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.

@3ducs

2 жыл бұрын

Talk about a lot on your plate!

@discipleochrist4202

2 жыл бұрын

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

2 жыл бұрын

@@discipleochrist4202 Yes, a couple. I'm sorry to say that their quality was sub-par.

@discipleochrist4202

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@JohnLloydScharf

2 жыл бұрын

@@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.

@johngifford7725

2 жыл бұрын

Lol. That's awesome. Loved reading it. H&R, Iver Johnson, there were a bunch of them back then. Thanks for sharing that.

@cameronmccreary4758

Жыл бұрын

Classical firearms are no longer inexpensive.

@bobborlog1677

Жыл бұрын

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.

@JimD410

Жыл бұрын

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

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

@peterisaacs1344

2 жыл бұрын

Yep . You got that right

@philipnorman2861

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@richardkluesek4301

2 жыл бұрын

A professor worth the tuition charged by the university.

@Ulani101

2 жыл бұрын

As could I.

Only Duelist1954 can make a 50 minute video and it's still too short!

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

A video covering the British Bulldog type revolvers would be a great complement to this one.

@letsdothis9063

Жыл бұрын

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.

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

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.

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

Жыл бұрын

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

@itsfyeo1520

7 ай бұрын

​@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.

👍 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.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

@philthydelphian

Жыл бұрын

That was only 50 mins? 😉

@LibertysetsquareJack

Жыл бұрын

Agreed. This presentation was excellent.

Still my every day carry , a 2 pin I.J in 32 short break top , loaded with black powder and lead round nose filed flat , not at all pretty , but works perfectly , my wife great grand mother 's , she had it for "road agents"

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Got to watch out for those road agents…LOL

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.

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.

@davidkermes376

2 жыл бұрын

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.

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.

@jamesburns2232

Жыл бұрын

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). 🪖🏆🏅🥇🎖

@throatpunch4789

Жыл бұрын

@@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

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.

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. 😉

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

I definitely could use a lube job on my joints...LOL

Hollywood lied to me again?🤣 an open carry revolver is exactly what came to mind when thinking about the "wild west"

Thanks for teaching us. Love this kind of video. Keep them coming.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

@LibertysetsquareJack

Жыл бұрын

It makes the "reenacting" and Hollywood stuff look more funny too. Everyone running around the town with SAAs. 😅

I every day carry a S&W Model 686-6 with a 4" barrel. You are not the only old school gentleman out there.

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.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

OK, you win. I will never tell another joke.

@nexusparadigm4062

2 жыл бұрын

@@duelist1954 Ha, ha, ha!

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.

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.

@duelist1954

Жыл бұрын

The fact that you enjoy them is the most important thing to me

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.

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.

Considering the. US population at that time was around 63 million, that’s a lot of armed people! Great video! Very informative.

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

Your not crazy Mike... I carry full size too.... These days 45 colt 73 repop. 🙂

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

Gad! Holywood and the tv have lied to me all these year. Thanks very much for a very interesting video.

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.

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.

@bedeodempsey5007

2 жыл бұрын

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.

Quite an enlightening presentation. Thanks. I now see these old breaktops in an entirely new light.

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.

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!

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

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.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoy them.

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.

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.

Not very widespread but the Merlin and Holbert revolvers were really nice

@bedeodempsey5007

2 жыл бұрын

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.

@060racing8

2 жыл бұрын

@@bedeodempsey5007 yeah I saw that movie and it really shows the reloading of the Murwin and Hilbert well

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.

BRAVO! One of your best ever videos. Enjoyed it immensely.

Wow, those S&W top break production #'s are astounding!

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.

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!" 👍

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.

Thank you, Mike. Great stuff! I really appreciate your content and have learned a lot from you.

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 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.

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

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.

Thank you Mike , loved the video, appreciate your time and effort, hope to see more videos back at the duelist den,😊

Again you knocked it out of the park! Absolutely wonderful post! I really enjoyed!

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

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.

This was a fantastic and informative video! Thank you.

Great job Mike, Thank you. Always nice to see your videos.

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.

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...

Very informative Mike . Thank You

Very well-done Mike. Need more.

Loved your presentation--Thank you!!

Nice collection, nice presentation.

Nice video mike Happy St. Patrick’s day ☘️🍀☘️

@slypperyfox

2 жыл бұрын

I decided to wear my Browning long sleeved camouflage pattern shirt. It has plenty of green in it in lots of shades.

Very interesting history. Ty sir

Love these types of videos by you. Awesome history lessons. Thank you so much.

Great video. Your historical videos are really interesting. You just keep getting better with age.

My favorite channel . Thank you for a great video .

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

Informative AND Educational as always !! THANK YOU Mike !!

Awesome video!! I really enjoyed this and the information you provided. Thank you much 👍

Another great video!! Looking forward to the Flintlock Video. Flintlock firearms are my favourite.

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.

Another great video! Thanks for keeping us entertained

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

Another very interesting and informative video. Thanks Mike

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

I think one thing people overlook about the massive numbers of Colts sold is that plenty of people in cities would have bought a Colt for hunting trips or home defense, but unlike the professional outdoorsmen out west, they would have also bought a pocket pistol for every day use. While out West the primary firearm would be a long gun, with a full size pistol as the one chosen for more convenient carry.

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.

Excellent video, thanks for posting.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

Thank you Mike! Very fascinating history lesson. I really appreciate all your research!

Great video! Very informative. Thanks for all your hard work.

Great video! Cool pics!

Great stuff! Can't wait for next week, I love it!

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

Well, I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thanks very much, Mike.

Very interesting video. Thanks for sharing.

I very much enjoy the relish you display when delving (deeply) into your subject matter.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

Thanks, Mike, for another great show.

That was a great video! Thanks for taking the time

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.

Great video Mike. Love the history of the pocket revolvers.

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

Great video. Thanks for sharing some history with us.

Nice presentation and coverage of the pocket cartridge guns of the late 19th century!

I once heard if there were 40 men in a saloon, only a couple would have Colt SAA revolvers. It makes sense. With limited funds and need, it makes more sense to buy and carry a pocket revolver that you have shown.

Thank you for another great video!

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

I’m glad you liked it.

Love you channel Mike. I really enjoy your cartridge pistol videos.

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..,

@duelist1954

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Another amazing informative video thank you for sharing

Bravo! Thank you for such an informative video.

Outstanding, once again!

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.

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 .

Sir! I love these videos!

Super presentation! Thank you

Nice job Captain! Thank You for your perspective.