The Bat Masterson Colt SAA

Published on August 22, 2016
Duration: 11:55

This video showcases a Long Branch Edition Colt Single-Action Army revolver, a limited run commemorating a Bat Masterson-era Colt. Instructor John Hickok discusses a nuanced approach to trigger discipline with SAAs, emphasizing safety by loading five rounds to ensure the hammer rests on an empty chamber. He demonstrates the proper loading procedure for a Colt SAA, highlighting the unique mechanism required to free the cylinder.

Quick Summary

Safely loading a Colt Single-Action Army (SAA) involves ensuring the hammer rests on an empty chamber. Pull the hammer to the second click to free the cylinder, load one round, skip the next chamber, and then load the remaining chambers. This practice is vital for preventing accidental discharges if the firearm is dropped.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Trigger Discipline Nuance
  2. 01:41The Long Branch Edition Colt SAA
  3. 02:13Bat Masterson & The Gun's Inspiration
  4. 03:13Loading Procedure for Colt SAA
  5. 04:25Why Load Five Rounds?
  6. 05:21Drop Safety Concerns
  7. 06:22Unloading the Revolver
  8. 07:00Ammunition Discussion
  9. 08:04Shooting Impressions & Accuracy
  10. 09:26Grip & Aesthetic Details
  11. 10:01Fire Blued Screws
  12. 11:04Caliber Discussion (.45 Colt)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you safely load a Colt Single-Action Army revolver?

To safely load a Colt SAA, ensure it's unloaded. Open the loading gate, pull the hammer to the second click to free the cylinder, load one round, skip the next chamber, and load the remaining chambers. This ensures the hammer rests on an empty chamber, a crucial safety measure.

What is the significance of the Long Branch Edition Colt SAA?

The Long Branch Edition Colt SAA is a limited run of 300 firearms produced around 2015. It's inspired by a custom Colt Single-Action revolver that Bat Masterson reportedly commissioned from Colt in the mid-1880s, making it a historically significant replica.

Why is it recommended to load only five rounds in a Colt SAA?

Loading five rounds in a Colt SAA is a critical safety practice. It ensures that when the hammer is down, it rests on an empty chamber. This significantly reduces the risk of an accidental discharge if the firearm is dropped, as the hammer won't strike a live primer.

What's unique about loading a Colt SAA compared to some other revolvers?

Unlike many modern revolvers where the cylinder spins freely when the loading gate is open, a Colt SAA requires a specific action: pulling the hammer back to its second-to-last position (the 'click' before full cock). This action unlocks the cylinder, allowing it to be rotated for loading or unloading.

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