Walker question.....

[RDCL]

Specifically, the cylinder bolt notches. I notice they are roundish in shape.....oblong.

Why do these guns NOT have a notch "lead-in" like all other revolvers?

Obviously something unique to the guns cocking action, a primitive design maybe......but why?


Just curious.
Russ

 

[Fingers McGee]

Leads were an improvement that came out later in other models after they quit making Walkers. Apparently Colt found out that oval notches without leads were not as positive so they were introduced with the 2nd Model Dragoons.

 

[Berkley]

Leads ("grooves running in the direction of the periphery, of less depth than the holes, and extending, one from each hole toward the next, in the direction of the rotation"),were just one of many "Improvements in revolving chambered firearms" patented by Colt in 1850.

 

[Tommygunn]

I always called "lead ins" "anticipation notches."


Silly me.


.
.
.
.
.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Colt calls them approaches.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[4v50 Gary]

Why? Because the original didn't have them? Besides, it saves them six cuts by the mill.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Probably because it's better for fanning.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[45 Dragoon]

To add to the above post, I was teasing (a little) but, a premier company would rather make the "best" product even better if it can ( especially if another company might!). I would submit that the approach allows the bolt better assurance that it will thort throw-by than a cylinder without an approach. To wit, (I don't mean to sound like a freekin lawyer!!) I "sculpt" the bolt head meaning that I massage the surface so that the bolt enters the locking notch even earlier than the approach alone allows. So, the obvious reason for the approach is what it is but as a "tuner" I do what I can to make it better.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com