Few cultural inventions carry as much weight as the game of Russian Roulette. For many, the concept conjures a visceral image: a revolver’s cylinder spun, a tense moment of anticipation, and the high ...

1862 - The Gatling Gun is invented. 1869 - Center-fire cartridge introduced. 1870-1871- The Franco-German War. Breach-loaded guns are dominant. 1871 - First cartridge revolver. 1873 - Winchester ...

Derek Landers explores how 19th-century American gunmakers produced cartridge revolvers while avoiding Smith & Wesson's ...