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THECOLT SINGLE-ACTION ARMY REVOLVER

Born in the 19th Century and Still Going Strong

Although the Colt Model P “Peacemaker” revolver was introduced in 1873, the fact that it remains in production today is reason enough for it to qualify as a classic handgun. Production of the Single-Action Army (SAA) ceased twice, but popular demand brought it back on both occasions. It is probably safe to say that more SAAs have been sold during the last century than during the one prior. In addition, along with the Colt 1911 45 auto, the SAA is among the most cloned and copied handguns of all time.

HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

In 1855 a patent was granted to Rollin White, a Colt employee, for a revolver design with cylinder chambers bored all the way through. White offered his idea to Colt, who inexplicably failed to appreciate its significance and rejected it. Smith & Wesson later purchased the rights to White’s patent and developed the first cartridge revolver. Colt and other handgun manufacturers were thus prohibited from making cartridge revolvers of their own until the patent expired around 1869. Several novel conversions of cap-and-ball Colts were devised, which allowed for faster, more efficient ways of loading. When Colt was able to make cartridge revolvers, the company lost no time in coming out with a line of small house and pocket models.

The Single-Action Army began life in 1873 as a cartridge revolver that was really a development of previous percussion single actions like the Colt New Navy of 1862. It used the same trigger mechanism. The most significant difference was a solid frame that incorporated a topstrap, a loading gate and an ejector rod unloading system positioned on the left side of the barrel.

The first large cartridge revolver was the 44 rimfire. This revolver, the ancestor of the Single-Action Army, had an open top frame and a round, unfluted cylinder, giving it an appearance that closely resembled the earlier percussion conversion models.

The SAA was a considerable improvement with a topstrap added to the frame, a fluted cylinder and an ejector rod attached to left side of the barrel. The overall result was a very strong, impressive looking revolver. The company submitted samples to the Army for testing.

The revolver was awarded a U.S. military contract and the first models appeared with 7 1.2-inch barrels chambered for the 45 Colt cartridge. In the years leading up to the turn of the century, the revolver was made in other calibers that included Winchester 44/40, 38/40, 32/20 and 22 rimfire. By 1891, calibers ranged in size from 22 RF to 476 Eley.

The official designation of Colt’s new revolver was the Model P Single-Action Army. Over the years, however, it has been given other unofficial names. Some of the best-known names are “Peacemaker”, “Frontier Model” and “Colt Frontier Six-shooter” to name just a few.

DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS AND FEATURES

The Peacemaker was a solid-frame centerfire revolver with a single-action lock that closely resembled the single-action lock of the earlier Colt percussion revolvers.

For the purposes of loading and unloading, there was a gate in the rear left side of the frame and an ejector rod assembly on the left side of the barrel. As with the earlier percussion models, the hammer had a generous spur to facilitate fast thumb cocking.

The revolver was of iron and steel construction and consisted of seven major components: barrel, frame, cylinder, backstrap, trigger guard, ejector housing and ejector rod and spring; all of which were secured with machine screws. These could create some minor problems by being shaken loose by recoil during firing.

The Single-Action Army is a solid-frame large caliber revolver that differs from the earlier Colts by the addition of a topstrap to the frame. Even though this revolver is a third-generation model of 1980 vintage, it has changed little from the original made in the 19th century.

MODIFICATIONS AND UPGRADES

The revolver underwent remarkably few changes before 1900, the most significant being the replacement of the single screw center pin lock with a transverse bolt in 1894. This change is often used as a quick-and-easy method of identifying single actions made to handle smokeless powder ammunition when the fact is it was only in 1900 that Colt warranted the single action for modern cartridges. A more accurate method is to look at the serial number. If it is 192,000 or above, it is safe for smokeless powder ammunition provided it is in otherwise good mechanical condition.

TARGET MODELS

A special Flattop Target model was introduced in 1888 followed in 1894 by another target model called the “Bisley”.

Some of the long-barreled revolvers had an adjustable tangent sight that flipped down into a recess in a flattop frame. In addition, such revolvers usually came with a detachable shoulder stock.

BARREL LENGTHS, GRIPS AND FINISHES

Single-Action Armys were made in three main barrel lengths of 4-3.4, 5-1.2 and 7-1.2 inches. Shorter and longer barrel versions were available on special order.

Of particular note were the 3-inch Storekeepers model and the 12-inch Buntline Special. Both the Storekeeper and Buntline were revived as second-generation models. While the Buntline Special was the most famous of the long-barreled models, even longer barreled revolvers were made, 16 inches being the most common.

Grips were generally of the one-piece type used on the percussion revolvers. After the turn of the century, two-piece grips of black hard rubber became standard. Special grips of ivory, mother-of-pearl, ebony and stag horn were available on special order. The standard finish was blued metal parts except for the frame, which was color case-hardened. Flattop Target models including Flattop Bisleys had an all-blue finish. Nickel-plating for all variations was offered as an option. The SAA has been a favorite canvas for engravers and Colt-grade A, B or C factory engraving could be had as a special order. Today the art of engraving continues through Colt’s Custom Shop.

