Pietro Venditti Copies the Volcanic Repeating Pistol

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The Venditti pistols are copies of the Volcanic made in southern Italy in the mid to late 1870s - well after the rocket ball style of ammunition had become obsolete. Pietro Venditti’s first patent was in 1872 for a two-barreled rocket-ball-firing pistol. He followed that with an 1875 patent for a Volcanic type pistol with a 26-round capacity, and in 1877 with a patent on a style of cartridge.
Two types of Venditti pistols were actually built, although only a few hundred in total. The first type was the large-capacity style, which had a standard Volcanic-type magazine tube but also two additional tubes on either side. These held addition ammunition, which could be transferred into the true magazine tube when it was empty. The second type looked like a standard Volcanic, but used a cartridge with a metallic case, thus necessitating the addition of extractors into the bolt design.
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[@counterfeit6089]

"rocket ball ammunition" is something that sounds way more awesome than what it really is

[@johnhans2929]

It's too bad it didn't get further developed into something useful, because that is the coolest name.

[@theblackberets3379]

The ammo was so underpowered that somebody tried to commit suicide with it once and he couldn't even die shooting himself point blank in the head with it

[@theblackberets3379]

If anyone wants to hear more on that little story Ian specifically mentions it in his video on the volcanic pistols. LoL

[@sethrich5998]

Same with Gyrojet

[@edwalmsley1401]

@@theblackberets3379 true,I think it was the designer too

[@fien111]

He had a golden opportunity to name it the "Vesuvius" and he wasted it, just sad...

[@davidbowman2716]

LOL!

[@simonblanchet1022]

Too bad it’s not a Pompéi action

[@murphylhunn]

Didnt want the whole project to go up in smoke

[@RANDOMLETTERS1111]

Too soon

[@Outlaw_Deadman1996]

​@@RANDOMLETTERS1111ITS BEEN ALMOST 2000 YEARS!!

[@Mrcaffinebean]

What a time to be alive. Get out of prison for murder and go get a job making guns.

[@sjhoff]

So he's basically the Italian Carbine Williams?

[@sjhoff]

I guess Carbine Williams would be the American Pietro Venditti, since Pietro was before him.

[@MrYfrank14]

which US gun was made while the guy was still in prison? the Garand?

[@MrYfrank14]

no wait, M1 Carbine. I think I am thinking of Carbine Williams

[@leathery420]

@@MrYfrank14 lol the Garand was made by John Garand. He wasn't in prison, though he was Canadian.

[@fashtaki1]

Security: "Execuse me sir is this a weapon?" "No just my gas igniter"

[@JakStat]

1:50 In 1860 the kingdom of the two Sicilies (southern italy) was overthrown by the kingdom of Sardinia (the Savoia royal family, you know), thus creating the kingdom of Italy. During this chaos it's understandable how he managed to get out of prison.

[@NazarovVv]

So this is basically the Volcanic from Red Dead 2 being a rather powerful pistol. The gun shop catalog addresses this stating that this particular version of Volcanic does not use the rocketball but uses standard cartridges.

[@maximilianfranz2158]

RDR2 is a fucking masterpiece

[@reallydontlikethem]

The volcanic uses proprietary ammunition to my knowledge

[@anzaca1]

I believe Volcanics can be converted to rimfire cartridges, because .22 rimfire is low-power enough for the guns to handle it.

[@paistinlasta1805]

Might I enlighten you and inform that the Lever-Action Pistol produced by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company in fact, did not use proprietary ammunition. Contrary to your schema, the pistol utilised "Volcanic cartridges", improved variations of so-called "Rocketball" ammunition, that in practice were conical projectiles with a hollowed out butt, that was then filled with gunpowder, and sealed with a fine paper cap and a primer. Although if you consult my opinion on the matter at hand, I do not mind that the video game takes the freedom to have the pistol utilise same ammunition as other pistols in the video game. This improves the gameplay experience for the player, as they are not required to carry corresponding ammunition for each of their firearms.

