did colt saa cylinders have markings on 1st gen.

As early as 1874, many with that “US” already stamped on the frame were then given a full nickel-plated finish, one piece grips cut of ivory and sold on the civilian market.Īny firearm or caliber adopted by the U.S. However, government inspectors were very strict and rejected what the Colt firm considered perfectly fine handguns, for minor flaws. Government for a price of $13.50, including a screwdriver, were all stamped “US” on the left side of their frames.

The new Colt revolvers bought by the U.S. At least one trooper had a stirrup fall and hit the hammer of his new Colt revolver, causing it to discharge. 45 revolvers in the summer of 1874 in time to take them along on their expedition to explore the Black Hills of what is now South Dakota. For instance the famous 7th Cavalry received their new Colt. It wasn’t much of a safety as evidenced by the fact almost immediately upon receiving their new revolvers cavalry troopers began getting accidentally shot by them. When the trigger engaged the notch it held the firing pin away from the cartridge’s primer. The only safety was a notch on the hammer. Sights consisted of a very fine blade front with a simple groove down the revolver’s top-strap for a rear sight. 45 Colt “Strap Pistol” came with 7 ½” barrels, one piece walnut grips, with finish consisting of a color case hardened frame, loading gate and hammer. Army for issuing to their cavalry regiments, the. A topstrap held it firmly in place.Īs almost immediately adopted by the U.S. The impact of a big bullet slamming into the barrel could actually cause it to begin to bend away from the frame. Prior to it their barrels were secured to the main frame only at the bottom.

Why was that feature incorporated into the design? Strength! Colt wanted to make this new handgun capable of firing heavier loads. In the beginning Colt called it their “Strap Pistol.” That was because it was the first of their handguns to have a top-strap over the cylinder. It might surprise some fans of the Colt SAA that such was not its original name. Have you ever seen a cowboy movie that didn’t show a Colt SAA or replica? Perhaps people in places like New Guinea, Iceland or Madagascar may not know what handguns those actors are shooting, but I’d bet if a locale has electricity they have seen one sort or another of cowboy movie. Now we get to what can (arguably) be called the “World’s Most Famous Handgun.” Is it? I think so because American western movies have made it to about all corners of the earth. Part 8 of 12 Part Genesis of the Colt Single Action

Did colt saa cylinders have markings on 1st gen.