S7-E171: The Overlooked Rifles and Handguns

North American Outdoors

When I conduct a basic rifle class or lesson, I will get questions regarding trapdoor, rolling block, and falling block rifles. The questions will not be centered on the types or the operation of these rifles. Rather, the questions will be much more basic. Most of my students will have a puzzled look on their faces and ask, “What are these?”

If a student likes old guns and history, he or she knows what I am talking about when I mention trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, or falling block rifles. Unfortunately, most new gun owners are more interested in the latest and greatest innovations in firearms, not the classic guns that paved the way. Knowing and understanding these “primitive” firearms leads to the admiration of the soldiers who had to use them.

Single-action revolvers have a storied past that many young shooters are unaware of. Samuel Colt patented the first functional revolver in 1836. That is the year Texas won its independence from Mexico.

Single-action revolvers are still in use today and are still very popular with gun enthusiasts. Colt, Ruger, and many other gun manufacturers still produce and offer new models of these “Old West” firearms. There are also Cowboy Action Competitions, where competitors use the classic single-action design in their events.

Many firearms trainers are starting to use single-action revolvers in their training. These firearms are proving to be invaluable in teaching new and old shooters alike, the proper knowledge, skills, and attitudes in properly and safely using a handgun.

Shooting a single-action revolver takes considerably more muscle memory than modern striker fire semi-automatic pistol. There are many more steps to follow from the time you load one to the time you fire it.

These firearms have a very interesting history. Trapdoor rifles, rolling block rifles, and falling block rifles as well as single-action revolvers should be on every gun enthusiast’s shooting wish list!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices