Bicycle Gun: The Doggone History Of These Pocket Pistols

The bicycle gun was created to combat the conflict between bikers and canines in the early days. In the mid-1850s, the first bicycle with pedals was created. The colorful high-wheel bicycle gained popularity among young men who had a sense for adventure, balance and a disregard for its inherent dangers by the 1870s. The pedal-chain rear-wheel-drive “safety bike” velocipede, which was powered by a pedal-chain, gained popularity in the 1880s and the 1890s as an efficient means of personal transportation. It also didn’t need to be fed hay or oats. Stoney Roberts photoIn this period Smith & Wesson, along with other gun companies, began to market short-barrel versions their hammerless revolvers under the name “bicycle guns”. Before this, most pocket revolvers were in the 3- to 4-inch category. The shorter barrel of the bicycle model made it easier to keep in a pocket, while the legs were pumping the pedals. It begs the question, why did early velocipedists have to carry a gun? Some advertisements from that era made this clear. Pre-leash-law-free dogs were averse to new-fangled gadgets and would attack both rider and vehicle. Europe’s Many Bike GunsThe intended use was even more clear in Europe. This is why a whole genre of pocket pistols was created specifically for this purpose. They were called Velo-Dog revolvers, sometimes also known as “Revolver de Poche” (“Poche”), which apparently means “pocket,” and not “pooch.” Some claim that Velo-Dog’s “dog” refers to bulldog-style revolvers. However, I am not sure. The Velo-Dog, a 5.5mm cartridge, was also available. It was also known as the 5.6, 5.75 or 5.8 Velo-Dog. Concealed carriers would often load these cartridges with cayenne pepper, or a hopefully less-lethal wax bullet. European Velo-Dog and other hammerless revolvers have.5.5 Velo-Dog carts compared with.32 and.38 S&W round. Stoney Roberts photo Initially, the term was used only to refer to revolvers that were chambered for that particular round. The Velo-Dog name is now used to describe a wide range of Euro pocket revolvers in different calibers by various (and often anonymous!) makers. All are pocket-sized. All three features are present: concealed hammer and folding spur-trigger. Galand, a French manufacturer, introduced the first of these in the mid-1890s. The majority of the production was from France, Spain, Belgium, and France. There was also additional production in Germany. Italy, Brazil, and Germany. Nearly 50 manufacturers were identified. From the beginning of the 20th century through World War I, the most prolific period was when production was highest. It can sometimes be more difficult to find two identical items than to find a new variant for the avid collector who is interested in this field. The Model CA2000, a Casull Arms model of the Velo-Dog revolver, was introduced in 1997. It is a well-made, updated version of the Velo-Dog style. It is a five-shot, hammerless double action-only stainless steel revolver that features a folding trigger and manual safety. Casull discontinued manufacturing of the model in 2005, with reportedly less than 1,000 made.Editor’s Note: This article is from Gun Digest 2022, 76th Edition, available at GunDigestStore.com.Get More Revolvers Content: