The Gatling Gun-The Original Master of The Battlefield

Of all the firearms I’ve ever had my hands on, there is one that I have yet to fire: the Gatling Gun.  This magnificent and awe-inspiring weapon was invented, ironically enough, by a doctor (though he had an MD, he never actually practiced medicine).  Lifelong inventor Dr. Richard Gatling designed the weapon in 1861 with the intent that such a weapon might reduce the size of armies and, thus, reduce casualties and serious wounds.  The saying goes that ‘God made man, but Samuel Colt made men equal’-very true.  But, Dr. Gatling made whoever possessed this bad boy the master of the battle field.  Variations of this weapon are still in use today.  Below is a little demo of a 19th century replica weapon from the Discovery series “American Guns”.  Enjoy!