Historical Firearm Features

Despite its enduring popularity today, the M1911 was an adjustment for U.S. servicemen when it was first introduced.  

I have a Husqvarna double-action revolver that I cannot find any information on. It has a three-digit serial number, and all parts are numbered. The octagonal barrel is 35⁄8" long and the six-shot cylinder has tapered chambers.

During World War I, production shortages and equipment shortages placed a large burden on the manufacture of arms in the United States. This included M1911 pistol production by Colt, which developed an interesting hybrid with Springfield Armory to alleviate shortages.

Colt’s Model 1877 Lightning revolver (occasionally confused with its 1884 Lightning pump-action rifle) was the company’s first double-action handgun, brought out to compete with the double-action British bulldog revolvers gaining in popularity at the time.

I have a question about a Rock Island Arsenal holster stamped “E.H.S.” that contains a 1900 Eagle Test Luger serial No. 70XX.

Q: I have an old gun that I cannot identify. It’s a .22-cal., single-shot, target-style pistol. I believe the barrel is a Parkerfield, but the stamping is spelled “PARKERIFLED.”

During World War II, Brazilian troops fought as part of the U.S. Fifth Army in Italy. Although they mostly used American military arms, the men of the Brazilian Expeditionary Force also brought along Colt pistols and Smith & Wesson revolvers from home.

Christian Sharps is probably best remembered for his famous Sharps falling-block, breechloading, single-shot rifle, which he patented on Sept. 12, 1848. But a little more than a year later, on Dec. 18, 1849, he also patented an equally innovative four-barreled derringer.

The Ruger Blackhawk single-action revolver made its debut in 1955, and 50 years later, Ruger paid tribute to those first “flattop” guns with a production run reminiscent of the originals—and some very special engraved flattops from The Ruger Studio of Art & Decoration.