This 13-part series explores the history of firearms - which began as a survival tool and became part of the American experience. This documentary chronicles how American firearms innovation propelled the nation to the pinnacle of the industrialized world while designing and manufacturing the most effective and beautiful guns the world had ever seen.
American Guns – Episode 1: The Kentucky Long Rifle And The Revolutionary War
2017
The early history of the United States, and a look at the Kentucky Long Rifle and it's use during the Revolutionary War.
American Guns – Episode 2: U.S. Armories and The War of 1812
2017
Early US arms manufacturing relied heavily on federal funding and armories as customers.
American Guns – Episode 3: Breechloaders And Jacksonian Democracy
2017
As manufacturing in the US grew under Andrew Jackson, the gun became an essential tool for settlers in the western territories.
American Guns – Episode 4: Trouble In Texas And Samuel Colt
2017
The Battle of the Alamo, the weapons used, and American innovator Samuel Colt's rise as a titan in the gun industry.
American Guns – Episode 5: Prelude To War And Increased Fire Power
2017
As the Civil War loomed, American Guns were only becoming more powerful, more accurate, and easier to reload.
American Guns – Episode 6: Guns Of The American Civil War
2017
The Civil War brought with it the Gatling Gun and the Sharps Rifle, while after the war, Smith and Wesson introduce the revolver.
American Guns – Episode 7: The Six Shooter And America’s New Industrial Age
2017
Smith and Wesson, Remington, Colt, Winchester, and Parker Bros all experience a gun manufacturing golden age during America's Guilded Age.
American Guns – Episode 8: The Long Gun And America’s New Industrial Age
2017
The spirit of innovation kept the major gun manufacturers trying to outgun one another, and even some non-competition agreements. But one such agreement…
American Guns – Episode 9: Dawn Of Modern Firearms: Browning And The Spanish – American War
2017
Modern style hand guns and semi automatic rifles begin to enter production around the time of the Spanish-American War.
American Guns – Episode 10: Guns Of World War I And Gangsters
2017
Bolt actions, repeaters and machine guns take center stage during the War to End All Wars. But once the war is over, the guns land in the hands of the…