I have gotten several comments and emails about not putting out a video last week. I'm sorry about that. But, I am OK. It has nothing to do with my health. Life has been happening lately. Some events were expected. For instance, I was tied up for three days doing taxes. And I lost most of a day getting my truck inspected. On top of that I’m in charge overseeing construction of a new range at my main gun club, and of replacing an old bridge at that same club. Those projects have eaten up a lot of my time. But there were some unexpected events as well. The worst of those was that I was defrauded by my website development company. Right now I’m scrambling with a new IT guy to try to save my site, which is hosted on a server in Ukraine…not ideal. And, last but not least, I have a contractor doing some major improvements to Duelist's Den...that has me down there a lot, but I won't be able to actually shoot there until probably late next week.
Mike, I just ran across a armi san paolo 1851 navy squareback triggerguard imported by richland arms. I scooped it right up! Have you ever owned a armi san paolo?
@@duelist1954 It has been said if you find a reason to live; you'll find a way to live. I was once morbidly obese in 2019, but started eating more fish and flax. Your health is your choice, just as being active is. We both do what we like. I like research and history. I am glad you chose to pursue that to whatever degree. Ukraine helped the Nazi genocide of my people, so I do not defend their culture. I do defend every people's individual right to choose. The enslavement of anyone seems to be an attack on us all. Slaves are denied their right to self-defense. All sane law abiding citizens should have acces to automatic weapons and stinger missiles for public safety and national security. Servers just help protect us from ignorance. Ones and zeros are more fragile than squiggles in clay that lasted 6,000 years after cuneiform was invented. Of course, clay is harder to copy or publish. Ideas/concepts have the longest history, but that's just a rumor. Rumors and lies seem to last longer. But, I was born the day of the last bayonet charge in the Korean War. That war is still on. It just paused with an "armistace." Bring home US troups and it would be on again until tyranny is victorious as it was in Vietnam.Which is more corrupt? Putin or Biden? That is for the citizens of their nation to decide.
My great grandmother shot a burglar in the leg with an iver johnson break top 38 S&W. I have that little gun and shoot it once in a while. She was a firecracker and the sweetest woman. She passed away in her 90s back in the early 80s and I still miss her.
My mother was a very active Antique dealer in the late 50s to late 60s in central NYS. Saturday Nite Specials and even some Colt and S&W pistols like these were always an item you could buy cheaply in her shop, even if a little "under the counter". This video brought back a lot of memories. I, as a boy, I even found a top break model in a shale bottomed creek in Clockville NY in the early 60s. After soaking in Keroseen for a week or two I was able to get all the scale off and got it to function, if not actually fire. Probably 32 cal. Before or after WW II, one of the off brands (H&R ?)came out with a 32 short, marketed as a "Boy Scout" model that I had. So weak that when shot into the end of a log, the bullet stuck out over half its length.
Yes I have my great grandfathers 32 s&w short revolver. I still shoot and load for it. I chronographed it's velocity it maxed out at 532 fps with an 88 grain lead bullet . I have pellet guns that shoot twice that velocity.
I have a H&R Ctge 38 S&W short really cool little revolver it perfect shape. 125 years old works flawless I thought it was worth more being in the shape it's in but was only offered 250 bucks for it. I kept it I have some other old ones so it will just go with the collection but I like the design I even carry it sometimes.
Yes, interesting info. Although probably better that you both walk rather than sit as you listened to him talk. Now, I should get up and follow my own suggestion.
I had a Iver Johnson (I believe) in .44 bulldog. I never shot it, because I don't reload and couldn't find someone really willing to tackle making the round. It was cool tho.
👍 Some of the best 50 minutes I have spent. I was amazed at the number of different types of pocket pistols introduced in the later part of the 19th Century and blown away by the number of Smith and Wesson and S&W style top break revolvers sold. Thank you for posting this extremely interesting video.
First revolver I ever bought was an old Iver Johnson 32 break top. Was a black powder cartridge I used to get from old west scrounger. It actually shot pretty well at 15 feet
My Dad left me a S&W Safety Hammerless snub nose that had the cylinders bored thru to allow .38 Spl wadcutter handloads (with brass trimmed down a bit) to be chambered. He carried it as a hide-out gun throughout WWII and I still carry it occasionally today. It makes an excellent pocket pistola!
@michals5873 That is why .38 spl hollowbase wadcutters were used the back would expand when fired just like a miniball for muskets and grab the rifling to be accurate.
Interesting history presentation. I carried a H&R 5 shot, top break in .38 S&W, 3" barrel revolver as my back up pistol to my duty sidearm. Strictly a 7 yards or less capable pistol. It was very accurate with light recoil and served me for quite sometime.
Great video! In reading about labor disputes, family feuds, and other nafarious incidents of the early 1900's. Those break action revolvers were ubiquitous. I heard the term "lemon squeezer," actually used in an old radio detective drama once. Unfortunate that the historical record of the lesser makers is so spotty.
Totally right. J frames are easy to carry every day so they are often carried. Love mine, have trained a bunch to shoot it well, even at much greater distance then I'd ever imagine having to use it for defense purposes.
I hate that I watch these videos over and over, but can only give them the thumbs up once. You entertain me endlessly, and I apologize I can't do more to support your efforts. Thank you,Mike, from the bottom of me heart.
Great video! I've been obsessed with Victorian era pocket guns since I was a kid. Love to see an episode specifically on derringers. The Remington 95, the Sharps, along with the original Philadelphia derringers. If you haven't done one already.
Great video, Mike. Fascinating. Wish my top break H&R .38 hadn’t vanished in a divorce. I’ve had the S&W and Iver Johnson in the past. Some things change little. Even now, my big redheaded ex-cop wife carries hammerless 5 shot .38 Smith & Wessons. Take care. Having recently had a birthday, I’m reminded we 1954 models require maintenance now and then. 😉
As an on-duty cop, I carried a long slide .40 S&W G35 with a G27 backup. It replaced my Para Ordnance Hi-Cap .45-14 and NAA .380 Guardian, mainly because of magazine compatibility. After retirement I upgraded to a pair of 10mm G40 and G29. If not carrying these pistols, I pack a S&W R8 .357 magnum 8 shooter with a PD360 in the same caliber as backup. I would never feel adequately armed with the micro pistols most people carry.
