Just as dogs today chase cars because they’re unusual and scary, they also chased bicycles in the 19th century. As such, Smith & Wesson chose “Bicycle Gun” as the name for these new guns.
Barks & Bullets: The Story of S&W’s Bicycle Guns
Today is Tuesday, January 19, 2021 
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Logan Metesh is an historian with a focus on firearms history and development. He runs High Caliber History LLC and has more than a decade of experience working for the Smithsonian Institution, the National Park Service, and the NRA Museums. His ability to present history and research in an engaging manner has made him a sought after consultant, writer, and museum professional. The ease with which he can recall obscure historical facts and figures makes him very good at Jeopardy!, but exceptionally bad at geometry.
Pettengill: The Civil War’s Only Hammerless Revolver
In an era dominated by single-action revolvers with external hammers, New Haven-based inventor Charles Pettengill created a double-action revolver with an internal hammer.
Inside the Smithsonian Gun Room, aka the National Firearms Collection – VIDEO
Better known as the Smithsonian’s Gun Room, what is officially known as the National Firearms Collection is an assemblage of more than 7,000 firearms dating back centuries.
History of 9mm Luger, The Most Prolific Centerfire Pistol Round ~VIDEO
9mm Luger cartridge is, arguably, the most popular & adaptable cartridge to come out of the 20th century, Is it the most popular handgun cartridge of all time?
Unconventional Revolver Designs – LeMat, Knuckledusters and More
There have been experiments with the design and basic idea of a revolver in the past. Here’s a look at five of them.
Types of Body Armor in World War I – VIDEO
Most of the guns in use between 1914 and 1918 were far too advanced for the body armor of the day to stand a chance. Many tried to come up with solutions that they hoped would save lives.
This Day in History: Browning Patents His 1st Rifle
On October 7, 1879, John Moses Browning was issued US patent number 220,271 for a breechloading firearm.
The Most Historic Pistols in the US – VIDEO
Made by French gunsmith Jacob Walster around 1775, this pair of pistols is, in my opinion, the most historic pair in the United States.
Bringing Knives and Knuckledusters to Gunfights – VIDEO
You might need to keep fighting after the bullets run out, so these revolvers were designed to keep you in the fight – sort of.
Death by Duel in Congressional Combat: Cilley – Graves Duel – VIDEO
In 1838, two congressmen dueled one another. The result was something that had never happened before or since – the death of a sitting member of Congress at the hands of another.
What’s in a Name? Derringer vs Deringer
It’s not uncommon for brand name objects to assume the role of catch-all term for their generic equivalent. That’s the case with the terms “derringer” and “Deringer.”
This Day in History: William B. Ruger is Born
On June 21, 1916, William Batterman Ruger was born in Brooklyn. He would go on to lend his name to one of the iconic arms companies of the 20th century.
This Day in History: B. T. Henry Dies
On June 8, 1898, Benjamin Tyler Henry passed away at the age of 77. Henry’s repeating rifle design paved the way for Winchester to become a household name.
This Day in History: Rollin White, of Revolver Patent Fame, is Born
Rollin would become best-known as the man who provided Sam Colt with a golden opportunity to be on the cutting edge of revolver design and was rebuffed.
Five Favorite Firearms Coming Up at Morphy Auctions
There are more than 700 lots available during Morphy Auctions’ Extraordinary Firearms Auction, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to my five favorites.
This Day in History: Winchester is Founded
On May 22, 1866, one of the most iconic names in the arms industry was founded: Winchester Repeating Arms Company.
This Day in History: D. B. Wesson is Born
On May 18, 1825, Daniel Baird Wesson was born in Worcester, Massachusetts. He began working in the firearms industry at 18 with an apprenticeship to his older brother Edwin.
The Guns of Cinco de Mayo – Mexico’s Victory Over French Forces
It’s not uncommon for people to mistake Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate Mexico’s independence, but that’s actually September 16, 1810.
This Day in History: Thomas Blanchard, Gunstock Duplicating Lathe Inventor, Dies
On April 16, 1864, Thomas Blanchard died at the age of 75. He spent his entire life inventing all sorts of things, but some of his best-known creations were for the arms industry.
This Day in History: Joseph Manton, Pioneering British Gunsmith, is Born
On April 6, 1766, Joseph Manton was born in Grantham, England. By the time he was 23, Joseph had opened up a gun shop of his own.
