A non-firing copy of the Colt original. Replicates the original in size, weight and appearance, and the parts function much like the original. However, parts cannot be interchanged or the replica made to fire ammunition. Colt revolving cylinder 6-shot rifle, M1850, 46 inches long Historic Information: The .56 caliber 5-shot Colt revolving rifle was first available in 1855. Used by troops, particularly Union troops in The American Civil War. Once loaded, its rate of fire was considerably faster than that of muzzle loaders. The loading procedure was problematic for a soldier in battle. The cylinder had to be removed, powder packed into each of the chambers, a bullet packed on top of the powder, the chambers sealed with wax, and finally the whole covered with grease in order to protect against the possibility of loose powder igniting all of the chambers at once. Given the size of the powder charge, this could be lethal to the user. The soldiers therefore loaded spare cylinders in advance. In battle someone soldiers loaded for the shooters. Nevertheless it did good service for some Federal units on Snodgrass Hill at the battle of Chickamauga.