[@NazarovVv]

Paistin Lasta Nowhere did I state that in the real work it does not use Volcanic cartridge, I merely stated that Rockstar went the extra mile and actually gave an explanation within the game’s universe on why it used normal ammo and why is it more powerful that its real life counterpart

[@Robert.Deeeee]

So he killed a coworker and ended up on the chain gang. When he was released, he thought "how can I kill my coworkers more efficiently?"..... "I know, guns!" 😂

[@jeffprice6421]

I was thinking the same thing, the job interview, "Well you clearly have an interesting in violence, so welcome to the team..."

[@PSUQDPICHQIEIWC]

Then he realized that all his new coworkers have access to guns too, so he had to make a _better_ gun.

[@edwalmsley1401]

"Killing that last dude was a lot of work " 🤣

[@ZGryphon]

@@jeffprice6421 Sort of like Carbine Williams. "What are your qualifications?" "Well, I shot a revenue agent a few years back." "Lovely, practical experience is so rare in this industry. When can you start?"

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

You could say that the guy who ripped off Volcanic had a... *puts on shades* Venditti

[@BROTRRer]

YYYYYEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DGARedRaven]

*supernova_explosion_background.gif*

[@dariuszrutkowski420]

Won't get fooled again.

[@tomwilson9024]

Good one 😅

[@e.z.hernandez6378]

I’m sick of the modern “mares leg” offerings I want a cartridge version of the volcanic or this, a dedicated pistol in my collection. Not something that looks like a repurposed cut down rifle. THIS. Some one needs to make this.

[@Arkeo36]

41 mag would rule

[@badopinionsrighthere]

Amen!

[@mythguard6865]

E.Z. Hernandez well Venditti does rhyme with Uberti

[@svtirefire]

No one would buy it but you

[@donovanchilton5817]

@@svtirefire He wouldn't even buy it because it would be 5k+

[@MODNAR22]

Interesting to know that the Italians have been producing copies of old west guns for a very long time.

[@wesleygay8918]

Producing ROUGH copies from everything I've seen. Seems like everyone goes out of their way to stress that everytime one is featured.

[@italiangarbageposting]

Romans copied their enemies, italians haven't changed

[@francescogiacomi9149]

You guys don't even know what you're talking about

[@badlaamaurukehu]

Pietta, Uberti and Pedersoli all make descent to very fine offerings in my experience. Especially for their price point.

[@wraithwyvern528]

They put the Spaghetti in Spaghetti Western

[@marpso1480]

How to make a gun? Step 1 - copy someone else's gun Step 2 - profit

[@Mrcaffinebean]

MAR PSO still happens to this day, S&W Sigma anyone?

[@SonicsniperV7]

*Spanish national anthem in the distance*

[@PipMan1101]

Step 0- Kill a coworker

[@EDSKaR]

step 3 get collectors to say it's your design.

[@MrS22222]

@@Mrcaffinebean ah, the smegma

[@Furiereindulgente]

The world famous self-deprecating and absolutely not touchy Salerno inhabitants. Neo-borbonics even about guns.

[@savagekurtain5710]

ue ue! but we had the first train route!1!

[@VeraTR909]

3 magazine tubes on his earlier design sounds very 1875 'tacticool' gamer style :P

[@PSUQDPICHQIEIWC]

It needs a little tactical carbide lamp.

[@G-Mastah-Fash]

Venditti was clearly a gamer. Murdering your coworker is a big gamer moment in the life of every young man.

[@edwalmsley1401]

Or that's just how many of those feeble rounds it took to kill someone 🤣🤣🤣

[@pierluigiadreani2159]

So what is your over the top villain origin story? So there is this Italian guy, working on monastery one day he snapped out and killed his coworker then he started to produce guns, copies of guns which are very nice engraved.

[@johnmclaust6514]

I would love to have some of these old firearms.

[@christ4032]

"So whats your background?" "Killed a man in a rage!" "Well we better put you in charge of all the guns!" the past sure was different.

