Colt Shotguns of the Old West: 1878 and 1883

Published on February 21, 2016
Duration: 8:48

This review delves into Colt's often overlooked side-by-side shotguns, the Model 1878 and 1883. While Colt is renowned for revolvers, these long guns represent significant attempts to capture the high-end sporting market of the Old West. The 1878 featured external hammers and competed with brands like Parker, while the more advanced 1883 was a hammerless design of even higher quality, making it rarer and more collectible today.

Quick Summary

The Colt Model 1878 was Colt's first major double-barrel shotgun with external hammers, offered in 10 and 12 gauge. The Model 1883, released in 1883, was a more advanced, hammerless design of higher quality, making it rarer and highly collectible today.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt's Long Guns
  2. 01:25Colt Model 1878 Hammer Shotgun
  3. 03:38Colt Model 1883 Hammerless Shotgun
  4. 05:02Colt-Winchester Industry Deal
  5. 07:14Historical Significance & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the Colt Model 1878 and 1883 shotguns?

The Colt Model 1878 was Colt's first major double-barrel shotgun with external hammers, offered in 10 and 12 gauge. The Model 1883, released in 1883, was a more advanced, hammerless design of higher quality, making it rarer and highly collectible today.

How do the Colt 1878 and 1883 shotguns compare?

The 1878 featured external hammers and was Colt's initial entry into the high-end double-barrel market. The 1883 was a step up, boasting a hammerless action and superior craftsmanship, though produced in smaller numbers, making it more exclusive and valuable to collectors.

What is the historical significance of Colt's shotguns from the Old West?

Colt's 1878 and 1883 shotguns represent a significant but often overlooked effort by Colt to compete in the high-end sporting and self-defense long gun market during the Old West era, complementing their dominance in revolvers.

Were Colt and Winchester competitors in the Old West?

Yes, but they had a significant 'backroom deal'. Winchester agreed to stay out of the revolver market, and Colt agreed to stop producing lever-action rifles, effectively dividing the market between them for decades.

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