1847 Walker - The most powerful military handgun ever issued?

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Colt's 1836 Paterson failed, but the 1847 Walker - which was very effectively used during the Mexican/American War, put him back on the map. The Walker still is the most powerful handgun ever militarily issued and was the most powerful handgun on the earth until the 357 Magnum came along in 1935, nearly 100 years later.
In this video I show you how to use a Walker effectively, with little modifications and things that help make these reproductions not only more historically accurate, but more fun to shoot.

[@Treblaine]

YES! Samuel Colt's legacy conquers the spinner even 176 years later, bravo Karl!

[@InrangeTv]

Thanks!

[@_malprivate2543]

@@InrangeTv Since the standard was to issue two revolvers, it would be amazing to see you try two against the spinner. Either first empty one and then go to the second or, to make the Saint of Killers proud, just fire them both one handed at the same time!

[@anteshell]

It's repro. Definitely not 176 years old.

[@Treblaine]

@@anteshell it is Samuel Colt's legacy, it's his design even if manufactured more recently.

[@anteshell]

@@Treblaine now that you mentioned, I checked and yes, you are correct. The translation of the word "legacy" is a bit hard in my language. There's not a single word in my language to describe the full meaning of the word and I got lost in the translation. Sorry about that.

[@MorwenWhyte]

You can't even imagine the relief I felt when you removed the loading lever at the end.

[@myparceltape1169]

I was waiting for him to loop some string over it.

[@MorwenWhyte]

@@myparceltape1169 same here. The removal was unexpected but relieving as well.

[@berserkenjoyer]

The original Big Iron

[@veldin25]

The biggest

[@samuelberghuvud5527]

The hulking iron pice on his hip

[@jehoiakimelidoronila5450]

No no. It's the father/mother of ALL big irons

[@CounterClaws]

It was too big to be called a pistol. Too big, too thick, too heavy, and too rough, it was more like a large hunk of iron.

[@pb68slab18]

Almost as big as a ''hog's leg''!@@CounterClaws

[@JohnTBlock]

Always enjoy your nuts-n-bolts "how to run the gun" vids on the historical black powder weapons. "The Blunderbus tapes" were classics! Thanks, Karl!

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Because of Karl and his blunderbuss, I have now gotten so deep into all kinds of black powder guns, and pretty sure I'm about to get devorced. She don't like doing the laundry after I go shooting now.

[@colnuttall9035]

And I thought my S&W 44 magnum with 6 inch barrel was a beast !

[@Grantiese]

I filed the flat on the loading lever spring and slightly bent it forward. My spring was also slightly loose, so I staked it in place as well. It pretty much solved the loading lever issue.

[@HircineDaWolf]

just wrap it with a strap of leather like they did back in the g

[@Chris_the_Dingo]

I recently ran across a repro Walker at a local antique mall. Having only seen photos, I was amazed at how freakin big they actually are in real life!

[@bullriderinwrangler1]

Oh yea, they're 19" long, and 4.5 pounds. I picked up one from a buddy for $125. My son promptly asked me if I was going to conceal carry it. Uh, no son, if I carry it, I want it to be out in the open so people see it and think "Maybe I should rethink starting anything before this guy puts a golf ball size hole in me".

[@benc.1197]

​@@bullriderinwrangler1Lmao. Drawing it from concealed would be like Looney Tunes, the barrel just keeps going. 😂

[@phileas007]

you realize that you're supposed to shoot them with one hand while controlling the horse with the other, right?

[@bullriderinwrangler1]

@@benc.1197 Right? The only way I would think would be comfortable to carry it would be in a crossdraw holster.

[@tomhenry897]

Wasn’t the holster on the saddle

[@Ghatbkk]

I think the Walker was the first black powder pistol I ever fired, over 40 years ago. Awesome pistol.

[@willl7780]

me2

[@olivierpuyou3621]

Hello, I am French and a shooter for almost thirty years now, I thank you for your video and I agree with you in every way. No stuffing, no grease like back then. I started with a Colt Dragoon and quickly moved on to the Walker which remains my favorite weapon due to its power and precision. Weight isn't really a problem if you build enough muscle and get into the habit of shooting regularly. I had a bit of an argument with a very dogmatic French KZbinr who absolutely wanted to use stuffing and grease to, according to him, "avoid chain starts" which has never happened to me in thirty years of use. So thank you for confirming what I intuitively thought.

[@Just_Some_Person]

“To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day…” … *sighs and reinstalls New Vegas*

[@phil6506]

He talked a lot strangers and he had a lot to say bout the big iron on his hip.