The best gun is the one in your hand when you are in the fight for your life. The more guns you have handy, the more likely you can grab one and use it when the chips are down to turn the table on your killer(s). 🪖🏆🏅🥇🎖
@@jamesburns2232 just because bits in your hands dosnt make it the best.😂😂 It might be the best you have or better than a gun at home but its not simply the best 😂😂😂 You are silly AF
Another Great Video! Well put together and very infomative. I agree with you on what the majority of the people out there carried. Thank you for the work you put into making these video's. Much better then what is on TV!
Another fantastic history video! I love your collection of top breaks and other post civil war pocket revolvers. I’ve a couple of H&Rs and an Iver Johnson. I really enjoy tinkering with and shooting these gems. Thank you
Your comment about bib-overall guns reminded me of a story. One of my great grandfathers was born & raised in SW Missouri during the last quarter of the 19th Century. Family lore says that the James gang, at least by reputation and rumor was not the only roving criminal menace in MO at the time, and it was not uncommon to carry a small pistol when traveling about. This great grandfather reportedly carried some flavor of .32 revolver. He apparently shot himself in the hand one evening while driving a wagon. Dogs from a farmstead he passed ran out to chase the horses. Reins in one hand and pistol in the other, he fired a few rounds to chase off the dogs but failed to synchronize his hand movement…. Your videos are always fascinating. The vast majority of the concealable carry guns today are far safer and more reliable than anything from the last 125-150 years - maybe even the last 25 years. The need for a concealable firearms over larger working guns hasn’t changed, however.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I no longer have a warm fire place but your videos are akin to just that…sitting in front of a warm fire place. Well done and much appreciated.
I own only one original 19th century made handgun. It's a Merwin, Hulbert & Co 32 Short DA pocket revolver. The mechanics of the pistol are what fascinate me, which is why I bought it. I'd like to acquire one of the S&W DA break-tops, but after watching this video, there may be a few more designs I'd be be interested in, particularly that Remington-Smoot one-piece revolver.
I carry a 732 because it goes bang every time and fits nicely into my pocket. That lead to me picking up a nice HR top break in nickel that still shines quite a bit. All because I bought a box of .32 sw by accident one day instead of .acp lol.
This is one of your longer videos. It was wholly enjoyable, from beginning to end. An enjoyable history of late nineteenth century self defense pistols, said history serving as a framework to show us, to great advantage, your sublime collection of the pistols of that era. Thanks. I even approve of the forest green chamois shirt you were wearing, and the solid brown background (paper?) behind you. It matched the shirt somehow.
Great video. I was one of those who requested this video after seeing Mike's video on everyday carry in the cap and ball era. Seeing the number of guns sold paints a different picture about what was likely carried the most vs what I previously imagined. I didn't see anything about Colt's 1873 police or shopkeepers models, but I assume those were rare, custome models and their sales numbers were included with all the other 1873 pistols. As usual, great job, Mike.
Totally makes sense that pocket pistols were and are so popular. I love learning this type of history. I have a replica of 1862 Colt Police pocket pistol (.36 caliber) by COLT in the 1980's. It's black powder 5 shot and has never been shot. I just love looking at it and learning about the history of these types of guns. Naturally I would love to own an original but they are out of my price range and probably should be in a museum. Someday I might get a 1911, because it's such an iconic gun. I learned more about the Derringer pistols from your video, let alone the Smith & Wesson. I had no idea which pocket pistol models were the most produced and popular with Americans. You did a great job, thumbs up and subscribed!! Thank you Sir.
Am I remembering correctly I seem to recall Rollin White worked for Colt and offered his bore thru cylinder to Colt, Colt told him to pound sand because nothing would ever come of it, the rest is history. I might be thinking of something else, but I seem to recall reading that a few years ago.
Sounds about right. I also recall S&W pulled a sneaky one on White when the they bought the rights to his patent. Somehow although S&W got the manufacturer's rights they left White with the responsibility of protecting the patent rights in court. Don't know how the man ended up financially with that deal.
dig it mike. my first hand gun was a HR .32 top-break ,when i was 5 ,back in the 50's my dad let me play with . ( no bullets ) in the house. so naturally i love top-breaks . still have it.......ya better believe it .....pilgrim.
i never get tired of digging up one of your older videos when theres something that tickles my fancy and i find yet again you've covered it thoroughly , cheers big ears from down under
Mike, I've been watching your channel for years now. And a few purchases of my own have been based off your videos.....but this was my favorite video so far. I've been thinking about the origins of concealed carry in the US for quite some time now, and you answered a bunch of questions I had. This topic should absolutely be adapted into a reference book. Huge thanks!
Thanks Mike, the entire series of videos made during the non shooting winter months have been fabulous! Your knowledge on these topics is truly amazing. They are my “go to” reference library.
thank you for your great research! I inherited two pockets from my grandfather who died in 1930. One is a Merwin Hulbert 7 shot .32 with the rotating action and a folding hammer. The other is a Harring & Richardson flip top .32 with nickel plate and mother of pearl grips. The former has a broken mainspring and the latter shoots like a dream!!! Still a very viable old girl. Again, thanks for your great work here. Lastly I was left a Remington model 4 in .32 rimfire which is in excellent condition.
I inherited a very large number of 19th and early 20th century firearms when my uncle Joe passed away. He was a prolific collector and I loved listening to him when he talked about the old west and the truth about what people actually carried vs what Hollywood movies depict. Far less Colt SAA were carried vs Break top S&W and other manufacturers revolvers and small caliber pocket pistols
This is by far the most educational channel i warch. I loved the story of the Schofield! So much so that i wanted to share it. And couldnt think of a single friend that loves history, guns , horses or the old west as much as i do.
Loved the little .32 Harrington & Richardson you were waving around at the start of show .My great , great uncle had one and it was given to me as a kid in the early fifties . He waved it around too .
