Accession Number:

AD0006062

Title:

TEST OF SURVIVAL WEAPONS

Descriptive Note:

Partial rept. no. 4

Corporate Author:

NAVAL WEAPONS LAB DAHLGREN VA

Personal Author(s):

• Coons, C. L.
• Wigington, E. E.

Report Date:

1953-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

The Colt Cobra lightweight 0.38-cal revolver special was evaluated as a possible replacement for the standard weight 0.38-cal revolver now in use by pilots and aircrewmen. The weapon weight 12.1 oz, is 6 34 in. in length over-all with a 21-in. barrel, and has a cylinder chambered for six 0.38-cal cartridges. The hammer is the exposed nonshroud type, and the sights are nonadjustable. The cylinder and frame are of Al alloy and the barrel is of steel. A Colt Official Police model 0.38-cal special revolver was used as the control weapon. The standard service Smith and Wesson 0.38-cal special revolver was fired for accuracy comparison. Military and physical characteristics were determined, and accuracy, penetration, rain-spray, dust, ice, salt-spray, and endurance tests were conducted. The Cobra revolver could not be fired by a person wearing medium weight gloves because of the small size of the trigger guard. Penetration was approximately 67 of that obtained with a 4-in. barrel. The deterioration of the Al in the salt fog caused the weapon to freeze after 48 hr exposure. The ability of the shooter to kill a man decreased to approximately 54 of that with the standard arm except at ranges of 15 yd or less.

Descriptors:

• *PISTOLS
• TEST METHODS
• ACCURACY
• DUST
• ENDURANCE(GENERAL)
• SALT WATER
• FOG
• LENGTH
• WEIGHT
• ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS
• DETERIORATION
• GLOVES
• COMPARISON
• ICE

Subject Categories:

• Guns

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE