three models of Starr revolvers:[2]
1858 Double Action .36 Caliber Percussion Navy Revolver (produced 1859-1860) [3000 produced][5]
1858 Double Action .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver (produced 1862-1863) [~23000 produced][7]
1863 Single Action .44 Caliber Percussion Army Revolver (produced 1863-1864) [23000 produced][7]
In total, 47,454 Starr revolvers were manufactured making it the third most issued of civil war era revolvers (6,352 Starr DA Navy and Army revolvers were purchased on the open market).[7]
Other double-action percussion revolvers
The most widely known double-action percussion revolver is likely the First Model Adams of 1851. This was unique in having a double-action-only mechanism, a cylinder that could quickly be removed by pulling forward on the front of the cylinder pin and slightly tapered cylinders designed to take either proprietary combustible cartridges with a conical bullet designed to fit the tapered cylinder or a round ball. No ramrod was provided. Another unique feature was a safety catch which held the hammer away from the percussion cap under it so it could be carried with all its 5 cylinders loaded unlike the Colt in which one of its 6 cylinders was left uncapped while carried because the hammer would rest on it which could result in a discharge if dropped. An improved version of this is the
Pietta replica
For a time, the Pietta company manufactured a modern-day replica of the Starr double-action and single-action models.
Cultural reference
The Starr DA is featured in the 1992 film Unforgiven, when William Munny (Clint Eastwood) takes it from its case to determine whether he has lost his former shooting ability. The self-cocking trigger can be seen in this film. In the 1994 film Wyatt Earp young Wyatt Earp (Kevin Costner) carries this gun.
This gun is shown in its case in the 1982 film First Blood.
References
- ^ a b c d "Starr Revolvers and Carbines". Hackman-adams.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ a b c d e f Marc Wade. "Starr Revolver Week 1". Armscollectors.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ a b c d "Dixie Gun Works muzzleloading, blackpowder and rare antique gun supplies". Dixiegunworks.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ a b c Marc Wade. "Starr Revolver Week 2". Armscollectors.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ a b "Civil War Sidearms". Rebelstatescurrency.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ "Patent Images". Patimg1.uspto.gov. Retrieved 2013-02-20.
- ^ a b c Marc Wade. "Starr Revolver Week 3". Armscollectors.com. Retrieved 2013-02-20.