[@big7491]

just woke up!! said it was posted 8 min ago and man this made my morning!

[@novaterra973]

Of every gun, he copies THAT?

[@enricopaolocoronado2511]

It was the 1800's, not much options and most revolvers, to the untrained eye, looked too similar.

[@anzaca1]

@@enricopaolocoronado2511 A revolver copy would've sold better.

[@SurmaSampo]

@@anzaca1 So where does you expertise in the Italian firearms market of the 1800's come from dare I ask?

[@steveman751]

To be fair the volcanic was great except for the fact that it used terrible ammunition, that could barely kill people. Using cartridges solves that!

[@Stannum-Aura]

Great Job Ian! Love my book!

[@tommyvercetti3570]

"This town ain't big enough for the two of us, paisano!" (spaghetti western music) Draws two Venditti pistols, shooting and spin-cocking both!! 18 dead men later-

[@VonRammsteyn]

I can see the advantage the italians have in a duel with this gun...

[@bezahltersystemtroll5055]

but in a duel you only have one shot, then you get to reload in any case

[@duck636]

The advantage is nobody dies.

[@VonRammsteyn]

@@bezahltersystemtroll5055 then u can kill your oponent first and then the judge. And THEN, run away from the match with a doble victory!

[@joshglover2370]

I would love to have a modern version of the Volcanic that shoots 9mm or .45 cartridges! 😀

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Ian .

[@hendriktonisson2915]

The small arms built by Italians may not allways be practical like Breda M30 for example but they allways look beautiful and elegant.

[@hendriktonisson2915]

@@0neDoomedSpaceMarine Also the excellent M38 submachine gun

[@MrSasaBond]

Great video Ian! I'd like to add that those convinced of Venditti's project predating the american ones like to mention an unspecified patent developed during the 1820s (which should have been in the borbonic archieves had it existed) but of course there's no trace of it.

[@vicarus2728]

Two additional feeding tubes - when the vermin problems in your household is more severe then you anticipated. From Italians to Italians

[@herrikudo]

Babida-BOOPIE mother fucker *hand gestures* This bit of family guy racism brought to you by a pround, mustachioed, italian american

[@jasonbuck489]

The craftsmanship is out of this world.... They are very interesting pistols!...

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome peace of history. Thanks for showing this firearm , Ian !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jackgreen1886]

I would love to see a modern version of this supressed

[@leondillon8723]

5:57)The 1860 .44-40 First Model Henry Rifle is loaded this way.

[@milgeekmedia]

Hello all, an open question. I've seen a lot of videos showing the Volcanic (or variations) but I've not seen anyone FIRE one of these. Just how did people operate these - for example, was it a one-handed operation or two? Are there any videos of one of these being fired and operated out there, if so please point me in the right direction. Thank you. (I am guessing Red Dead Redemption has it completely wrong? LOL)

[@MrMiguella]

If you were really cool you could "twirl cock" it like Arnie in terminator 2 with the lever action shotgun.

[@DH-xw6jp]

I believe that Ian manipulated one in a previous volcanic video (he didnt fire it, just worked the action) and if i remember correctly he did it with one hand by pushing the lever foreward with his middle finger through the ring. It wasnt as quick as working a hammer on a SAA, but im sure that would come with practice.

[@kupokinzyt]

It's operated by using your middle finger to recock and chamber a new round. You would be holding the pistol with your hand closed normally, then cock it by squeezing the trigger fully (its unloaded) and grip tightly, flipping someone off with your hand facing sideways. After fully cocking the lever, you would depress the trigger and it would be ready to fire again. When people got fast with these, they would fire a round, continue to hold the trigger and cock it at the same time, release the trigger and fire again, etc etc.

[@kupokinzyt]

It's operated by using your middle finger to recock and chamber a new round. You would be holding the pistol with your hand closed normally, then cock it by squeezing the trigger fully (its unloaded) and grip tightly, flipping someone off with your hand facing sideways. After fully cocking the lever, you would depress the trigger and it would be ready to fire again. When people got fast with these, they would fire a round, continue to hold the trigger and cock it at the same time, release the trigger and fire again, etc etc.

