The .45 Colt: Not Just for Boomers! — GMP #293

This video explores the iconic association between cowboys and Colt revolvers, ultimately concluding that while a Colt is classic, any single-action revolver can evoke the cowboy spirit. The presenter, Hickok45, demonstrates various single-action firearms, including a Colt Single Action Army, a Halls Western Marshall, and a Ruger Vaquero, highlighting their historical significance and practical use in cowboy-style shooting. The core message emphasizes that the 'cowboy' persona is more about the mindset and the type of firearm (single-action) than a specific brand.

This video features a "Sunday Shoot-a-Round" with firearms instructor Hickok45, showcasing two .45 Colt revolvers: a Smith & Wesson 625 Mountain Gun and a Ruger Bisley. The host discusses the concept of 'mountain guns,' their lighter weight and intended use, and compares them to standard revolvers. He also touches on the history of double-action revolvers and the nuances of cowboy action shooting regarding cylinder loading. The video includes shooting demonstrations, observations on accuracy and recoil, and general commentary on life and firearms.

This review of the Ruger Vaquero highlights its robust construction, durability, and suitability for recreational shooting and cowboy action. While praised for its strength and reliability, the review points out a thicker-than-ideal barrel, a high hammer, and basic bluing as potential drawbacks. The firearm's transfer bar safety mechanism allows for safe carrying with a full cylinder, differentiating it from traditional Colt Single Action Army designs. The reviewer suggests a 9mm version with a thinner barrel and improved aesthetics would be highly desirable.

The video discusses the best single-action revolvers, with the host identifying Standard Manufacturing's Colt Single Action Army clones as the superior choice due to their high quality, beautiful finishes, and top-notch manufacturing processes. While acknowledging the historical significance and appeal of Colt and the ruggedness of Ruger Vaqueros, the Standard Manufacturing clones are presented as a precision option that surpasses even original Colts for overall quality and craftsmanship. Audience opinions highlight other popular models like Ruger Blackhawks and Uberti Cattleman.

This video reviews the top 5 most popular and best-selling revolvers over the past year, based on sales data rather than personal opinion. It highlights the Ruger SP101 for its excellent double-action trigger, the Heritage Rough Rider for affordability and fun plinking, the Ruger LCR as a top concealed-carry option with reduced recoil, the Taurus Judge for its versatility in home and car defense, and the Colt Python as the most popular revolver overall, praised for its classic design and shootability.

This video reviews the top 5 most popular revolvers based on recent sales data, featuring expert commentary on their features and suitability for various applications. The instructor, an experienced shooter, highlights the Ruger SP101, Heritage Rough Rider, Ruger LCR, Taurus Judge, and Colt Python, offering insights into their performance, mechanics, and value. The list emphasizes market demand over personal preference for concealed carry.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.