[@Parleyposadajr2248]

@@phil6506 thats not how the song goes 🤓🤠

[@phil6506]

yes i messed that up lol

[@capspik]

AFHS 85

[@TheManglerMaster]

*... Hardly spoke to folks around him, didn't have too much to say ...* CONTINUE DOWN HERE👇

[@scottmccrea1873]

Seeing guys like you load these things, I now understand why Josey Wales (in _The Outlaw Josey Wales_ ) carried _six_ different pistols. You simply cannot reload these things while under fire.

[@andrewgates8158]

His walkers were aluminum framed in the movie.

[@scottmccrea1873]

They were replicas. That's not a surprise. I'm sure surviving Walkers were far too expensive - and precious - to risk in a film shoot. @@andrewgates8158

[@BogeyTheBear]

The fact that the fellow on the other side of the fight had to do the same thing in order to reload kind of evened things out.

[@scottmccrea1873]

You're not wrong. But that's no help if _his_ guns are loaded and yours aren't. Hence, men carrying half a dozen of them.@@BogeyTheBear

[@eaSTS9]

He didn't have 6, he actually carried 4 Colt revolvers... 2 Walkers, an 1860 Army, and an 1849 Pocket Pistol

[@John-ih2bx]

Professional, informational, and entertaining video. The cadence of the video is perfect. No "manly" fluff/posturing/costumes/language, just pertinent info., such as the nipples, loading lever, powder flask, bullets, caps, powder charge, grease, cheater bar, etc. Many great suggestions, many of which are not specific to the 1847 Walker. Even used a chronograph. I was already a subscriber, now may sponsor. Thank you.

[@InrangeTv]

Thank you, and would love to have you, of course! Every individual supporter is a huge help. :)

[@drizler]

You don’t have to take a manly pose to look dangerous with that thing in your hand.

[@John-ih2bx]

@@drizler How true. I wish I had one.

[@kbjerke]

Great video, thanks, Karl! And I read somewhere (referring to the failing cylinders back in the day) that some troops, either in the heat of battle or due to laziness, were sometimes seating those conical bullets *BACKWARDS,* pointy end in, because it was easier and also allowed more powder in the chamber. *SHUDDER!!* Stay well!

[@InrangeTv]

Yep, that's my understanding too.

[@kbjerke]

@@InrangeTv Never underestimate the creative ability of a Grunt to totally fudge things up. LOL!

[@Zorglub1966]

I did that, in a EuroArms Roger &Spencer, but with only 2 g/30gr of powder, and with semolina as filling. Gave me 457 wadcutter!

[@saleembarmania5295]

Just a .457 calibre wadcutter is all.

[@kbjerke]

@@saleembarmania5295 In many cases, it proved to be an overpressure load. Especially if the base of the projectile hit the forcing cone at an angle. Ouch.

[@mrclay50]

That was a wonderful demonstration thank you! I learned some things.

[@InrangeTv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TheZotman5]

That 50gr with conical seemed pretty damn serious to me.

[@mikepette4422]

ikr but somebody out there will always think...hmmm what if i double this ?

[@noname-wo9yy]

​@mikepette4422 what if you need to hit the guy behind the guy you aimed at who is behind a wall

[@leokimvideo]

Chronograph section reminded me of Paul Harrell gun stuff. Amazing how consistent the speeds were with various loads

[@FromMyBrain]

1356.

[@RailRoad188]

​@FromMyBrain Ahh yes 1356, the year the English "Black Prince" Edward crushed a much larger French Royal force at the battle later to be known as tne battle of Potiers, capturing the French king John II and thousands of prisoners. Negotiations to end the war and ransom John dragged out. In response Edward launched a further campaign in 1359. During this campaign and the Treaty of Brétigny was agreed in 1360 by which vast areas of France were ceded to England, to be ruled by the Black Prince, and John was ransomed for three million gold écu.

[@Ostenjager]

The New Model Army or the Colt 1860 Army or Navy are great starter guns for percussion revolvers. I loved shooting my Walker repros, but they definitely are a lot to manage.

[@ktinga1]

I really like my 1851 Navy in .36, that was the first one I got. Even with a max charge, it's not unmanageable, and it's super fun to shoot.

[@BradyBubbuhgum-fh4ny]

​@@ktinga1the navy pattern was always the revolver I drooled over as a kid idk why

[@Ostenjager]

@@BradyBubbuhgum-fh4ny Clean lines and a sleek profile maybe? The Colt Navy is a good looking gun.

[@ktinga1]

@@BradyBubbuhgum-fh4ny Me too! I had wanted one since I was like 10.