[@mikenolan3060]

All you need in life is Winnie blues and guns

[@enemysub9057]

I want a gun that shoots Winnie blues

[@itsconnorstime]

And a slab of VB

[@Schwarzvogel1]

Unfortunately, we have the Winnie flu these days, and guns are much harder to come by legally as well. These are dark times, friend.

[@unclesullivan2889]

That elevator is so tiny! I can't picture the cartridge being any more powerful than .22 BB Cap, or rocket ball ammo for that matter

[@italianduded1161]

An Italian Volcanic pistol… 😍😍😍😍😍😍wow Great video as always! I wish I could find one here in Italy

[@quietusplus1221]

That is such an interesting and ingenious system for that day. I loved watched this.

[@LittleLion93]

Almost nailed the pronunciation! :D

[@loods2215]

*LaNcUsSi*

[@marcamant7258]

The sound of the mechanism is great.

[@badwrench13]

"They call me . . . Rocket Balls."

[@mikekemp9877]

vendetti aha after ten years work perfected the volcanic ahah smith and wesson! er whats that you are holding winchester 73 zapristi! foiled again!

[@russbilzing5348]

I have to wonder how the Volcanic pistol/rifle would have fared if they had used 4fg priming powder in the 'rocket balls' or perhaps flash powder. It might have produced a bit more 'oomph'.

[@ebiwright8973]

I wasn't this early since... I've never been this early.

[@eli9121]

Same

[@switchuwu]

same

[@alecnolastname4362]

@@switchuwu Good for you guys. Now uhm would one of you mind satisfying my girlfriend for me? I said its fine for her to do it as long as she doesnt know him. IE I pick and she wears a blindfold

[@splunky6314]

Ironicly, one of these just arrived at the antique firearm store near me. Very unique pistol

[@90mankku]

volcanic is an iconic gun in videogame rdr2 which made me think: I know you do have hots of videos already covering most of these weapons used in that game but it would be fun addition to have a compilation of guns used in certain videogames - especially historic games. if you ever run out of material, wich I doupt :D

[@revolverDOOMGUY]

Ah si, il nonno del famoso Antonello Venditti!!

[@codmpink]

He went from a monestary weaver to a gun manufacturer 💀

[@BillB23]

Just like the 1860 Henry rifle (loading, that is). Nice work!

[@CeltKnight]

THIS is just what I needed after a tough day; another cool Forgotten Weapons video about one of the best early steam-punk style pistol designs. I've always been enamored with the Volcanic Pistol. Heck, the design of "rocketball" ammunition I find fascinating as well, although, yes, WAY too underpowered to be practical. I would love a modern version. Something virtually identical cosmetically but in whatever they can fit into the action. Even .22LR (or, hey, .22 short) ... .32 S&W Long wadcutter ... whatever I just want one ... Actually I want an original but .. ah .. yeah .. keeping this in the realm of the possible, I'd love a modern (affordable) version of either of these. :D

[@Awesomekillezrs]

Hey it's the spaghetti copy of the volcanic. *insert italian music here*

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Wonder if he lived near Vesuvius?

[@samsowden]

@@Taistelukalkkuna salerno, so, yes

[@TELECAMPER]

IzTheWiz insert venditti’s music ( there is a famous roman singer named Antonello Venditti)

[@mitchellhenke1254]

I think it would be really awesome to see some copies or derivatives of these guns today made in .22lr or .22 short

[@rattlestormrepublic4874]

"I'll steal it, NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW!!!"

[@Discitus]

These days people scoff at .22 LR, but compared to Rocket Ball ammunition, .22 LR is artillery. RB is only really good for shooting cans in your backyard.

[@ФедорЯрошенко-ф5е]

Am I right 3 tube magazine with 9 round each plus 1 in the chamber will be 28 total, but not 26 as u said.

