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Description
An otherwise sound idea that nevertheless developed an ill reputation, the Root revolving rifles and carbines (built under license by Colt) were one of the earliest semi-successful attempts to make rapid firepower a reality.

Unfortunately, the Root - and the revolving rifle in general - fell victim to an occasional critical shortcoming in the use of blackpowder propellants, as on occasion the weapon would suffer a chain-fire (that being the simultaneous ignition of multiple chambers) an event usually resulting in the loss or severe mutilation of the hand forward of the cylinder.

A long rifle/musket version saw brief use in Union service. Confederate usage was likewise short and without note, and by the advent of the cartridge conversions and the bypassing of chain fire issues in the early 1870s, the Root's reputation was already well entrenched and few - if any - alterations were undertaken.

Description
An otherwise sound idea that nevertheless developed an ill reputation, the Root revolving rifles and carbines (built under license by Colt) were one of the earliest semi-successful attempts to make rapid firepower a reality.

Unfortunately, the Root - and the revolving rifle in general - fell victim to an occasional critical shortcoming in the use of blackpowder propellants, as on occasion the weapon would suffer a chain-fire (that being the simultaneous ignition of multiple chambers) an event usually resulting in the loss or severe mutilation of the hand forward of the cylinder.

A long rifle/musket version saw brief use in Union service. Confederate usage was likewise short and without note, and by the advent of the cartridge conversions and the bypassing of chain fire issues in the early 1870s, the Root's reputation was already well entrenched and few - if any - alterations were undertaken.