[@gotsloco1810]

Some reason I am not a Colt fan. My first was an ASM New Model Navy reproduction. I took Duelist1954’s advise and started with .36 Caliber. Th bug took and I have more New Model Armies. I still want an ASM New Model Navy Stainless Target. In four year I have only seen one for sale, and that listing was messed up. I should take the 1860 colt a friend gave me out. I installed SlixShot nipples on it right after I received it.

[@yop_cholo]

Love your current posting schedule, this is a pleasant break from (otherwise very good mind you) High Desert Brutality videos, thanks !

[@barrysimmons5489]

Oh wow, I just found your channel. My Walker is beginning to come apart. Back in the day I was working a job close to an electrician wearing a vest with all manner of muzzle loader meet patches. During the conversation he asked me, "Ever notice that there aren't many original Walkers around?" Then he began explaining the overloading problem. How they were known to explode from overloading. Later on looking at mine, I noticed that I could stuff the corner of a matchbook cover in between the two dowel pins on the frame to align the barrel. Investigating further I found that the threads on the cylinder shaft and frame were separating and distorted. Tightening the shaft into the frame caused the set screw and wedge slot to missalign. I'd Purchased it in the fall of 1977, this was by 1980 it was done. I would full load with black powder or Pyrodex and grease patch the cylinder, using .436 balls. I got to be quite proficient with it. Not a quick draw but I could handle it one handed with no problem. A friend got everything tightened and realigned for me returning it with the instructions not to fire it again. Wish I'd have run onto some experienced shooters before I screwed it up. But glad I found out about the problem before it got to be a disaster. Appreciate you knowledge. Thanks for sharing. Clint Eastwood wore two of'em in the Outlaw Jose Wales movie besides the two in his saddle.

[@63DW89A]

Outstanding video. Thanks InRange TV. In this video, the Walker load of 260 grain conical over 50 grains of FFFg making 1020 ft/sec actually has slightly greater striking force than the 1935 .357 Mag (158gr at 1525 ft/sec from a 8.375" barreled S&W). In "Muzzle Energy" the .357 would make more energy (816 ft/lbs) over the Walker (601 ft/lbs) but in actual bullet striking force on a 100 pound ballistic pendulum the .357 would move the pendulum at 4.13 inches per second, while the Walker would make about 10% greater striking force, moving the pendulum at 4.54 inches per second. Now the actual historical Walker load was a 220 grain conical over 50 grs of FFFg, and that would make around 1100 ft/sec (591 ft/lbs of Muzzle Energy) and would move the pendulum at 4.14 inches per second, a dead tie in actual striking force with the original .357 Mag load of 1935 fired from a 8.375" barrel S&W.

[@DeviantOllam]

Phew, that's one heck of a hand cannon!

[@johnnydjiurkopff]

I love finding you in the wild. Thanks for all the tips over the years. Good luck on your next entry.

[@Strelo]

Thank you for making these videos, Karl. I'm not from the USA so it's a bit tough when you're interested in firearms. There are other channels in the "community" that are also interesting to watch, but I really appreciate those like you who make it a point to be informative, honest and straightforward. I've been feeling a bit unwell in the last couple of days so I can't string together a particularly coherent statement, but I hope that makes sense :)

[@darksu6947]

I hope you start feeling better Kemosabe.

[@franciswashack89]

I always wanted a walker but I chose a 3rd model Dragoon for it's practical usability. It fits my hand much btter than the small 1860 colt and I can comfortably carry it on my hip. That was a very nice video, thanks.

[@cupajoe7258]

Haha small 1860 colt... I guess compared to the walker sure! I really like my spiller and burr for an optimized 36 cal. Those colt and Remington pocket models are small😂

[@KeiPyn24]

Lubricant for extended shooting will really make your life easier, more accurate and assist in cleaning and smoother action. Been shooting these revolvers for 20+ years. Good video.

[@jamesyoung1547]

I have 2 Walkers. Massive revolvers. I have an assortment of black powder revolvers from Walkers to 1849 baby dragoon, 1851,1858 and 1860. Calibers range from .32 to .44. Love shooting them.

[@glennrishton5679]

It's funny we have a lot of overlap. I have the 1849, 1851, 1861 and 1858 but never did get an 1860.

[@DeadBaron]

Man I love mid 1800s black powder. You were getting modern 9mm velocities but with a MASSIVE bullet

[@ahhamartin]

...of soft pure lead.

[@giovannicervantes2053]

​@@ahhamartinsmacking into you at over a thousand fps

[@jimbob465]

Colt walkers were loaded with round balls. The bullets would have weighed like 147-148grains....

[@DystruktoBoi1]

@@ahhamartin Yeah which is substantially worse, did you see garandthumbs video where he shoots a dummy with an old musket? That soft lead literally just removes organs

[@jimbob465]

@ncshuriken there's 437.5 grains in one ounce. For the hell of it I weighed one grain of minute rice and it weighed .3 grains.

