1874 Colt Single Action Army

Published on March 2, 2022
Duration: 24:53

This review covers an original 1874 Colt Single Action Army, emphasizing its historical significance and condition. The firearm was shot with black powder .45 Colt cartridges to preserve its antique steel. Key details include its non-standard 4.75-inch barrel, a Colt Archive Letter confirming its 1874 shipment to Kittredge and Company, and a comparison with modern SAA production models, highlighting the enduring design.

Quick Summary

An original 1874 Colt Single Action Army was shot with black powder .45 Colt cartridges to preserve its antique steel. This specific revolver features a non-standard 4.75-inch barrel and its provenance was confirmed by a Colt Archive Letter, detailing its 1874 shipment to Kittredge and Company.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Shooting & Loading an 1874 Colt SAA
  2. 01:01Firearm Overview & Condition
  3. 02:26Historical Context of the Colt SAA
  4. 04:31Colt Archive Letter & Provenance
  5. 06:41Barrel Length & Modifications
  6. 08:51Distributor Influence & Naming
  7. 11:16Range Performance & Accuracy
  8. 14:01Design Continuity & Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes shooting an original 1874 Colt Single Action Army unique?

Shooting an original 1874 Colt SAA with black powder .45 Colt cartridges is recommended to be gentle on the antique steel. This method produces historically accurate smoke and minimizes stress on the firearm's aged components, preserving its condition for future generations.

Was the 4.75-inch barrel standard on the 1874 Colt Single Action Army?

No, the 4.75-inch barrel on this 1874 Colt SAA was not standard; the typical barrel length for that year was 7.5 inches. This shorter barrel suggests it might have been a special order or a period modification.

How can one verify the history of an antique Colt revolver like the 1874 SAA?

The history of an antique Colt revolver can be verified through a Colt Archive Letter. This document provides details such as the serial number, shipping date, and destination, confirming its original configuration and provenance.

Who is credited with coining the term 'Peacemaker' for the Colt SAA?

The term 'Peacemaker' for the Colt Single Action Army is credited to major distributors like Kittredge and Company. They were influential in gun marketing and also coined names for other firearm models.

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