Lever the power out, and the ratio of output to input force is given by the ratio of the distances from the fulcrum to the points of application of these forces. This is known as the "law of the lever." The mechanical advantage of a lever can be determined by considering the balance of moments or torque, "T", about the fulcrum. where F is the input force to the lever and F is the output force. The distances "a" and "b" are the perpendicular distances between the forces and the fulcrum. Since the moments of torque must be balanced, formula_3 .
Colt Ring Lever rifles a year after acquiring fifty First Model rifles, Colonel Harney remarked that all but two were in good working order. Later in July 1839, however, a surprise Seminole attack led to the loss of thirty Ring Lever rifles, though fourteen were eventually recovered. In spite of the rifle's reliability problems, support for Colt's rifles was garnered from field officers, especially from Lieutenant Colonel Harney. Harney commented on Colt's Ring Lever rifle favorably, stating: "I honestly believe that, but for these arms, the Indians would now be luxuriating in the Everglades of Florida." Colt capitalized on Harney's testimony to produce a