Exploring the Rare and Innovative Spohr Guns of the 1800s

Introduction to Spohr Guns

Spohr guns are a unique type of firearm designed and produced by German gunsmith Johann Nikolaus Spohr in the early 19th century. Spohr was an innovative firearms designer who developed several unusual gun mechanisms during his career. His "roller lock" breech loading rifles and shotguns were ahead of their time and influenced many later designs. However, Spohr's most unique invention was his proprietary revolving rifles and shotguns, which became known as "Spohr guns."

The Innovation of Spohr Guns

Spohr guns utilized a revolving cylinder design that was very different from traditional revolvers of the time. Rather than having multiple chambers bored into a cylinder, Spohr guns had a single rifled barrel with a revolving breech. The revolving part contained the percussion cap and sat just behind the barrel. When rotated, it aligned a new percussion cap with the rear of the barrel, allowing multiple shots without reloading.

This system allowed Spohr guns to have excellent accuracy for the time. Since the bullets traveled down a single rifled barrel, accuracy was much improved compared to other revolving guns which had slight inconsistencies between multiple barrels. The gas seal on Spohr guns was also superior, avoiding flashover that was common on other designs.

Models of Spohr Guns

Spohr produced his revolving rifles and shotguns from about 1812 to 1865 in a few different models. The early Model 1812 was a 5-shot percussion rifle. It featured a 33" octagonal rifled barrel and a large globe front sight. The revolving breech was hand turned after each shot. The Model 1812 saw limited production.

The Model 1816, introduced a few years later, was Spohr's first widely produced revolving rifle. It also had a 5-shot capacity. The Model 1816 featured a shorter 30" barrel for easier handling. The revolving breech advance was improved with a lever rather than needing to be hand turned.

In the early 1830s, Spohr introduced the Model 1832 revolving shotgun. It had a conventional single barrel like his rifles. The revolving breech allowed 5-shots of buckshot or ball without reloading. The Model 1832 was made in 12, 16 and 20 gauge with 30" barrels. The gun became popular for hunting and personal defense.

Rarity of Spohr Guns Today

Spohr produced his patented guns from 1812 until 1865 when he passed away. During those 50+ years of production, it is estimated he made around 25,000 total guns. Most Spohr guns were sold locally in central Europe, though some made it to North America and other foreign markets.

Today, Spohr guns are very rare and valuable collector's items. Original Spohr rifles and shotguns from the 1800s are hard to find. When they do turn up at auction, Spohr guns can sell for anywhere from $8,000 to $40,000 depending on condition and model. Museums also display Spohr guns as excellent examples of early revolving firearm technology and innovative gun design.

Shooting Performance of Spohr Guns

While innovative in design, how well did these unique revolving rifles and shotguns of the early 1800s actually perform? Here is an overview of the shooting characteristics and performance of Spohr guns:

Accuracy

The rifled barrel and tight gas seal gave Spohr guns an accuracy advantage over other revolving arms. The guns were capable of producing 2-3 MOA accuracy out to 100 yards or so when using conical bullets and properly loaded black powder ammo. This level of accuracy was very good for the time.

Reload Speed

With the revolving breech design, Spohr guns could fire 5 shots in rapid succession without reloading. Reloading was still slow compared to modern guns. It required manually turning the breech or using the lever mechanism. Total reload time was around 10 seconds for a proficient user.

Firepower

While limited to 5 shots, this was a significant firepower improvement over standard single-shot muskets and rifles of the era. Being able to fire 5 times meant Spohr guns had superior defensive and hunting capabilities despite their long reload procedure.

Reliability

When properly maintained, Spohr guns were fairly reliable firearms for the time. The revolving breech and percussion cap ignition gave more consistent results than flintlocks. However, fouling and cap jams could still cause misfires if the gun was not cleaned regularly.

Maintenance

Like all black powder firearms, Spohr guns required routine maintenance and cleaning after use. The revolving breech and flash gap in particular needed vigilant cleaning to keep the gun operating smoothly. Disassembly for cleaning was quick and straightforward though.

Overall, Spohr revolving rifles and shotguns performed well and offered improved capabilities compared to other guns of the era. Their innovative design gave shooters a practical repeating firearm decades before adoption of cartridge ammunition and modern revolvers.

Collecting and Shooting Spohr Guns Today

For firearms collectors, Spohr guns offer a fascinating look at early revolver development. Their unique design and handcrafted quality make them prized acquisitions.

For shooting enthusiasts interested in antique firearms, Spohr guns provide a fun black powder experience. Their handling qualities and satisfying operation make them enjoyable to shoot. A few things to keep in mind for collectors and shooters of Spohr guns:

Availability

Finding an original Spohr gun for purchase can be very difficult. As 19th century antiques, very few are still around. Expect to search auction sites, gun shows, and specialty dealers to locate one.

Legality

Since they are muzzleloading black powder arms, Spohr guns generally aren't considered firearms. But antique gun laws can vary, so check local regulations before buying one.

Ammunition

You'll need to load black powder ammo custom for a Spohr gun. Components like powder, caps, and lead balls are available from black powder suppliers. Casting your own lead bullets also works well.

Maintenance

Proper cleaning and lubrication are a must with black powder residue. Completely disassemble the gun for regular cleanings. Go slowly when first disassembling a Spohr gun to understand how it fits together.

Safety

Strict safety protocols are a must when handling black powder firearms. Wear eye protection, avoid smokeless powder, and never load directly from a powder flask or horn.

Spohr guns are intriguing early firearms for collectors and shooters. Despite their age, they remain interesting and enjoyable to handle when proper safety and care is exercised.

FAQs

How many shots could a Spohr gun fire before reloading?

Spohr guns utilized a revolving breech design that allowed 5 shots to be fired before requiring a reload. This gave Spohr guns an advantage in firepower over standard single-shot muskets and rifles of the era.

What time period were Spohr guns produced?

Johann Spohr produced his patented revolving rifles and shotguns from around 1812 until his death in 1865. So Spohr guns date from the early-to-mid 19th century.

What made Spohr guns different from other revolvers?

Rather than multiple barrels like traditional revolvers, Spohr guns had a single rifled barrel. The innovation was a revolving breech behind the barrel that held the percussion cap and aligned it for each shot.

Why are Spohr guns so rare today?

It is estimated that around 25,000 total Spohr guns were produced during 50+ years of manufacturing. As antiques from the 1800s, many have been lost over time. This makes original Spohr guns rare and valuable to collectors today.

Are Spohr guns considered firearms from a legal standpoint?

In most areas Spohr guns are classified as antique muzzleloading arms, not modern firearms. But antique gun laws can vary, so the legal status should be verified before acquiring a Spohr gun.