FIRST MODEL 1862 Description
.58 rimfire cal., open slots or breeches revolved for firing cycle, striker ignites percussion cap, 200 rounds per minute, gun is mounted to yoke which is fastened to artillery-type carriage, six rifled barrels. This first gun by Gatling, either by coincidence or design, appropriated the steel cylinder concept from the Union Coffee Mill gun. Similar steel chambers had a nipple at one end for the high hat type musket cap. The loading was accomplished from the front with a 58 Minie ball, and powder usually from a paper cartridge. The chambers were gravity-fed from a similar Coffee Mill-Type hopper. Gatling's steel chambers were caught after firing for reloading.