[@alun7006]

A monster! Fascinating as always. Thanks, Karl!

[@Dominator-gh4cv]

I bought my dad an 1858 Remington for his birthday couple years back and we loved shooting it so much I bought myself a walker and while they are troublesome every now and then it’s been a blast to own

[@fabrb26]

Got the same combo. Fun fact, i shot the Walker with 255gr and it feel like a soft regular 9mm kick. The same bullet out of the 1858 felt like a 357 mag out of a snub. With 20gr less💀

[@AA-lz4jr]

fantastic as always I was cheering at the end

[@InrangeTv]

Lol, thanks!

[@tribble1]

I am interested in a dedicated "Your first smokewagon" series going over a good (opinionated) first black powder pistol, equipment, safety etc for the complete novice black powder enthusiast.

[@cca73127]

What a great intro. This’ll be a brief history then how to get the best out of the gun. Thanks Karl this is exactly the viewing I wanted.

[@bobw222]

The only BP revolver I ever had a chain fire with was my Walker (greased round balls in use). A little testing after showed that on my gun some of the Remington caps would shake off during firing. I recommend a bit of testing and perhaps checking for oversize caps before trusting them. A chain fire (4 cylinders in my instance) is a real attention getter on a Walker.

[@InrangeTv]

Were you using slixshot cones?

[@Monty_BeGoodToEachOther]

a general thank you for all tips given in this vid.

[@starkindustries26]

My walker was actually my second cap and ball I got. Love shooting it I usually use 40-45 gr.

[@TimberwolfCY]

Fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Love the nitty-gritty stuff. Thanks a ton Karl!

[@InrangeTv]

Thank you for taking the time to post a positive message and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! :) Please remember that we are entirely demonetized and wholly crowd funded. 
If it's possible, please consider supporting the channel: 
patreon.com/inrangetv

[@dj1NM3]

This might sound stupid... ...but to protect the de-blued cylinder from rust, it could be sprayed with automotive "caliper paint", which is a very thin and high-temp lacquer intended for keeping brake rotors shiny. We use it at college to protect weld samples from rusting, it's very hard to tell that there is any sort coating on there at all.

[@charlie1571]

I have been shooting black powder for almost 50 yrs. and I have to say after watching you there is always something to learn. Keep it up.

[@johnphilipdesesto4159]

Holy Crap! I know the Walker was powerful for its time but I didn't know it could shoot a .45 bullet at 1000-1300fps in 1847. That's insane! 🤯🤯🤯

[@maxwellschott6660]

Im reading Blood Meridian and this gun is featured prominently. This was very helpful for picturing what reloading one of these looks like.

[@PostcardsfromAlaska]

McCarthy is my favorite. Also check out Robert Olmstead, and Steinbeck of course. These three authors are it for me.

[@Zorglub1966]

Had someone made a cartridge conversion from a copy of this behemoth? Not for a standard cartridge but one that takes the maximum usable length of the cylinder. That must be monstrous!

[@InrangeTv]

Not that I have ever seen.

[@Zorglub1966]

@@InrangeTv Thank you. I had my doubts. In black powder only of course.

[@blackhawk65589]

Some has. It used a 45 bpm (black powder magnium). I think it's a slightly longer 45 colt that holds either 50 or 60 grains of powder

[@PHVespa]

Extremely well presented video. Great viewing and history lesson, thank you.

[@MrNuserame]

That first chronograph sequence was impressively consistent

[@hessex1899]

BP firearms are capable of incredible consistency. All that's required is: 1) Fouling mgmt, 2-4) All the things that you do to make cartridge ammo accurate (weigh/normalize charges, components). There is a small but incredibly interesting black powder benchrest scene, you should check it out. :)

[@63DW89A]

The Slixshot nipples have consistent-sized tiny flash holes, allowing very consistent velocities, with very little back pressure. Factory nipples usually have flash holes that are way too large and of greatly varying diameter, which causes excessive velocity variation and excessive back pressure causing cap jams and more fouling back in the action. I personally use beef tallow to grease the base pin and cylinder ratchet to keep the gun running with minimal drag over 30 to 60 shots. I also hot-dip lube the conicals or round balls in a beeswax / tallow blend of 2/1, plus after loading I brush beef tallow into the chamber mouths to provide additional bullet lube to keep the bore fouling soft. I don't fill the chamber mouths, I just brush until there's a small ring of white tallow down in the chamber around the bullet / ball circumference.