One of the best Ive seen on 19 th century pocket guns...with the exception of the Colt snake guns and of course the 1911 I have never been a fan of Colt firearms. On more modern guns little things like the pull-back cylinder release...One of my favorite things about Smith is the second click firing double action that lets you fire as accurately as a single action.
Mike, again I love your presentation! I grew up with an old cowboy horse trader . He also had a large wooden box in his truck of guns he sold and traded.. all of those guns were in that box. I wish I had a time machine..,
Duelist, thanks so much for the well done history lesson. I have of late been on a bit of a "collecting binge" of the old break tops from all those manufacturers you mentioned. Unfortunately the prices are on the way up dependent on condition and rarity but as time goes by that's to be expected. Thanks again for the History lesson and all the time and energy I know that goes into making your videos... Cheers...
25:50 "Against '32 any vest is a bulletproof vest." You know Dear #duelist1954, that's interesting because I have heard such an anecdote. "There were two men. One said: You know? Cap and ball revolvers are bad in 21st century for a self defence - they are to weak. And the other one replied: 150,000 dead people from the Civil War can testimony that cap and ball kills." I think that ANY firepower kills in some circumstances. The question is just range to target and its protection. Regards.
Mike, another great entertaining, information packed video. You've shined a light into a dark and unexplored region of handgun history. Thoroughly, thoroughly, enjoyed the topic. Please keep up the good work. Stay safe.
Murwin & Hulbert was a fantastic revolver, fourth in popularity after Colt, S&W and Remington. The only western movie that I have ever seen one in, and reloaded no less, is "Bone Tomahawk." It's a particularly gruesome western/horror that is not for a weak stomach.
Amazing video! Also just subscribed. With the numbers in the millions compared to the population back then, everyone was packing! Thanks for the video I enjoy the history of guns and the Western history.
Love your videos. And I have admired your collection of firearms for years. I spend a ton of time in the woods and have spent over 3 years becoming proficient with my reproduction 6 guns, and I owe alot of that dedication to your channel and channels like yours that focus on firearms and history. Keep it up, I'll try to get on and watch more.
My edc for the last 24 years has been a charter arms undercover 38special that I inherited from my great grandfather!!😊 But have also carried one of the 2 shot Derringer and the .32 top break! Both great guns for their intended use!! 😊😊 Love your videos man!! So much info! Cant thank u enough
Mike, I want to thank you for all your great videos. You have taught me a lot about early firearms, so much that I now own 5 revolvers (replicas) and I love each one. I also have a 1911 edc like yours except mine is 10mm. My favorite 19th century pistol is my Pietta 1860 army snub nose with the birds head grips. my next one will be a top break of some kind. Thank you sir. I hope your old shooting spot gets the o.k. soon!
At around 11 or 12 years old I carried a Merwin & Hulbert .38 nickle plated DA pistol a folding hammer and an original shoulder holster. It also was cased with original tools.
My grand dad had a pocket pistol which was lost in the pasture one year then found the next year it was a 32 caliber and the name of it is Forehand and wadsworth and it looks like a copy of a smith and Wesson pocket pistol it was nickel finish if I remember right
I have an Iver Johnson, Dec. 1893 with patent pending on the barrel. It has a transfer bar ignition. The add showed striking the revolvers hammer with a real hammer and it wouldn't fire the cartridge.
First let me say, this is an awesome well researched video on guns I love to know as much as possible. The only improvement I would humbly suggest is less time with you in the frame and more with the revolvers, pointing with a pointer, rotating, flashing various pictures, with the only indication that you are even there is your disembodied voice. Keep up the good work!
Thanks. I have been fascinated by these little top breaks. So many I've seen have been riddled with surface cancer. Last year, at an old gun show, finally bought a shiny H&R .32.
Numbers tell the story. I've got an Iver Johnson in 32 s&w, made around 1910. Fun little gun ! Shoots well and is actually quite accurate. I think it spent most of it's life in a stock drawer.
What an excellent presentation Thank you Mike. I have an old Forehand & Wadsworth D/A top break in 32 long. A neat little pistol in very good shape. The cylinder spins freely when not locked in battery in the firing mode of double or single action. I was hoping you'd have an explanation about that feature. I'm guessing it was it just a cost cutting endeavor, but wonder how common that was throughout the other manufacturers.
It was fairly common. In that lock work design, the bolt is only raised when the trigger is pulled all the way back. It doesn't require a rocker spring to keep the bolt up, and it is generally a simpler design.
I loved the video ! It's an informative presentation that explains a lot about the evolution of pocket pistols . I always wondered about the development of the .38S&W and now I know . I loved the STATS on production numbers too . Thank you very much .
I have a S&W .38 top break with a 5” barrel that a 4-5x great uncle carried on the local pd back in the 1890s. I shot it whenever I could find ammo when I was a kid until it lost timing. Even with the terrible sights it shot very well.
I have many 9mm's and 357 snubbies but my favorite carry guns are full size single action 45s. From 3.5in Thunderer grip to 5.5in Artillery. The only time I carry the smaller guys is when it's just too hot for proper cover clothing. Or on motorcycle.
I’ve got my Grandfathers S&W 32 Lemon Squeezer. He was Chief of Police in Macon Georgia. It was his back up gun. It’s not by any means a man stopper at anything past 15 feet but it’ll do at close range. Ammo is available but not common!
My dad was what some would call a gun nut. So I learned a lot from him, you have a lot of knowledge on guns that reminds me of him. I would even say you even know more then he did. I have a 32 cal. handgun made by IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. It was passed on to me by my Mother. The story on it is my Great great grandfather got it for $6.00 from catalog for his wife to keep in her purse. I have never shot it, do to the fact the cylinder is very lose when it should be locked place, and I do not feel it would be safe to use.
