Ep 6. Colt vs. Wesson

American Genius season 1 episode 6 is titled Colt vs. Wesson, and it explores the story of two of America's most legendary gun makers. Colt and Wesson are recognized as the founding fathers of American gun culture, but their fierce rivalry spanned several decades and revolutionized the industry forever.

The episode begins by introducing Samuel Colt, an ambitious and driven entrepreneur who revolutionized the gun industry with his innovative designs. Colt's patent for the revolver changed the way guns were made forever, and he quickly became a household name across America. But despite his early success, Colt was facing fierce competition from another emerging gun maker: Smith & Wesson.

The episode then shifts its focus to Smith & Wesson. The company was founded by two men, Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, who came together with a shared goal to create the ultimate firearm. They too were innovators in their field and soon became Colt's biggest rival. The competition between the two brands quickly became intense, as both companies fought for dominance in the market.

As the episode progresses, viewers get an in-depth look at the race between Colt and Wesson to develop the world's first repeating rifles. This challenge was seen as the ultimate test of a firearms manufacturer, and both companies were determined to be the first to perfect it. The episode shows how Colt's early experiments with the rifle were flawed, and how Wesson used this to his advantage to secure a significant contract with the Russian military.

But Colt was not to be outdone. He continued to experiment and refine his rifles, and eventually came up with a design that outperformed Wesson's in every way. The two companies then went head-to-head in a competition to see who could produce the most high-quality rifles in the shortest amount of time. Colt's team worked around the clock, and in just six days, they produced 500 rifles – an incredible achievement that secured Colt's position as the premier firearms manufacturer in America.

Throughout the episode, viewers also get an insight into the personal lives of both Colt and Wesson. The two men had very different personalities – Colt was a showman who loved the limelight, while Wesson was more introverted and understated. Despite their differences, both men shared a passion for creating guns that were both beautiful and functional, and this drove the two companies to constantly push the boundaries of what was possible with firearms.

Finally, the episode looks at the impact that Colt and Wesson had on American society. The two companies were instrumental in defining the American frontier and revolutionizing the way people lived and worked. The guns they produced were used to settle the west, defend the country, and win wars. But their legacy extends far beyond that – their creations have become iconic symbols of American culture and continue to shape the way we think about guns today.

Overall, American Genius season 1 episode 6 is a fascinating look at two of America's greatest inventors and entrepreneurs. Colt and Wesson's rivalry was fierce, but it also sparked a wave of innovation that changed the gun industry forever. If you're a fan of firearms, American history, or just good storytelling, this episode is not to be missed.