[@soylentgreen7074]

Black powder from the same lot is crazy consistent. When you put it in cartridges and in a single shot rifle with match primer with no gas leakage, and everything loaded perfect, you can get spreads less than 10fps. One of many reasons why sharps and others are so accurate. The 149th anniversary creedmoor match was just last weekend in wyoming with people shooting at 800,900 and 1,000 yards. Yesterday was the side match the wasserburger mile where people should their black powder rifles at 1760yards(1mile). Next year is the 150th anniversary match. I’ll be driving cross country to attend!

[@hessex1899]

@@63DW89A I shoot BPCR a lot, but not percussion. I did not know about the influence of nipples on accuracy, but it totally makes sense to me.

[@hessex1899]

@@soylentgreen7074 Even from lot to lot; higher quality powders like Swiss are remarkably consistent. At least from my experience with black powder cartridges.

[@ToddHale-ub8ko]

Fantastic video. Substantive history, smart modern improvements, and THE SPINNER SPUN!

[@gunnerdupree3406]

Love your black powder videos, you have definitely inspired me to getting my own. Probably not the walker, too much gun for me, but ever since you did the video on the 1862 Colt police revolver that's one I could see my self using.

[@InrangeTv]

That's a lovely little piece.

[@wolflegion_]

Very well done on that last spinner! Really goes to show that the hard thing about the spinner is how consistent you have to be.

[@A50S2D]

I got my Replica Arms Walker in 1970 or 1971. Stupidly I have overcharged it a few times so it not only blew the cap off the nipple the force blew the hammer back ready for the next shot. Less powder of subsequent shots but the gun held together.

[@StrangerOman]

Beautiful spin at the end. Worth it :)

[@ahunter316]

Great video! My first percussion revolver is an 1860 in .44. Love to shoot it every so often. Never shot conicals out of it though; just round ball. The walker and the LeMat are my dream guns though. Thanks for the video and the tips and tricks to make it work better. Cheers!

[@MrShenyang1234]

Absolutely amazing! I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of the Walker. Thanks for sharing that video with us.

[@InrangeTv]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrfrosty3]

Ideal for a bunch of mounted scalp hunters. Desert Brutality is an apt description of Cormac McCarthy's great novel Blood Meridian. I'm pretty sure this is the gun that the gang carry, the narrator mentions how much damage the conical bullets cause, they also mention steadying the gun for aim by using the loading lever as a support.

[@troyjanise9051]

That is a great book. I really like several of his books especially the Border Trilogy. You're right,it was the Walker they were using in the book.

[@bobs5123]

Dude, literally why I'm here. What a great book. The ultimate trade, awaiting its ultimate practitioner.

[@JurgenFjurgen]

This is really great! Thank you for posting. I especially appreciate your extra detailed discussion about the difference in charges & ammunition.

[@tablature6121]

It appears the Walker was to revolvers what the Bowie was to knives -- BIG and deadly (ETA: but at times, a bit impractical). Thanks for this informative tutorial. Most informative and entertaining.

[@FarmerRiddick]

Working on my Uberti 1847 Walker 'kit gun'. My son gave it to me as a father's day present, since I served in, and am regimented with a modern cavalry unit. I appreciate the video! Fiddler's Green

[@jannevellamo]

A hollow loading rod would be much lighter and probably a lot less likely to be jerked around by recoil. I think it should also be possible to make a longitudinal lightening groove in the rod with an angle grinder. Of course, a spring loaded locking lug in the front would be even better.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

If you have a custom build hollow loading rod you have somewhere to place neodymium magnets...tight up against the barrel.... You still have the spring catch but.........

[@jannevellamo]

@@JohnSmith-yv6eq Neodymium? Great idea!

[@johnnydjiurkopff]

I think a tiny notch cut into the spring might help. Think kinda like a magazine catch on a modern gun.

[@bezimienny_andzej6425]

Hollow AND made of titanium. And secured with neodymium magnets. And then slap a picatinny rail on this bad boy for added discomfort of almost every gun enthusiast on the planet. :P

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

@@bezimienny_andzej6425 Picatinny rail... as long as it is titanium with an engine-turned finish and stainless allen head set screws tapped/drilled into the barrel...

[@johnslugger]

*I wound what 'Clint Eastwood' has to say about these? "It will take your head clean off!"*

[@Lurch4539]

Thanks for the chronograph readings. Always heard these where powerful, but DAMN, thats about twice the energy on target as the 1860 Army right?

[@InrangeTv]

Pretty close to that, yeah.

[@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946]

1860 Army and Remington is underpowered like 44 Winchester!

[@Lurch4539]

@@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946 by today's standards? Yes.