[@novaterra973]

Also, Ian, have you ever worked on matchlock?

[@GentlemansCombatives]

He has done wheellock

[@soriddosuneko]

Last time I was this early we had spanish flu ravaging Europe

[@syedmohsin18]

You kinda feel at home then

[@soriddosuneko]

@@syedmohsin18 I do, I do...

[@stoneylonesome4062]

Syed Mohsin peace, my nigga. Stay safe. And for god’s sake, stay on the roads. There’s bandits and dremora roaming Skyrim.

[@VonRammsteyn]

@@stoneylonesome4062 Legions of them!

[@Schwarzvogel1]

@Colin Cleveland I'm pretty sure the flu of 1918 originated in China or thereabouts. Pretty much every global pandemic since the Black Death started in China, and thanks to all the trade passing through port cities like Shanghai even over 100 years ago, it spread globally. It's interesting that calling the flu of 1918 the "Spanish flu" isn't seen as racist by either Spaniards or Latinos, but calling Covid-19 the "Chinese flu" is vociferously opposed by the CCP. Methinks they doth protest too much.

[@murderousintent7838]

wait a volcanic IN A METALLIC CARTRIDGE WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT WANT

[@steveman751]

Volcanics are absolutely beautiful, glad to see the same concept, but using cartridges.

[@randywatson8347]

What a story!

[@deranathonarkantos6712]

Whoa, I actually got an ad at the end of this video! I let it play so you guys can get the revenue!

[@troyandskyelar9588]

Yay! In your other video I mentioned how I hoped you’d cover this one. Wish granted by Gun Jesus, happy days! :D

[@Garrumx]

Listening to video in the background. "He worked in a monastery, got into an argument with a coworker and killed him." Eyebrow shoots up and I start actually watching video.

[@billsummy2412]

It would be cool IF they reproduced this in .22lr ! It would be fun I would buy one :-)

[@meatblade3490]

Have you considered doing a series focusing on the guns of Red Dead Redemption 2 and the differences between the real life ones and the versions in the game? You have rather great videos on some(if not all) of the guns the they used as references. Though I realize that's likely outside of what you keep the channel focused on. I think the appeal would be anyone whose interested in the detail of the game and how it contrasts with the real world versions would love to learn more.

[@mitchellpatterson1829]

This thing needs a low volume revival. Manual safety (hammer block), a less sketchy reload (maybe make a tiny shotgun like action) and chamber in .22LR, .380ACP, and .32 auto as a plinking pistol.

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

I can give my character an Italian volcanic? That is pretty neat and quirky.

[@RIM.1207]

Wow beautiful !!

[@gouglent]

stay safe ian

[@jasonb4350]

I have a question not related to this video if you don’t mind being I am not sure how to contact you otherwise, I live in Connecticut and we have a 10 round mag limit and I have a C&R for many years and was curious if I can aquifer larger mags under my license for firearms that except them. I have plenty of high capacity mags being I had them before the ban here in Connecticut but just wanted your input on this. Thanks

[@bobbylee2853]

Italian Volcanic ~ The “Vesuvius”.

[@derekbrogan4241]

I wish we could get 22lr volcanic reproductions:(

[@robertrobert7924]

Dang, I thought this was going to be about a modern day Italian reproduction that is fully functional with small cal. smokeless ammo.

[@MrDimitriPetrenko]

I don’t see how ceaseless ammunition can’t make a comeback with modern technology at least in pistol caliber form. It was nearly perfected in rifles with the G11K2, but on logistical grounds it would’ve been highly impractical to replace all NATO ammo standard weapons. However pistols and submachine guns are not high priority and the cost and weight of ammunition could be significantly reduced for low priority personal with little investment.