My grandfather was born in 1891 in Cleburne, TX. Perhaps stretching the "post-civil war" theme a bit. I grew up on the ranch he owned in west TX. He was always armed with a "pocket gun", though it was technically (actually) illegal to "habitually carry on or about one's person a handgun" at the time. On one's own property or "while traveling", hunting or fishing, it was legal. There were enough holes in that law that it was pretty much ignored outside of cities. I also now own the Colt Official Police .38 Special revolver that was always in his glove compartment. My firearms safety education as a kid was "See that gun?" Yes. "Keep your hands off it!" Worked pretty well. No accidents. I inherited the two guns he carried for as long as I can remember. One was a S&W Safety Hammerless, .38 S&W. It is nickel plated and has a 3.5" barrel. It still works perfectly. The finish is a little worse for wear, but other than that, it works fine. The other is a Colt Model 1903 Automatic Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP. I have always considered that gun to be about perfect in size and shape for concealed carry. Large enough to get a grip on, small enough to conceal and very thin.
I’ve always thought there was a lot of different guns used besides the colt saa , I would like to learn more about the different types of ammo that was used back then, before smokeless totally enters the picture and how much one would have shot back then compared today’s shooting. Great video and much educational, thanks
My Great Great Great Great Grandfather Aimes Stallworth when he was in his early 20's (in the 1880's) worked for a division of Butterfield out of Cochise Az.. He worked OX and Mule wagons along the San Pedro mostly hauling silver ore from Contention City & Charleston (sometimes traveling as far as Agua Prieta and Sulphur Springs) to the train Depot in Benson although there was a R.R. line south from there, (which was the trail they followed mostly,) but that was used by Bisbee for Copper Ore. Originally he carried a 3" nickle J.M. Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 (Marlin Vest Pocket) a 5 shot revolver in .32 Rim Fire Long that he bought at the Presidio in Pima in exchange for some Mexican silver coins. He got the job because he was a Teetotaler, not so many of the men he worked with and he'd have to pull the teamster's from the make shift Taverns & Bawdy Houses all the way North to keep the teams functioning for the transport people. During one of these 'extractions' he got into an altercation with a huge 'Skinner' from Old Mexico and the guy pulled a big knife on Aimes; in the ensuing melee 5 shots were fired and my Grandfather's hands and a Jowl were badly mauled and the skinner had 4 little 90 grain .31 caliber lead bullets lodged in his neck & shoulders which eventually took his life from infection some time after; my Grandfather recovered but was disfigured for life. Although he got a Swamp Angle (.41 RF Revolver) for a short time from a Soiled Dove before selling it to a relative, (we were told that in an establishment near Ochoaville this 200 pound doxy in the midst of a nasty drunk took exception to my Grandfather's lack of interest in her wares and claiming that her purse had been violated emptied the short barreled .41 RF revolver across the room at my Grandfather who everyone thought would surely be killed; however when the smoke cleared he is alleged to have walked calmly across the room and 'knocked her on her britches' retrieved his new short barreled revolver and exited the establishment with out so much as a single scratch!) Eventually he would find a Belgian double action solid frame 5" .44 WCF which was large enough that he had to carry it in a Belt Holster which irritated him to infinity! However with his scars and the Big Pistol serious arguments and discussions became more a thing of the past! His Son my Great Great Great Uncle 'Digger' Stallworth became an agent for the Cattleman's association and was famous for disregarding International Borders, and in his time was regarded as quite the back shooter with his Father's Belgian .44 WCF (.44-40.) It was said that 'Digger' had families From Naco all the way into San Luis. My Great Great Great Great Grandfather Aimes died in bed of pneumonia in 1910 they retrieved a loaded Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Army (along with some brass 12 shells for his bedside single shot shotgun) in .44 Russian from beneath his pillow. How those got there is a story is lost in time! I believe was born in the wrong era!
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
I have gotten several comments and emails about not putting out a video last week.
I'm sorry about that. But, I am OK. It has nothing to do with my health.
Life has been happening lately.
Some events were expected.
For instance, I was tied up for three days doing taxes. And I lost most of a day getting my truck inspected.
On top of that I’m in charge overseeing construction of a new range at my main gun club, and of replacing an old bridge at that same club. Those projects have eaten up a lot of my time.
But there were some unexpected events as well.
The worst of those was that I was defrauded by my website development company. Right now I’m scrambling with a new IT guy to try to save my site, which is hosted on a server in Ukraine…not ideal.
And, last but not least, I have a contractor doing some major improvements to Duelist's Den...that has me down there a lot, but I won't be able to actually shoot there until probably late next week.
Talk about a lot on your plate!
Mike,
I just ran across a armi san paolo 1851 navy squareback triggerguard imported by richland arms. I scooped it right up! Have you ever owned a armi san paolo?
@@discipleochrist4202 Yes, a couple. I'm sorry to say that their quality was sub-par.
@@duelist1954 mike, i appreciate your response brother. this ones barrel has the sam colt new york city address stamped on it. It's pretty neat.
@@duelist1954 It has been said if you find a reason to live; you'll find a way to live. I was once morbidly obese in 2019, but started eating more fish and flax. Your health is your choice, just as being active is. We both do what we like. I like research and history. I am glad you chose to pursue that to whatever degree.
Ukraine helped the Nazi genocide of my people, so I do not defend their culture. I do defend every people's individual right to choose. The enslavement of anyone seems to be an attack on us all. Slaves are denied their right to self-defense. All sane law abiding citizens should have acces to automatic weapons and stinger missiles for public safety and national security.
Servers just help protect us from ignorance. Ones and zeros are more fragile than squiggles in clay that lasted 6,000 years after cuneiform was invented. Of course, clay is harder to copy or publish. Ideas/concepts have the longest history, but that's just a rumor. Rumors and lies seem to last longer. But, I was born the day of the last bayonet charge in the Korean War. That war is still on. It just paused with an "armistace." Bring home US troups and it would be on again until tyranny is victorious as it was in Vietnam.Which is more corrupt? Putin or Biden? That is for the citizens of their nation to decide.
My great grandmother shot a burglar in the leg with an iver johnson break top 38 S&W. I have that little gun and shoot it once in a while. She was a firecracker and the sweetest woman. She passed away in her 90s back in the early 80s and I still miss her.
God bless your great grandmother
The world misses her
My mother was a very active Antique dealer in the late 50s to late 60s in central NYS. Saturday Nite Specials and even some Colt and S&W pistols like these were always an item you could buy cheaply in her shop, even if a little "under the counter". This video brought back a lot of memories. I, as a boy, I even found a top break model in a shale bottomed creek in Clockville NY in the early 60s. After soaking in Keroseen for a week or two I was able to get all the scale off and got it to function, if not actually fire. Probably 32 cal. Before or after WW II, one of the off brands (H&R ?)came out with a 32 short, marketed as a "Boy Scout" model that I had. So weak that when shot into the end of a log, the bullet stuck out over half its length.
Lol. That's awesome. Loved reading it. H&R, Iver Johnson, there were a bunch of them back then. Thanks for sharing that.
Classical firearms are no longer inexpensive.
Yes I have my great grandfathers 32 s&w short revolver. I still shoot and load for it. I chronographed it's velocity it maxed out at 532 fps with an 88 grain lead bullet . I have pellet guns that shoot twice that velocity.
I have a H&R Ctge 38 S&W short really cool little revolver it perfect shape. 125 years old works flawless I thought it was worth more being in the shape it's in but was only offered 250 bucks for it. I kept it I have some other old ones so it will just go with the collection but I like the design I even carry it sometimes.
This man is packed full of knowledge I think I could sit and listen to him talk all day long
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Yep . You got that right
Yes, interesting info. Although probably better that you both walk rather than sit as you listened to him talk. Now, I should get up and follow my own suggestion.
A professor worth the tuition charged by the university.
As could I.
A video covering the British Bulldog type revolvers would be a great complement to this one.
I had a Iver Johnson (I believe) in .44 bulldog. I never shot it, because I don't reload and couldn't find someone really willing to tackle making the round.
It was cool tho.
👍 Some of the best 50 minutes I have spent. I was amazed at the number of different types of pocket pistols introduced in the later part of the 19th Century and blown away by the number of Smith and Wesson and S&W style top break revolvers sold. Thank you for posting this extremely interesting video.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
That was only 50 mins?
😉
Agreed. This presentation was excellent.
First revolver I ever bought was an old Iver Johnson 32 break top. Was a black powder cartridge I used to get from old west scrounger. It actually shot pretty well at 15 feet
My Dad left me a S&W Safety Hammerless snub nose that had the cylinders bored thru to allow .38 Spl wadcutter handloads (with brass trimmed down a bit) to be chambered. He carried it as a hide-out gun throughout WWII and I still carry it occasionally today. It makes an excellent pocket pistola!
It didnt occur to me that this could be done. From what i know .38 s&w uses .361 inch bullet whereas .38 special a .357 or .358
@michals5873 That is why .38 spl hollowbase wadcutters were used the back would expand when fired just like a miniball for muskets and grab the rifling to be accurate.
Interesting history presentation. I carried a H&R 5 shot, top break in .38 S&W, 3" barrel revolver as my back up pistol to my duty sidearm. Strictly a 7 yards or less capable pistol. It was very accurate with light recoil and served me for quite sometime.
Only Duelist1954 can make a 50 minute video and it's still too short!
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks for teaching us. Love this kind of video. Keep them coming.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Great video! In reading about labor disputes, family feuds, and other nafarious incidents of the early 1900's. Those break action revolvers were ubiquitous. I heard the term "lemon squeezer," actually used in an old radio detective drama once. Unfortunate that the historical record of the lesser makers is so spotty.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
It makes the "reenacting" and Hollywood stuff look more funny too. Everyone running around the town with SAAs. 😅
Totally right. J frames are easy to carry every day so they are often carried. Love mine, have trained a bunch to shoot it well, even at much greater distance then I'd ever imagine having to use it for defense purposes.
I hate that I watch these videos over and over, but can only give them the thumbs up once. You entertain me endlessly, and I apologize I can't do more to support your efforts. Thank you,Mike, from the bottom of me heart.
The fact that you enjoy them is the most important thing to me
Great video! I've been obsessed with Victorian era pocket guns since I was a kid. Love to see an episode specifically on derringers. The Remington 95, the Sharps, along with the original Philadelphia derringers. If you haven't done one already.
Great video, Mike. Fascinating. Wish my top break H&R .38 hadn’t vanished in a divorce. I’ve had the S&W and Iver Johnson in the past. Some things change little. Even now, my big redheaded ex-cop wife carries hammerless 5 shot .38 Smith & Wessons. Take care. Having recently had a birthday, I’m reminded we 1954 models require maintenance now and then. 😉
I definitely could use a lube job on my joints...LOL
Wow, those S&W top break production #'s are astounding!
As an on-duty cop, I carried a long slide .40 S&W G35 with a G27 backup. It replaced my Para Ordnance Hi-Cap .45-14 and NAA .380 Guardian, mainly because of magazine compatibility. After retirement I upgraded to a pair of 10mm G40 and G29. If not carrying these pistols, I pack a S&W R8 .357 magnum 8 shooter with a PD360 in the same caliber as backup. I would never feel adequately armed with the micro pistols most people carry.
The best gun is the one in your hand when you are in the fight for your life. The more guns you have handy, the more likely you can grab one and use it when the chips are down to turn the table on your killer(s). 🪖🏆🏅🥇🎖
@@jamesburns2232 just because bits in your hands dosnt make it the best.😂😂
It might be the best you have or better than a gun at home but its not simply the best 😂😂😂
You are silly AF
Another Great Video! Well put together and very infomative. I agree with you on what the majority of the people out there carried. Thank you for the work you put into making these video's. Much better then what is on TV!
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Another fantastic history video!
I love your collection of top breaks and other post civil war pocket revolvers.
I’ve a couple of H&Rs and an Iver Johnson. I really enjoy tinkering with and shooting these gems.
