The Colt 1873 Single Action Army, also known as the SAA or Model P, has been a key part of American gun culture for over 150 years. It was designed for the U.S. government’s 1872 trials and became the standard pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892. The Colt SAA comes in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths, keeping its classic look since the start.
Colt stopped making this legendary gun twice but brought it back because people wanted it. It was called the “Peacemaker.” It’s famous for its role in the American Wild West era. Ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws all loved it. Now, collectors and re-enactors seek it out, and its design has inspired many other guns.
The first 8,000 “U.S” stamped Single Action Army revolvers cost $13.30 each in 1872. An SAA in great condition, Serial No. 137595, was sold for $763,750 in 2022. From 1901 to 1907, the Colt factory made about 11,000 Model P revolvers a year. This made the SAA a top-ranked firearm in American history.
Introduction to the Colt Single Action Army Revolver
The Colt Single Action Army (SAA), also known as the “Peacemaker,” is a famous single-action revolver. It has made a big impact on American history. Designed for the U.S. government trials of 1872, it became the standard pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892.
Colt made over 500,000 of these guns, and almost as many were made by companies in Belgium, Germany, and Italy. This makes the Colt SAA a symbol of the American Wild West era.
The original Colt SAA used the .45 Colt caliber and had a 7.5-inch barrel. Its look, with a single-action trigger and “Colt Peacemaker” branding, made it popular with ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws. Over time, it’s been offered in over 30 different calibers and barrel lengths.
Despite being canceled twice, the Peacemaker’s popularity kept it in production. Second and third-generation models came out in the mid-20th century. Now, it’s mostly bought by collectors and re-enactors, showing its lasting impact on American firearms.
The Origins and Development of the Colt Peacemaker
The Colt Single Action Army, known as the “Peacemaker,” is a legendary gun. It started with Charles B. Richards and William Mason at Colt. They came up with patents and changes that led to the Colt 1860 Army and 1851 Navy. These revolvers were followed by the .44 rimfire New Model Holster Pistol, or the Colt 1871-72 Open Top.
The Open Top was a big leap forward. It was Colt’s first revolver made for self-contained metallic cartridges, like the .44 Henry Flat. But the U.S. Army didn’t like it at first. So, Colt made it better by adding a topstrap and a longer groove for a rear sight. They kept the grip that people liked from the Open Top.
Then, Colt worked with the Union Metallic Cartridge Co. on the .45 Colt cartridge. This was a key moment for the Peacemaker. It turned it into the famous gun we know today.
The history of the Colt Single Action Army shows Colt’s drive for innovation. From early cartridge changes to the strong .45 Colt cartridge, the Peacemaker’s story is part of American history. It’s a symbol of Colt’s success and influence in the gun world.
The Peacemaker Joins the U.S. Military
In 1872, the .45-caliber Single Action Army, known as “The Strap Model”, became the Army’s sidearm. The Army ordered 8,000 revolvers in 1873. From 1873 to 1891, 37,063 SAAs were given to the troops before the Army switched to the Colt Model 1892.
The Army’s new .45-cal. SAA had a blue finish and a bone-charcoal-casehardened frame. Its walnut stock was one piece, marked with the inspector’s stamp. The frame showed “U.S” on the left side after the patent dates. The SAA was used by the U.S. Cavalry, Artillery, and other military branches.
The Colt Peacemaker became a trusted weapon for the U.S. Military. It was known for its toughness, accuracy, and power. Its use by the Army, Cavalry, and Artillery made the Peacemaker a symbol of American strength and defense.
First Generation Colt Single Action Army (1873-1941)
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the “Peacemaker”, has a long and storied history. It was first introduced in 1873. This legendary handgun became a key part of the American West.
It was used by gunslingers, lawmen, and military personnel. The revolver was known for its reliability and power.
It came in different barrel lengths like the 4¾-inch, 5½-inch, and 7½-inch. The 4¾-inch and 5½-inch models were favorites for their size and ease of use.
From 1873 to 1941, the Colt Single Action Army was constantly improved. Over 357,859 units were made during this time. It was available in various calibers, but the .45 Colt was the most popular.
This revolver became a symbol of the American West. Its lasting popularity and versatility made it a true icon in the firearms industry.
Military Use and Inspections of the Colt Peacemaker
The Colt Single Action Army, known as the “Peacemaker”, has a long history in the military. It was used from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The U.S. Cavalry and Artillery trusted it as their sidearm.
Inspectors checked these Colts to make sure they were up to standard. They looked at the quality and condition of each gun.
Some Peacemakers are very valuable to collectors today. These were made between 1873 and 1891. They were checked by inspectors like Orville W. Ainsworth, Henry Nettleton, and David F. Clark.
