From the Vault: Colt 1877 Double-Action Revolvers

Published on January 22, 2021
Duration: 3:32

This video from Brownells explores the Colt 1877 Double-Action Revolver, a significant firearm in Colt's history as their first foray into double-action designs. While popular and carried by notable figures, the presenters highlight its internal fragility and difficulty in repair, making it more of a collector's item than a practical shooter today. The video showcases two examples, the 'Thunderer' in .41 caliber and the 'Lightning' in .38 Long Colt, noting their compact size and historical appeal.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1877 Double-Action Revolver was Colt's first DA design, produced from 1877-1909. Known as the 'Thunderer' (.41 cal) and 'Lightning' (.38 Long Colt), these revolvers were popular but are now considered fragile collector's items due to difficult repairs.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction to Colt 1877 Revolvers
  2. 00:15Colt 1877 Overview
  3. 00:25Fragility and Repair Challenges
  4. 01:00Colt 1877 'Thunderer' (.41 Caliber)
  5. 01:05Colt 1877 'Lightning' (.38 Long Colt)
  6. 01:12Notable Owners of the Colt 1877
  7. 01:24Appeal of Double-Action Design
  8. 01:41Compact Design and Carry
  9. 01:51Production Years and Numbers
  10. 02:01Collector's Item Status
  11. 02:12Modern Double-Action Alternatives
  12. 02:28Engraving and Grip Options
  13. 02:41Customization and Cost
  14. 02:56Colt's Effort in DA Design
  15. 03:05Thanks to Rock Island Auction House

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the Colt 1877 revolver in firearms history?

The Colt 1877 marked Colt's first venture into producing double-action revolvers. It offered a quicker firing capability compared to single-action models of its era, appealing to those who needed rapid deployment of their firearm.

Why is the Colt 1877 considered a fragile firearm?

The internal mechanisms of the Colt 1877 are known to be more delicate and prone to breakage than other Colt revolvers like the Single Action Army. This fragility makes them difficult and often impossible for gunsmiths to repair.

What were the two main models of the Colt 1877 revolver discussed?

The video highlights two primary models: the Colt 1877 'Thunderer,' chambered in .41 caliber, and the Colt 1877 'Lightning,' chambered in .38 Long Colt. Both were popular in their time.

Is the Colt 1877 a good choice for modern shooting?

No, the Colt 1877 is generally not recommended for modern shooting due to its fragile internal parts and the scarcity of spare parts, making repairs difficult. It is primarily valued today as a historical collector's item.

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