ARTV Preview: The History of The Colt Walker; Lockdown Puck; Abyssinian Mausers

by
posted on January 5, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
In this week's episode of American Rifleman TV, we take a look at the history of the Colt Walker revolvers which were requested from Samuel Colt by Sam Walker. For "Rifleman Review," we take a look at the Lockdown Puck, a security device that allows users to monitor their firearms and valuables with a smartphone. On "I Have This Old Gun," we look at the various Abyssinian Mauser rifles made in Germany and Czechoslovakia for export to the Ethiopian Empire under the rule of Emperor Haile Selassie.

Shooting a Colt Walker revolver.
Shooting a Colt Walker revolver.

Samuel Colt was a failed businessman prior to his firearms company, but even in the beginning his patent firearms company based in Paterson, N.J., didn't have much 
success. Despite his shortcomings, one of Colt's best customers was the fledgling Republic of Texas which purchased thousands of his Model 1839 revolving shotguns and Paterson revolvers. At the time, the Republic of Texas was warring with Apache Indian tribes within its borders after Sam Houston left office as the republic's president.

A small force of Texas Rangers under the command of Capt. John "Jack" Hays was all that stood in the way of the raiding Apache war parties. The Texas Ranger had used the Colt Paterson revolvers, and one of the rangers under Hays' command, Sam Walker, knew that the U.S. military could use a more powerful revolver for its mounted troops.  

The Lockdown Puck security device.
The Lockdown Puck security device.

Lockdown has a new state-of-the-art security system that allows users to monitor their valuables right from their smartphone, the Puck. The Puck, through a downloadable app, allows users to monitor their firearms and other valuables from anywhere and get real time notifications for movement, humidity and temperature. The Puck also allows users to set specific security setting and alarms to alert them if anything changes in the environment where the items are stored, whether it be a safe, room or vehicle.

Shooting a Czechoslovakian made Abyssinian Mauser.
Shooting a Czechoslovakian made Abyssinian Mauser.

In the mid-20th century, the Empire of Ethiopia, or Abyssinia, was nation constantly at war against the forced influence of European Colonial powers attempting to gain. control over the territory, most notably Italy. In order to better fight against these incursions, Ethiopia n Emperor Haile Selassie sought to purchase modern arms from all across the world to arm his forces. One of the most notable small arm types purchased by Abyssinia were Mauser bolt-action rifles.

Selassie approached Germany in the 1930s with a request to purchase more Mauser rifles, and Adolf Hitler approved the request for German-made Mauser Model 1933 and 1934 rifles to be exported to the Ethiopian Empire. After World War II, The Ethiopians purchased even more Mauser rifles from the formerly Nazi-controlled Brno factory in Czechoslovakia, which had their own unique features and are being imported into the U.S. surplus market today by Royal Tiger Imports. 

To watch complete segments of past episodes of American Rifleman TV, go to
americanrifleman.org/artv. For all-new episodes of ARTV, tune in Wednesday nights to Outdoor Channel 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. EST.

Latest

LCP Max Magpul 01
LCP Max Magpul 01

The LCP Meets Magpul: Ruger's LCP Max with Magpul's EHG

Over the years, Ruger has enhanced its LCP with the introduction of the LCP II and LCP Max. New for 2026, Ruger is offering a new version of the LCP Max with the addition of a Magpul Enhanced Handgun Grip.

Review: 945 Industries Q.A.P. Series Off-Body Carry Bag

Off-body carry can be somewhat controversial, but choosing the right gear can go a long way toward successful carry. One good option is the Q.A.P. Series of bags from 945 Industries.

At 75, CCI is Offering Even More

In 2026, CCI Ammunition—formally Cascade Cartridge, Inc.—marks its 75th anniversary with a fitting tribute to innovation and American ingenuity.

Gun of the Week: Powder River Precision Rubicon Icon

Powder River Precision has taken the basic Ruger 10/22 rifle concept and enhanced it with its Rubicon Icon design.

The Armed Citizen® May 1, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Training & Gear for Active Shooter Response

For armed civilians, developing an active-shooter response plan isn’t about playing hero. It’s about having the right gear and the skills to decisively use them if violence finds you.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.