Thank you
Your comment about bib-overall guns reminded me of a story. One of my great grandfathers was born & raised in SW Missouri during the last quarter of the 19th Century. Family lore says that the James gang, at least by reputation and rumor was not the only roving criminal menace in MO at the time, and it was not uncommon to carry a small pistol when traveling about. This great grandfather reportedly carried some flavor of .32 revolver. He apparently shot himself in the hand one evening while driving a wagon. Dogs from a farmstead he passed ran out to chase the horses. Reins in one hand and pistol in the other, he fired a few rounds to chase off the dogs but failed to synchronize his hand movement…. Your videos are always fascinating. The vast majority of the concealable carry guns today are far safer and more reliable than anything from the last 125-150 years - maybe even the last 25 years. The need for a concealable firearms over larger working guns hasn’t changed, however.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy your videos. I no longer have a warm fire place but your videos are akin to just that…sitting in front of a warm fire place. Well done and much appreciated.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy them.
I every day carry a S&W Model 686-6 with a 4" barrel. You are not the only old school gentleman out there.
I think we’d all watch a brief (20 min) history lecture. Monetized. Every week from the studio.
I own only one original 19th century made handgun. It's a Merwin, Hulbert & Co 32 Short DA pocket revolver. The mechanics of the pistol are what fascinate me, which is why I bought it. I'd like to acquire one of the S&W DA break-tops, but after watching this video, there may be a few more designs I'd be be interested in, particularly that Remington-Smoot one-piece revolver.
I carry a 732 because it goes bang every time and fits nicely into my pocket. That lead to me picking up a nice HR top break in nickel that still shines quite a bit. All because I bought a box of .32 sw by accident one day instead of .acp lol.
This is one of your longer videos. It was wholly enjoyable, from beginning to end. An enjoyable history of late nineteenth century self defense pistols, said history serving as a framework to show us, to great advantage, your sublime collection of the pistols of that era.
Thanks. I even approve of the forest green chamois shirt you were wearing, and the solid brown background (paper?) behind you. It matched the shirt somehow.
Great video. I was one of those who requested this video after seeing Mike's video on everyday carry in the cap and ball era. Seeing the number of guns sold paints a different picture about what was likely carried the most vs what I previously imagined. I didn't see anything about Colt's 1873 police or shopkeepers models, but I assume those were rare, custome models and their sales numbers were included with all the other 1873 pistols. As usual, great job, Mike.
Totally makes sense that pocket pistols were and are so popular. I love learning this type of history. I have a replica of 1862 Colt Police pocket pistol (.36 caliber) by COLT in the 1980's. It's black powder 5 shot and has never been shot. I just love looking at it and learning about the history of these types of guns. Naturally I would love to own an original but they are out of my price range and probably should be in a museum. Someday I might get a 1911, because it's such an iconic gun. I learned more about the Derringer pistols from your video, let alone the Smith & Wesson. I had no idea which pocket pistol models were the most produced and popular with Americans. You did a great job, thumbs up and subscribed!! Thank you Sir.
Again you knocked it out of the park! Absolutely wonderful post! I really enjoyed!
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
I have my paps h and 32 long colt, and a 38 s$w 6.5 inch 38. I STILL carry them both on occasion for nostalgia.
Am I remembering correctly I seem to recall Rollin White worked for Colt and offered his bore thru cylinder to Colt, Colt told him to pound sand because nothing would ever come of it, the rest is history. I might be thinking of something else, but I seem to recall reading that a few years ago.
Sounds about right. I also recall S&W pulled a sneaky one on White when the they bought the rights to his patent. Somehow although S&W got the manufacturer's rights they left White with the responsibility of protecting the patent rights in court. Don't know how the man ended up financially with that deal.
Loved it Mike. I used to own a early H&R Smith copy in 38S&W. it was a very well made pistol and I regret selling it bigtime.
dig it mike. my first hand gun was a HR .32 top-break ,when i was 5 ,back in the 50's my dad let me play with . ( no bullets ) in the house. so naturally i love top-breaks . still have it.......ya better believe it .....pilgrim.
Quite an enlightening presentation. Thanks. I now see these old breaktops in an entirely new light.
i never get tired of digging up one of your older videos when theres something that tickles my fancy and i find yet again you've covered it thoroughly , cheers big ears from down under
Love these as much as the live fire shows. You put a lot of work into these obviously and its much appreciated. Cheers from NewZealand.
Mike, I've been watching your channel for years now. And a few purchases of my own have been based off your videos.....but this was my favorite video so far. I've been thinking about the origins of concealed carry in the US for quite some time now, and you answered a bunch of questions I had. This topic should absolutely be adapted into a reference book. Huge thanks!
I very much enjoy the relish you display when delving (deeply) into your subject matter.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks Mike, the entire series of videos made during the non shooting winter months have been fabulous! Your knowledge on these topics is truly amazing. They are my “go to” reference library.
thank you for your great research! I inherited two pockets from my grandfather who died in 1930. One is a Merwin Hulbert 7 shot .32 with the rotating action and a folding hammer. The other is a Harring & Richardson flip top .32 with nickel plate and mother of pearl grips. The former has a broken mainspring and the latter shoots like a dream!!! Still a very viable old girl. Again, thanks for your great work here. Lastly I was left a Remington model 4 in .32 rimfire which is in excellent condition.
Great stuff. Certainly there are a ton of the S&W and clone "pocket" revolvers still out there.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
I inherited a very large number of 19th and early 20th century firearms when my uncle Joe passed away. He was a prolific collector and I loved listening to him when he talked about the old west and the truth about what people actually carried vs what Hollywood movies depict. Far less Colt SAA were carried vs Break top S&W and other manufacturers revolvers and small caliber pocket pistols
This is by far the most educational channel i warch. I loved the story of the Schofield! So much so that i wanted to share it. And couldnt think of a single friend that loves history, guns , horses or the old west as much as i do.
Another great video!! Looking forward to the Flintlock Video. Flintlock firearms are my favourite.
Loved the little .32 Harrington & Richardson you were waving around at the start of show .My great , great uncle had one and it was given to me as a kid in the early fifties . He waved it around too .
I enjoyed this video on pocket carry for the 19 th century. Would love to see one on the 1903 colt pocket hammerless and 1908 vest pocket.
