Aviation Naval Warfare Land Systems Small Arms

Massachusetts Arms Model 1850 Dragoon (Wesson & Leavitt)

1850 AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

Massachusetts Arms Model 1850 Dragoon (Wesson & Leavitt) History

The Massachusetts Arms Company was founded in 1849 by a group of talents, including renowned gunsmiths Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson (Smith & Wesson). The company began manufacturing pistols, rifles and swords using existing patents it had licensed.

The "Wesson & Leavitt" Dragoon Percussion Revolver featured in this exhibit was designed by Daniel Leavitt of Cabotsville and originally manufactured at Wesson, Stevens & Miller's factory in Hartford, Connecticut. The weapon was also manufactured by the Massachusetts Arms Company and used in the American Civil War (1861-1865).

Historically, a "dragon cavalry" was an armed cavalry unit that operated as a "cavalry". A soldier who is trained in both riding and shooting, can dismount if necessary, and act like a common soldier, but the strength of his horse, as well as his sword or weapon, makes the soles of the enemy's feet afraid of the soldier.

Some guns, especially the carbine (shortened Rifles), were specifically designed for cavalry such as dragoons, so they are often or intentionally called "dragons".

The Massachusetts Arms/Wesson & Leavitt Revolver - also known as the "Army Revolver" - is a striking weapon with a cocked hammer and a striking cap on the nipple. A beautifully engraved hilt forms the grip, and beneath its traditional case sits a lined trigger ring. The cylinder has smooth sides and provides six chambers for. 40 ammo. The barrel assembly is rounded and smooth, usually 7.1 inches long.

Unlike modern revolvers, it was not fitted with a reload lever, which slowed down the weapon's reload speed.

Massachusetts Arms Dragoon revolvers were manufactured from 1850 to 1851, some early models had 6.25" barrels, while others had 8" barrels. In total, about 800 pistols were made, and the Massachusetts Arms Company, which had operations in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, ceased operations in 1876.

Massachusetts Arms Model 1850 Dragoon (Wesson & Leavitt) Specification

Roles

- Close Combat (CQB) / Personal Protection

- Sidearms

Dimensions

Run Length:

180 mm (7.09 in)

Attractions:

iron

Performance

Action:

Percussion cover; rotating cylinder

Rate of fire:

6 rounds per minute

Changes

1850 Dragoon - Base series model; based on original Wesson & Leavitt product.

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