External links
- - This link is now defunct and is replaced by an archive link.
- The Turret Pistol with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson on YouTube
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A turret gun is a type of multi-shot hand-held firearm. It is a variation on the percussion revolver, designed with chambers in a drum mounted so it would rotate horizontally (around a vertically mounted pivot), rather than around a horizontal axis, in an attempt to circumvent the patent of Samuel Colt. Chambers opened in all directions, and the weapon was prone to row ignition[ citation needed ], all chambers firing in sequence, resulting in fatal accidents[ citation needed ] because one chamber always faces the shooter.
Several designs were attempted, including an 1837 Cochran and an 1851 Porter.
A number of turret rifles were also attempted. None of these weapons were successful, due to the row-firing hazard. As a result, they are very rare and much sought after.
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