I'll put it on the list
My favorite channel . Thank you for a great video .
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Gad! Holywood and the tv have lied to me all these year. Thanks very much for a very interesting video.
Nice collection, nice presentation.
One of the best Ive seen on 19 th century pocket guns...with the exception of the Colt snake guns and of course the 1911 I have never been a fan of Colt firearms. On more modern guns little things like the pull-back cylinder release...One of my favorite things about Smith is the second click firing double action that lets you fire as accurately as a single action.
Mike, again I love your presentation! I grew up with an old cowboy horse trader . He also had a large wooden box in his truck of guns he sold and traded.. all of those guns were in that box. I wish I had a time machine..,
Me too!
Duelist, thanks so much for the well done history lesson. I have of late been on a bit of a "collecting binge" of the old break tops from all those manufacturers you mentioned.
Unfortunately the prices are on the way up dependent on condition and rarity but as time goes by that's to be expected. Thanks again for the History lesson and all the time and energy I know that goes into making your videos... Cheers...
Considering the. US population at that time was around 63 million, that’s a lot of armed people! Great video! Very informative.
BRAVO! One of your best ever videos. Enjoyed it immensely.
25:50 "Against '32 any vest is a bulletproof vest." You know Dear #duelist1954, that's interesting because I have heard such an anecdote. "There were two men. One said: You know? Cap and ball revolvers are bad in 21st century for a self defence - they are to weak. And the other one replied: 150,000 dead people from the Civil War can testimony that cap and ball kills." I think that ANY firepower kills in some circumstances. The question is just range to target and its protection. Regards.
OK, you win. I will never tell another joke.
@@duelist1954 Ha, ha, ha!
Thank you Mike , loved the video, appreciate your time and effort, hope to see more videos back at the duelist den,😊
Mike, another great entertaining, information packed video. You've shined a light into a dark and unexplored region of handgun history. Thoroughly, thoroughly, enjoyed the topic. Please keep up the good work. Stay safe.
This was a fantastic and informative video! Thank you.
Not very widespread but the Merlin and Holbert revolvers were really nice
Murwin & Hulbert was a fantastic revolver, fourth in popularity after Colt, S&W and Remington. The only western movie that I have ever seen one in, and reloaded no less, is "Bone Tomahawk." It's a particularly gruesome western/horror that is not for a weak stomach.
@@bedeodempsey5007 yeah I saw that movie and it really shows the reloading of the Murwin and Hilbert well
Amazing video! Also just subscribed. With the numbers in the millions compared to the population back then, everyone was packing! Thanks for the video I enjoy the history of guns and the Western history.
Great video Mike. Love the history of the pocket revolvers.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Love your videos. And I have admired your collection of firearms for years. I spend a ton of time in the woods and have spent over 3 years becoming proficient with my reproduction 6 guns, and I owe alot of that dedication to your channel and channels like yours that focus on firearms and history. Keep it up, I'll try to get on and watch more.
Another very interesting and informative video. Thanks Mike
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Great talk. Glad you’re okay. Keep ‘em coming.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Your not crazy Mike... I carry full size too.... These days 45 colt 73 repop. 🙂
once again, you put out more information in a concise manner that was Great. Thank you.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thanks very much, Mike.
I appreciate it that you let it go a long time with your illustrations!
I really like these videos
My edc for the last 24 years has been a charter arms undercover 38special that I inherited from my great grandfather!!😊
But have also carried one of the 2 shot Derringer and the .32 top break! Both great guns for their intended use!!
😊😊
Love your videos man!!
So much info!
Cant thank u enough
Mike, I want to thank you for all your great videos. You have taught me a lot about early firearms, so much that I now own 5 revolvers (replicas) and I love each one. I also have a 1911 edc like yours except mine is 10mm. My favorite 19th century pistol is my Pietta 1860 army snub nose with the birds head grips. my next one will be a top break of some kind. Thank you sir. I hope your old shooting spot gets the o.k. soon!
At around 11 or 12 years old I carried a Merwin & Hulbert .38 nickle plated DA pistol a folding hammer and an original shoulder holster. It also was cased with original tools.
I believe that
Rowland White agreed to enforce the patent when he sold the rights to S&W, which cost him all or most of the purchase price.
Correct. S&W required Rollin White to litigate all violations of his patent and it caused him to die a pauper. Mike was mistaken, or just misspoke.
My grand dad had a pocket pistol which was lost in the pasture one year then found the next year it was a 32 caliber and the name of it is Forehand and wadsworth and it looks like a copy of a smith and Wesson pocket pistol it was nickel finish if I remember right
I have an Iver Johnson, Dec. 1893 with patent pending on the barrel. It has a transfer bar ignition. The add showed striking the revolvers hammer with a real hammer and it wouldn't fire the cartridge.
I have 3 of the 4 revolvers you have posted. Love them all.
Have fun with them.
The numbers don't lie. Great video.
First let me say, this is an awesome well researched video on guns I love to know as much as possible. The only improvement I would humbly suggest is less time with you in the frame and more with the revolvers, pointing with a pointer, rotating, flashing various pictures, with the only indication that you are even there is your disembodied voice. Keep up the good work!
Great video, I would have to say your theory is not far fetched at all. I felt like I was watching a segment from "I have this old gun!" 👍
Very interesting history. Ty sir
Wow great tutorial on the pocket pistol my brother inlaw collected these types and shot the wirh regular powder they held up
its really cool the designs that came out to try to get around the bored through cylinder patent.
Thanks. I have been fascinated by these little top breaks. So many I've seen have been riddled with surface cancer. Last year, at an old gun show, finally bought a shiny H&R .32.
Good score!
Numbers tell the story. I've got an Iver Johnson in 32 s&w, made around 1910. Fun little gun ! Shoots well and is actually quite accurate. I think it spent most of it's life in a stock drawer.
I enjoyed this.. He knows his subject matter and knows how to explain it.
I'm glad you liked it.
Thank you for the history lesson. It was so good that now, I'm going to spend a few hours watching your other videos.
