Allen & Wheelock · Pistol

Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver

Name: Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver
Brand: Allen & Wheelock

Revolving · .32 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · introduced 1858

Also known as Allen & Wheelock Side Hammer Belt Revolver, Allen & Wheelock Belt Revolver, Allen & Wheelock .32 Side-Hammer Belt

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About the Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver

The Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver is a five-shot, single-action .32 caliber percussion (cap-and-ball) revolver built in Worcester, Massachusetts by Ethan Allen and Thomas Wheelock. A scaled-down, medium-frame version of the firm's larger .36 Navy side-hammer, it carries the characteristic hammer mounted on the right side of the frame and a pivoting trigger guard that doubles as the ball-loading lever. Chambered mostly in .32 (with some in .31 and .34) and fitted with an octagonal barrel, it filled the mid-size 'belt' role for civilian carry between the compact Pocket model and the full-size Navy.

The offset side hammer was Allen & Wheelock's signature answer to a real problem: with the hammer thrown out to the right of the frame, the shooter's sight line down the barrel stayed clear, while the cleverly hinged trigger guard swung down to ram each ball home without the separate Colt-style loading lever.

Allen & Wheelock Belt Model Side-Hammer Revolver specifications

General

Type: Pistol
Action: Revolving
Firing mechanism: Percussion
Trigger: Single action
Calibres: .32 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball)
Magazine capacity: 5 rounds
Magazine: Revolving cylinder

Dimensions

Barrel length: 152 mm (6.0 in)
Overall length: 260 mm (10.2 in)
Weight (empty): 0.65 kg (1.43 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Walnut
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 200 m/s (656 fps)
Effective range: 30 m

History

Introduced: 1858
Discontinued: 1861
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: Ethan Allen

Features

Octagonal barrel
Side hammer
Single action
Five shot cylinder
Trigger guard loading lever
Scroll engraved cylinder

Safety

Hammer safety notches

Octagonal barrels were offered in 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 inch lengths; the majority were made in .32 caliber, with .31 and .34 examples also produced. Cylinders carry scroll engraving with animal scenes that vary by caliber. Roughly 1,000 belt-size examples are commonly cited, though surviving records suggest the true figure was likely higher.