[@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946]

@thickoc4539 Since brass barrelled muskets smooth bore muskets were lower range then 44 Henry & Winchester esp 1870s models unlike longer shell Win 1876,1886,improved toggle linkWin92 and the more powerful smokeless 1894 30-30 cal.

[@DRIZZLERE17]

I've tried several powder loads in mine Colt Walker, and figured out that 30gr is enough, it works well for a target shooting even at 50 yards. Greetings from Poland.

[@raygun23]

These videos are the best.

[@InrangeTv]

Glad you like them!

[@raygun23]

@@InrangeTvyou’re great at giving the details of what you’re presenting, along with the history. Old west vignettes were amazing as well.

[@jimintaos]

Fifty years ago I had a Navy Arms 36 and the damn thing was notorious for firing all of the cylinders at once. Scary as hell. I sold it before someone told me about greasing the cylinders. Never once missed it.

[@ejomatic7480]

Another great video 👏 I can echo the 'start with a later Colt' advice; my first percussion revolver was a Le Mat and it just wasn't particularly fun to use. Huge, heavy hammer, loading lever likes to fling the ramrod when you shoot, shotgun is unreliable... Got a Colt 1851 Navy and it's far less of a hassle, I can only imagine the 1860 has further quality of life improvements.

[@InrangeTv]

Yep!

[@anthonyhayes1267]

It's almost like Colt incrementally improved his revolvers from lessons learned in the field

[@andrewromig9753]

Only meaningful QOL improvement the 1860 enjoys over the 1851 is the rack-and-pinion loading lever is definitely a bit easier to use. Also if you get the 1860 Army it comes with the Army grip which is similar to the Navy grip but a little larger. I know quite a few people who think that's a big, meaningful difference, but even with my large-ish hands (Extra-large glove sized or very tight in a large-sized glove) the difference is noticeable but not particularly significant. You don't hold these revolvers the same way you hold modern handguns anyway, so it's not like having lots of pinky purchase is a big deal. Anyway, not trying to talk you OUT of getting an 1860 if you want one, it's a great pattern and I love mine - but the practical differences between it and an 1851 Navy are pretty minor. I will say, I think the 1860 balances a little better.

[@samspurgeon4222]

At the start of the Civil War, John Singleton Mosby had his men get rid of their sabres and put holsters on their saddles. He saw the pistol as a way better mounted weapon than a sabre. Most Union cavalry men didn't really know what to do when they were empty and pulled their swords, only to find Mosby's Rangers just pulled another pistol lol. There's a story that claims he sent a letter back to the Union lines thanking McDowell for arming his men with the 1860 Colts and asked him to keep sending them so his men could keep arming themselves with them

[@viator21]

I still want one! I fell in love with the gun when I first read Blood Meridian.

[@yop_cholo]

Haha, can feel your glee when you finally vanquished that spinner at the end !

[@jefferysterndale7781]

Very fun to watch, thank you!

[@tedcollins4684]

Wow, still more power than most handguns carried today. Good video, well done.

[@joe125ful]

Define more power*

[@tedcollins4684]

@@joe125ful massXvelocity=energy foot pounds

[@joe125ful]

@@tedcollins4684 Uhm..i guess ok?

[@tedcollins4684]

@@joe125ful what's your confussion? 45lc bullet weight with more speed

[@immikeurnot]

@@tedcollins4684 It's just looking at one metric of "power." What's the total muzzle energy of a Walker's 6 shots vs 21 rounds of 9mm +p out of a modern full size pistol?

[@michaelleslie8424]

I had a reproduction Walker in my 20s and you still taught me some important tips

[@mrtlsimon]

I own a 1858 Remington New Army clone. It is a fun, accurate gun to shoot. I actually fired mine for the first time in a military firearms competition. The events are hosted by the New Jersey Arms Collectors Club. My event was for American Civil War era rifles at 50 yards. I used my Remington Revolver with ball rounds. I didn't win but all 10 rounds hit the B8 target at 50 yards. I read the instructions on how to load it at the table during the competition! I got honorable mention in their newsletter due to my performance. Great group. History Collectors Forum is their informative KZbin channel

[@ritcheymt]

I watch hundreds of gun videos per year. This was probably the most interesting, entertaining, and educational one I've seen this year.

[@Dregkar]

It's the first percussion revolver I bought and I love it lol, mainly got it because of Blood Meridian though.

[@jfcard0055]

Need to get a pair of Walkers and get one cinverted to cartridges like that old Company A Texas Ranger example. Great video as always!

[@rmp5s]

Wow...I'm AMAZED by the consistency!! And, man...260gr at a hair over 1000fps is...like...modern subsonic 300BLK performance. lol

[@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946]

If it is made long as rifle it will beat 44 Winchester and almost to power of 45 70 trapdoor carbine!