What an excellent presentation Thank you Mike. I have an old Forehand & Wadsworth D/A top break in 32 long. A neat little pistol in very good shape. The cylinder spins freely when not locked in battery in the firing mode of double or single action. I was hoping you'd have an explanation about that feature. I'm guessing it was it just a cost cutting endeavor, but wonder how common that was throughout the other manufacturers.
It was fairly common. In that lock work design, the bolt is only raised when the trigger is pulled all the way back. It doesn't require a rocker spring to keep the bolt up, and it is generally a simpler design.
I loved the video ! It's an informative presentation that explains a lot about the evolution of pocket pistols . I always wondered about the development of the .38S&W and now I know . I loved the STATS on production numbers too . Thank you very much .
I have a S&W .38 top break with a 5” barrel that a 4-5x great uncle carried on the local pd back in the 1890s. I shot it whenever I could find ammo when I was a kid until it lost timing. Even with the terrible sights it shot very well.
Typically they all fire well, depending on the nut that holds the trigger.
I have many 9mm's and 357 snubbies but my favorite carry guns are full size single action 45s. From 3.5in Thunderer grip to 5.5in Artillery.
The only time I carry the smaller guys is when it's just too hot for proper cover clothing. Or on motorcycle.
I’ve got my Grandfathers S&W 32 Lemon Squeezer. He was Chief of Police in Macon Georgia. It was his back up gun. It’s not by any means a man stopper at anything past 15 feet but it’ll do at close range. Ammo is available but not common!
Great Video. I know more about pocket pistols because of this video. Keep up the great content.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.
My dad was what some would call a gun nut. So I learned a lot from him, you have a lot of knowledge on guns that reminds me of him. I would even say you even know more then he did. I have a 32 cal. handgun made by IVER JOHNSON ARMS & CYCLE WORKS. It was passed on to me by my Mother. The story on it is my Great great grandfather got it for $6.00 from catalog for his wife to keep in her purse. I have never shot it, do to the fact the cylinder is very lose when it should be locked place, and I do not feel it would be safe to use.
My grandfather was born in 1891 in Cleburne, TX. Perhaps stretching the "post-civil war" theme a bit.
I grew up on the ranch he owned in west TX. He was always armed with a "pocket gun", though it was technically (actually) illegal to "habitually carry on or about one's person a handgun" at the time. On one's own property or "while traveling", hunting or fishing, it was legal. There were enough holes in that law that it was pretty much ignored outside of cities. I also now own the Colt Official Police .38 Special revolver that was always in his glove compartment. My firearms safety education as a kid was "See that gun?" Yes. "Keep your hands off it!" Worked pretty well. No accidents.
I inherited the two guns he carried for as long as I can remember. One was a S&W Safety Hammerless, .38 S&W. It is nickel plated and has a 3.5" barrel. It still works perfectly. The finish is a little worse for wear, but other than that, it works fine.
The other is a Colt Model 1903 Automatic Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP. I have always considered that gun to be about perfect in size and shape for concealed carry. Large enough to get a grip on, small enough to conceal and very thin.
Enjoyed this very much, thanks Mike.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.
Sir, you are a gentleman and a scholar. Please keep creating your amazing content.
Thank you.
Thanks!
I’ve always thought there was a lot of different guns used besides the colt saa , I would like to learn more about the different types of ammo that was used back then, before smokeless totally enters the picture and how much one would have shot back then compared today’s shooting. Great video and much educational, thanks
Thanks, Mike, for another great show.
My Great Great Great Great Grandfather Aimes Stallworth when he was in his early 20's (in the 1880's) worked for a division of Butterfield out of Cochise Az.. He worked OX and Mule wagons along the San Pedro mostly hauling silver ore from Contention City & Charleston (sometimes traveling as far as Agua Prieta and Sulphur Springs) to the train Depot in Benson although there was a R.R. line south from there, (which was the trail they followed mostly,) but that was used by Bisbee for Copper Ore. Originally he carried a 3" nickle J.M. Marlin No. 32 Standard 1875 (Marlin Vest Pocket) a 5 shot revolver in .32 Rim Fire Long that he bought at the Presidio in Pima in exchange for some Mexican silver coins. He got the job because he was a Teetotaler, not so many of the men he worked with and he'd have to pull the teamster's from the make shift Taverns & Bawdy Houses all the way North to keep the teams functioning for the transport people. During one of these 'extractions' he got into an altercation with a huge 'Skinner' from Old Mexico and the guy pulled a big knife on Aimes; in the ensuing melee 5 shots were fired and my Grandfather's hands and a Jowl were badly mauled and the skinner had 4 little 90 grain .31 caliber lead bullets lodged in his neck & shoulders which eventually took his life from infection some time after; my Grandfather recovered but was disfigured for life.
Although he got a Swamp Angle (.41 RF Revolver) for a short time from a Soiled Dove before selling it to a relative, (we were told that in an establishment near Ochoaville this 200 pound doxy in the midst of a nasty drunk took exception to my Grandfather's lack of interest in her wares and claiming that her purse had been violated emptied the short barreled .41 RF revolver across the room at my Grandfather who everyone thought would surely be killed; however when the smoke cleared he is alleged to have walked calmly across the room and 'knocked her on her britches' retrieved his new short barreled revolver and exited the establishment with out so much as a single scratch!) Eventually he would find a Belgian double action solid frame 5" .44 WCF which was large enough that he had to carry it in a Belt Holster which irritated him to infinity! However with his scars and the Big Pistol serious arguments and discussions became more a thing of the past! His Son my Great Great Great Uncle 'Digger' Stallworth became an agent for the Cattleman's association and was famous for disregarding International Borders, and in his time was regarded as quite the back shooter with his Father's Belgian .44 WCF (.44-40.) It was said that 'Digger' had families From Naco all the way into San Luis.
My Great Great Great Great Grandfather Aimes died in bed of pneumonia in 1910 they retrieved a loaded Merwin & Hulbert Pocket Army (along with some brass 12 shells for his bedside single shot shotgun) in .44 Russian from beneath his pillow. How those got there is a story is lost in time! I believe was born in the wrong era!
Great story!