[@markgordon4368]

So clever and simple, how can you improve on that

[@gustavesoucy-breton6841]

always wondered if we could modify this system to hold .32 smith and wesson, it would probably have more power

[@jessb91106]

So the original model was basically a 1216 pistol? Pretty cool

[@Elemental-y4l]

Ghost loading in 1875

[@badopinionsrighthere]

It almost looks like a trigger would hit the lever when you're gripping it, how short is the trigger pull? Or maybe the lever mechanism has some slop due to age and it's getting pulled up when gripped

[@ArmandKarlsen]

I'm guessing some amount of slop due to age. The pistol is almost 150 years old, give or take, and looks like it's had at least some use during that time.

[@MausOfTheHouse]

Wow, you can tell Ian is getting older. If you watch the older videos you will notice the difference. I hope he won't quit soon.

[@docnele]

Why? He is not a hamster ;)

[@trevorslinkard31]

Anyone else binge watching these in quarantine?

[@davidkermes393]

Inertia and Henry, get on the ball! Make it in .38 S&W or. 380!

[@MPDcaw]

Is it me or contrary to the S&W volcanic pistol, this one can be used with one hand?

[@kushkiller7108]

Very cool

[@thunderK5]

Shocking by modern mores that Venditti was able to get a job in gunmaking despite a homicide conviction. Times have changed.

[@stevenveltrie1868]

Modern version in 22LR..please!!!!

[@tomandtinadixon]

Pedersoli should look at doing these in 38 Smith.

[@johncoffin9354]

I've understood (from who knows what source) that the volcanic rounds didn't have any separate primer. The hollow back of each bullet was packed with mercury fulminate, so the primer and propellant were one and the same. Was I misinformed?

[@gunnarhassing5875]

Where’s the forgotten weapons shirt?

[@chubbycatfish4573]

CTRL + C --> CTRL + V

[@VonRammsteyn]

No more no less

[@dariuszrutkowski420]

Well now I know how a V got into this control function - it was this guy that inspired it. The V is an abbreviation of his name. THE MORE YOU KNOW!

[@darrenjacobson7456]

So, a volcanic that uses cartridges? Seems a lot like the 1860 Henry, except it's a pistol, with a smaller cartridge..

[@unclesullivan2889]

I heard there were some very interesting French or Belgian copies of the Volcanic too

[@drethelin]

Could someone make actually-reasonable rocket ball cartridges with modern smokeless powder and bullet casting? Could be an interesting approach to caseless ammo

[@denvervandrey2883]

Yes, just make a long hollow bullet, pack the powder inside, ad a primer to plug it's hole, the bullet would operate similarly to rocket propulsion, now all you have to do is find the best ratio of bullet to powder to find desired length

[@Schwarzvogel1]

@@denvervandrey2883 That sounds a lot like the Gyrojet rounds... which were developed in the 1960s. A modernized Gyrojet is possible with better quality control (thanks to modern CNC machining), but there really isn't any market for that currently since people don't want ammo that they can't reload and that doesn't do anything their .45 ACP doesn't already. I've been meaning to try my hand at making an improved Gyrojet round, but it would be a very expensive project with no ROI or chance of profit whatsoever.

[@johndaniels1197]

Back in the day when you could flip out, murder a dude, and then go get a really good job. Amazing.

[@mikemaki7192]

Well, lets not forget the ten years on a chain gang part.

[@thesturm8686]

I thought that how officers and generals are made...

[@bradleyrideout7818]

Can you do a video on the smith and Wesson model one, first, second, and third issue. In .22 short?

[@billy56081]

The worlds first wonder nine.

[@stephenkissinger4434]

With how short that ejection port is, was the case even the same length as the bullet's diameter? That can't have been much of an upgrade over the (pathetically weak) Rocket Ball.

[@MoxeeReloadingInstructor]

It would be interesting if one of the Italian makers of reproduction guns made a modern version of the Volcanic for modern ammunition.

[@daveweller9579]

Got mad at someone in monastery and killed them.I guess that ruined his chance for the priesthood.

[@warmlettuce9317]

I’m gonna assume the volcanic pistols in rdr2 were these.

[@rigormortis1425]

Vini,vidi,Venditti

[@stepbruv8780]

veni vidi vici Venditti