[@rmp5s]

@@sivaratnamasabaratnam8946 The thing packs some PUNCH!!

[@Foxfire1776]

I really loved your video. I felt I learned a "bunch-load" of great, and practical stuff on an iconic firearm, in a clear and pleasant presentation. Thank you, sir!

[@InrangeTv]

Thank you and hooray!

[@proudtitanicdenier4300]

Best conceal carry revolver

[@pushbikeman]

So much information and so very well-explained impressive presentation and narration.

[@InrangeTv]

Glad you liked it!

[@KeksimusMaximus]

10:57 Holy shit, that sounded like a howitzer. I wish I lived in America and could own such a cool gun

[@georgetorrise5775]

Well come on over everyone else is.

[@KeksimusMaximus]

@@georgetorrise5775 only non Whites get a free pass in THOUGH

[@samuelclayton4405]

Outstanding program.

[@andrewtate5568]

great video, more like this please

[@SgtAwesome97]

I recently just acquired a Cimarron Colt Walker, and so far I am loving it. I've shot about 10 cylinders now and I just can't get enough of it! When I first took it out of it's box, I was surprised at just truly how big this utter behemoth of a revolver is. It's one thing to hear and see pictures of how big it is, but it's not until you actually hold one that you can truly appreciate it. And yeah, I know you said it shouldn't be the first one to buy, but for me it was and I don't regret it. I already have a set of slixshot nipples on the way, as well ordering some Johnston & Dow conicals to try out. So far I've just been using about 40 grains of 3fg powder and a .454 round ball, and it's been awesome. I even got a paper cartridge former as well, which is also nice for that extra historical accuracy. BUT, to anyone reading this, do not use my comment to determine that you should buy one. I did my research and talked with a few others I know who do shoot black powder before even thinking about buying one. This is definitely not something to get if you don't have prior experience shooting black powder. I do have prior experience, so I knew what I was getting into. And remember the 3 big things for black powder 1. Clean it. 2. Clean it. And 3. Clean it some more!

[@keithplymale2374]

I have a replica 1858 Remington. Got that because of the top strap. Friend of mine got a replica Walker. We got out and shot them together. Was a lot of fun. This was back in the 1990's. I saved that site. I will check it out when I have the money for anything. The most interesting thing about my replica Remington is the instructions said to wash it with hot water and soap and then bake it in the oven to dry it out.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

Modern way might be to ultrasonic it....then bake it?

[@bartolomeothesatyr]

Makes sense, black powder residue is corrosive.

[@glockparaastra]

Well presented. Thanks.

[@orest395]

This revolver is for men that drink whiskey, smoke cigars, have majestic mustaches, and wear Stetson hats

[@spudkidmandudebro]

You should recreate the scene from the good the bad and the ugly where Tuco shoots his Colt from under the soap suds. See if it’d work?

[@philipdenner8504]

Presented extremely well. well done that man.

[@jasonhosaka9764]

Great video. I am lucky enough to have held an original Walker. I still haven’t bought a repro yet. I’ll remedy that one of these days. I’ve really been enjoying .36 caliber guns lately. Colt and spiller and burr. Haven’t found anything to beat my ruger old armies though. They really feel like I’m cheating but damn, they shoot well.

[@cupajoe7258]

My spiller and burr is my favorite! With the 58 being a close second. Local pawn shop has a Spiller and burr with reenacting rig for $225 and I don't know how much longer my self control is going to hold out... those gas prices though....😢

[@BWGPEI]

Happens that I stared with a Ruger Old Army and had a lot of fun with that. Really enjoyed this presentation, and Thank You!

[@ericbrumley9026]

If you believe movies, the Walker does pretty good in whacking surly bartenders too.

[@Rumblestrip]

Your mileage might vary, but ive found lubing the chamber mouths gives me tighter groups. Your 100% correct that it'll never prevent a chain fire, as only properly fitting projectiles and caps prevent all chain fires.

[@HircineDaWolf]

Karl I mainly use the grease for keeping the fouling soft and making the cleaning experience much easier. The trade off is you got your hands messier for sure though lol. Old Ranger was experimenting with one he could disperse using a oral syringe I know. I've been just using mink oil for bullet lube and sealing the chambers. Are you just not a fan of it when shooting these revolvers recreational?

[@HircineDaWolf]

I also slather it all over that arbor in the little threads since I've heard that's what that was for.

[@InrangeTv]

Yeah it does work for that for sure.

[@HircineDaWolf]

even then i feel like you can get away with doing it every other shot, cylinder or something. @@InrangeTv

[@600viking]

I find the use of bpcr lube to be helpful too. Keeping the fouling soft helps repeated loading and keeps the cylinder turning freely for longer.

