1855 Colt Roots Carbine information.

[Standtohorse]

I'm sincerely interested in finding reference material and data about the U.S. Dragoon Trials of Colt's mdl.1855 Roots revolving Carbine in service. I am in process of recreating a replica of these carbines for Living History and any information about their U.S. Dragoon service would be sincerely appreciated. I know that they were issued in trials. I know they were also issued and purchase for the Morman Legion and their Militias. I believe they also served as issue arms for the U.S. 10th Missouri Vol. Cavalry. All information of these arms service is respectfully requested.

[Standtohorse]

The Root's Carbine with burl wood stock is: Colt Mdl 1855 Root Cal .56 SN:6150 Unique Colt model 1855 variation of sporting carbine, 21" BBL with saddle ring #6150. This unusual Colt may be a one of a kind as there is no other example pictured in any Colt reference. It has a forend that was period or factory shortened to 7" and shows a matching serial numbered iron butt plate, saddle ring, 3 leaf rear sight. It is my considered opinion that this root was assembled from surplus parts by the factory and sold n the civilian market shortly before the Civil War. The carbine shows a 19th century refinish probably by factory or arsenal. Approx 95-98% of this old finish remains and the interior is excellent with bright bore and little use. The hammer shows most original case hardening. An intriguing Colt Root Model 1855 from Salt Lakes oldest Colt collector who felt it might have been used by the Mormon Legions or Militias who maintained arsenals and purchased large numbers of Colt percussion arms. Often these "Mormon Colts" had unusual features and configurations. The inside of the gun has Roman numeral assembly numbers such as XII on most small parts. Very possibly shipped West in parts and assembled at a Utah Armory. Sold at auction.

[Pat Holscher]

I know that fairly recently I read an article on the Colt carbine/rifle, but I'm struggling to recall where I read it. I suspect I read it in a recent issue of Man At Arms. It wouldn't have been the current issue, but perhaps an issue or two back. You might want to call Mowbray publishing to see if I'm correct and also see about getting a back issue, if I am. Man At Arms is a pretty serious magazine, so the article would be a good one to have if you are looking into this.

Firearms of the American West, a two volume set by Louis A. Garavaglia and Charles G. Worman is an excellent set and a must have, in my view, for anyone interested in firearms of this period. It covers all the major and a lit of the minor arms that saw use in the Frontier West including this one. When a weapon was issued for an Army trial, it discusses the trial results. I'd obtain the proper volume of the book and review the section on this arm if I was looking into this.

This weapon is likely mentioned in United States Rifles, Muskets and Carbines, a sort of catalog of arms used and tested by the US, which was published in 1948. The work is a good one but has to approached with some caution as it basically catalogs things rather than analyzes them, which can be deceptive. I have a copy of the book and will look for this one when I have a chance (and I have a copy of the book mentioned immediately above, and I know it discusses it). I wouldn't rush out and buy it, but if you happen to run across one you can likely find this weapon referenced in it.

What I know about the arm is that it was on the cusp of the modern arm era when the struggle to develop a repeating arm was about to undergo a technical revolution, although as it was not a cartridge arm, rather obviously, it would be sort of a evolutionary dead end. If I recall correctly the original arm had sort of a frightening failure rate, which I think was due to simultaneous chamber discharges (although I'd look that up, and I know the recent article I read discussed it). It was used in spite of that, but given that it was competing against some really solid arms in very short order, there were other more attractive options pretty quickly. As I know that there are reproductions made, I've wondered how they address the shortcomings of the original, which they must.

[Philip S]

Quote from a report by John Scoffern in his “The Royal Rifle Match on Wimbledon Common:”

“Fire a revolving pistol at night; observe the escape of lateral flame like the halo around the head of a saint. How would you like your arm to be in that burning halo of flame? Colt tells you his carbines need not be held with two hands. I tell you they cannot be held with two hands; the coat sleeve would be burned through presently. And see how manufactures of revolver long arms steer clear of big or moderately big bores; a condition which would speedily try out conclusions. They stick to thick barrels and small bores and low charges. I tell you revolving full length arms are a failure.”

(p. 88, “Colt an American Legend,” Sesquicentiennial Edition, R.L.Wilson)

[Pat Holscher]

Quote from a report by John Scoffern in his “The Royal Rifle Match on Wimbledon Common:”

“Fire a revolving pistol at night; observe the escape of lateral flame like the halo around the head of a saint. How would you like your arm to be in that burning halo of flame? Colt tells you his carbines need not be held with two hands. I tell you they cannot be held with two hands; the coat sleeve would be burned through presently. And see how manufactures of revolver long arms steer clear of big or moderately big bores; a condition which would speedily try out conclusions. They stick to thick barrels and small bores and low charges. I tell you revolving full length arms are a failure.”

(p. 88, “Colt an American Legend,” Sesquicentiennial Edition, R.L.Wilson)

That raises a question I've had about practices at the time.

Now, when you fire a black powder revolver, after you load each chamber you cover the bullet with grease (often with Crisco). That seals the chamber up, and I was told eons ago that helped prevent an accidental discharge in a neighboring chamber.

I've often read of there being chain chamber detonations in revolving cylinder black powder arms prior to the Civil War. Some of those statements seem to associate that with metal weakness, but that wouldn't seem likely to be the real cause. Did they not cap the cylinders off with grease at the time?

[Philip S]

I have had chain fires caused by loose percussion caps on adjacent cylinders too.

[Pat Holscher]

I have had chain fires caused by loose percussion caps on adjacent cylinders too.

I'll be that's exciting!

[Standtohorse]

The modern practice of greasing the cylinders may have been used in historic times. I preferr lubricated felt wads over ball/slug. I've only had one chain fire and not only was cylinder not sealed by grease or wad but balls were drop forged sub caliber. Both conditions offering chance of bypass ignition. The pistol was a "Avenging angel' cut down so barrel and loading lever fired fine and other four skimmed the barrel shroud. I have seen that " Halo" effect at night fireing as well. Thanks for additional information. This revolving carbine will be checked over by a competent professional. He has made one custom carbine and even converted a lemat pistol replica to carbine. He's also converted a Palmetto to Cartridge fire. His passion right now is Accoustic Guitars so I consider myself privilidged that he's undertaking my task!