Nettleton Colts are especially sought after. Nettleton was a key inspector at the Springfield Armory in 1878.
In 1893, the Cavalry switched to the .38 caliber Colt Model 1892 Double Action Army. But, they brought back some Peacemakers later. They shortened the barrels to 5+1⁄2 inches, making the “Artillery” model between 1895–1896 and 1898.
The Colt Peacemaker was a favorite in the U.S. military for its design, accuracy, and reliability. Its lasting popularity among collectors shows its lasting impact.
The Colt “Frontier Six Shooter” and Civilian Popularity
The Colt Frontier, or Frontier Six-Shooter, was a hit with civilians. It was showcased at the 1876 Philadelphia World’s Fair. There, 18 fancy, nickel-and-gold-plated Single Action Army (SAA) revolvers won over the crowd.
These guns were praised by many as they traveled the country. This sparked a big demand for the SAA among civilians.
Colt then offered more choices to meet this demand. Customers could pick a nickel finish or extra features like pearl or ivory stocks. They could also choose gold and silver plating, and even get their guns engraved.
Customers could also get non-standard barrel lengths. This added a dollar for each extra inch. Some SAAs even came with long-range sights and special shoulder stocks.
The Colt Frontier Six-Shooter became a favorite among shooters and collectors. Its unique look and dependable performance made it a symbol of the American frontier. It won the hearts of gun lovers all over the country.
The Colt Frontier Six-Shooter won over many with its lasting appeal. This iconic gun became a symbol of the American frontier. It captured the hearts of gun enthusiasts everywhere.
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The Colt Peacemaker’s Nickname and Legacy
The Colt Single Action Army revolver is known as the “Peacemaker.” It’s a symbol of the American West. Samuel Colt, its creator, said in 1852 that “my arms are the best peacemakers.” Later, Captain Frederick Burnaby agreed in 1876, saying “A revolver is sometimes a peace-maker.”
The name Peacemaker suggests that having guns made society polite. It was seen as a way to keep peace. It also helped women, the elderly, and those who were smaller in size. People said, “God may have made man, but Samuel Colt made them equal.”
The name Peacemaker was made famous by B. Kittredge & Co. Today, it still honors the Colt Single Action Army revolver. It’s a key part of American firearms history and culture. It attracts collectors and fans of this classic handgun.
The Peacemaker in the Wild West
The Colt Peacemaker was a favorite among settlers, ranchers, cowboys, and lawmen in the American frontier. B. Kittredge & Co. was a key player in getting this iconic revolver to these brave men. It became a staple in the Wild West, used in cattle drives and saloons.
This revolver became a symbol of the American frontier. It was used by lawmen to keep order and by outlaws to make their mark. Its fame grew because of its reliability and power. It was the “Gun that Won the West.”
The Peacemaker’s success shows how well it adapted to the Wild West. It was used by many, including lawmen. Its impact on the American frontier history is still felt today.
Collectors’ Fascination with the Colt Peacemaker
The Colt Single Action Army, known as the “Peacemaker,” is a top choice for gun lovers. It’s a symbol of the American West and known for its reliability. This makes it a dream find for collectors.
Early U.S. Cavalry and Artillery models from 1873 to 1891 are highly wanted. These early Peacemakers can go for more than $10,000 at auctions. Models checked by famous gunsmiths like Orville Wood Ainsworth (OWA) and Henry Nettleton are especially valuable.
People love the Peacemaker for its beauty too. Models with factory engraving, nickel plating, and custom stocks are highly prized. They show off the revolver’s classic design and Colt’s skill.
The Peacemaker is an American icon known for its reliability. It’s loved by collectors for its simple design, long life, and history. It’s a key piece for anyone collecting guns, handguns, rifles, pistols, shotguns, and firearms.
Collectors adore the Peacemaker’s rare early models, engraved ones, and classic semi-auto and air gun versions. Its role in the American West and unmatched craftsmanship keep it popular. This legendary AR15 revolver will continue to attract collectors for years.
Conclusion
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Peacemaker, is a true icon in American history. It started as the U.S. Army’s go-to sidearm. Then, it became a favorite among settlers, ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws in the Wild West.
Now, collectors and enthusiasts love it for its historical significance. Rare and custom Peacemakers can sell for a lot at auctions. This gun’s legacy as a symbol of power and the taming of the frontier has lasted over 150 years.
Even with debates on gun control and semi-automatic guns today, the Peacemaker stands as a symbol of American spirit and individualism. Its appeal to collectors ensures its legacy will live on for many more years.