[@KurtAustin2448]

Some great info for prospective black powder revolver owners (like me), and nicely done on not letting the spinner win.

[@Mbartel500]

With all due respect…this was the most powerful handgun until 1899. That is when the Mars pistol and the .45 Mars Long was developed. This semi-auto pistol fired a 220 grain bullet at 1200 fps, generating 700 ft. lbs. of muzzle energy. This was an astounding level of handgun power for it's time, considering that smokeless powder was still in it's infancy. It was very risky to load the Walker with a full charge of black powder, as many cylinders burst from the pressure. They were made of wrought iron, and not a very good grade at that.

[@blackhawk65589]

Soldiers would also load conicals backwards too

[@theangrymarmot8336]

With all due respect - did you miss the part of "military?" He is specifically talking about military issue (pretty obvious.) The Mars was never military issued, it was rejected in the one trial it is reported to have.

[@Mbartel500]

@@theangrymarmot8336 go to 3:21, did you miss the part where he said “it was the most powerful handgun to exist until the invention of the .357 magnum”? In that sentence he gave incorrect information.

[@theangrymarmot8336]

@@Mbartel500 Obviously meaning in service as that is the theme of the whole video. Don't try so hard to be the "you are wrong because you didn't specify what is obvious every single sentence despite it being clear what you mean and the title of the video" kind of dildo.

[@Everythingblackpowder]

What brand of powder were you using?

[@InrangeTv]

Goex

[@Everythingblackpowder]

@@InrangeTv thank you

[@raygun23]

How about bending a small strip of sheet metal into a sort of “U” shape, so it clips onto the bottom, holding the loading rod in without obscuring sights?

[@capspik]

You and Kevin got me into to the two gun and this walker! Love you guys

[@rifleslol]

pass the whiskey

[@johncostigan6160]

Very instructive, and delivered with authority!

[@elektro3000]

What do you think about soldering the Dragoon loading lever catch onto the Walker? I've seen several photos of original Walkers with this modification, suggesting that it was popular once the Dragoon showed up. Also, it may have been the most powerful repeating pistol in the world, but weren't there plenty of single shot pistols (especially howdah pistols) more powerful than the Walker between 1847 and 1935?

[@adamcichon6957]

From what i remember, from the long article about history of howdah pistols, they ware never been issued as a military gun. They ware build and sold individually. Thus they can't be considered as the military gun. Contrary to that, Colt-Walker is a military contract handgun.

[@63DW89A]

Look up Colt Walker serial # 1078. It was one of the 100 "Civilian Walkers" made after fulfilling the military contract for 1000. Ser # 1078 has the Dragoon style vertical loading latch at the end of the regular Walker loading lever. The Colt Collectors examining 1078 have almost all agreed that the vertical latch was original from the Colt factory circa late 1847. Based on 1078, at least some of the final Walker civilian production DID have the vertical Dragoon latch on the loading lever.

[@elektro3000]

@@adamcichon6957 I agree, but my comment was referring to Karl's statement about the Walker being the most powerful pistol in the world until the 1935 introduction of .357 Magnum pistols.

[@troyjanise9051]

It would be better to have a dovetail cut into the bottom of the barrel to mount the loading lever catch like the Dragoons is done. I've thought of having mine done to match my 2nd Model Dragoon.

[@thundercatt5265]

That's very consistent dang

[@richardreynolds1826]

Black powder firearms are no joke, yes they are more complicated to load and keep clean, but if you treat them with respect and train with it you can get excellent results with it.

[@kreelaban3420]

70 grains with a round ball ? 50 grains with a conical ? Impossible. My dad always told me that 'You go to hell for lyin' !'

[@InrangeTv]

It's not impossible, and that's what I did for this video. 60 for round ball tho

[@redtra236]

I own the same gun it can definitely fit 50 grains with conical bullets if they're 200 grain. Maybe you should know what you're talking about before you start calling someone a liar. I haven't tried but I think it would definitely be possible to cram 70 grains in with a round ball but I don't think its a good idea even on repros.

[@joelthomson98]

big

[@HotSauce762]

big

[@ukaszgrzesik7231]

big

[@mori7423]

big

[@CrazyViking_99]

Big

[@eatsleepdrift4494]

gib

[@theknifedude1881]

I support you on Patreon because I like your irreverent attitude towards “The Powers That Be”! I also like your Historical Videos. You challenge the accepted story if your research shows otherwise. Anyway, thanks for the videos.

[@jakobmax3299]

Damn, supersonic out of a black powder non gas seal revolver...