The Peacemaker has been a popular revolver for commemorative and special-issue models, as has the Single-Action Scout. The models usually had the reason for their issue roll stamped on the left side or were appropriately engraved.

CALIBERS

As previously mentioned, the Single-Action Army has been chambered for most popular revolver cartridges. The revolver began life chambered for the 45 Colt cartridge, which remains a popular chambering.

Other early popular calibers were the 44/40 and 38/40 because they were dual-purpose cartridges that could also be fired in the Winchester lever-action rifles of the day. This simplified the quandary of what ammunition to carry.

Other popular calibers of the 20th century included the 44 Special, 38 Special and 357 Magnum. A limited number of SAAs were chambered for the 45 ACP cartridge. The Single-Action Armys and Cowboys of today are available in 45 Colt.

FIRST-GENERATION SINGLE ACTIONS

This classification encompasses all black and smokeless powder revolvers made from 1873 to 1940. During the period of 1900 to 1940, the Single Action underwent relatively few changes apart from the cessation of the Bisley and Flattop Target models. Barrel lengths and most caliber options remained the same. The one-piece grips were changed to two pieces of hard rubber.

SECOND-GENERATION SINGLE ACTIONS

After World War II, Colt announced that a number of models in their revolver line were to be discontinued. The Single-Action Army was among these. The announcement created an immediate demand for the SAA, which was ironical in view of the fact that a lack of sales appeared to be the reason why the gun was dropped from production. Colt did make a few more post-war Single Actions, assembled from components in the spare parts inventory.

The Single-Action Army was a logical development of Colt’s percussion revolvers such as the 3rd Model Dragoon 44 of 1851 (top), 36 Navy Model of 1851 (middle) and 36 New Model Navy of 1861 (bottom).

The Peacemaker has a single-action lock where the hammer must be cocked for every shot.

The renewed demand prompted Colt to bring the Single Action back into production in 1956. Referred to as “second-generation” models, these single actions—offered in the same standard barrel length and centerfire calibers as the original —differed little from the first-generation guns.

Also made were 12- and 3-inch barrel versions called “Buntline Specials” and “Sheriff’s Models” respectively. These are included in the second-generation series, which remained in production until 1976. Second-generation models can be identified by the letters “SA” as a suffix to the serial number that began with 00001SA and ended with 74000SA.

THIRD-GENERATION SINGLE ACTIONS

Production of second-generation revolvers ended in 1976. Colt then made a few minor changes to the design mainly to simplify production. The most significant of these were the elimination of the separate cylinder bushing and a different method of securing the barrel to the frame. Apart from these, no other major changes were made to the original design. The series included the Buntline Specials and the Sheriff’s Models.

This generation series remained in production until 1984. Some years thereafter, the Single-Action Army became a special order item made by the Colt Custom Shop.

Third-generation models start with serial number 80000SA and run to 99999SA before the “SA” becomes a prefix at SA00001 until SA99999. To confuse matters further, numbering began again in 1993 with S00001A. All revolvers within these number ranges are classified as third-generation models.

THE 22 SCOUT SERIES

In 1957, a year after the revival of the Single-Action Army, Colt introduced a seven-eighth-sized 22 version called the Frontier Scout. The revolver employed a frame and grip made of alloy metal. Duotone (silver frame/grips and blue barrel/cylinder) and all-blue finishes were offered.

Later, blue all-steel models as well as guns with color casehardened frames were made. The latter revolver was called the Peacemaker Scout. In addition, flattop frame versions with adjustable sights, called the New Frontier Scout, as well as long-barrel (9 inches) revolvers called Buntline Scouts, were also made. Production of the Scouts ended in 1981.

THE NEW FRONTIER MODELS

In 1961 Colt introduced a flattop frame single action with adjustable sights called the New Frontier. The models were made in the same standard barrel lengths and calibers as the regular Single Action line. The New Frontiers underwent the same production changes as the regular single action and are classified as second generation (1961-1975, with the letters “NF” a suffix to the serial number) and third generation (1978-1983, with the letters “NF” a prefix to the serial number).

THE COLT COWBOY

In 1999 Colt introduced a new single action with a modern action that included a transfer bar safety. Called the Colt Cowboy, this revolver was made to offer a more moderately priced revolver to the Cowboy Action Shooting market. It retained the traditional looks and feel of the original but had the added safety of the transfer bar action.

The first Cowboy was chambered for 45 Colt and was available in the traditional barrel lengths of 4-3/4, 5-1/2 and 7-1/2 inches. Finish was the usual color case-hardened frame and blue barrel, cylinder and grip frame. Grips were two-piece wood or checkered black plastic. Along with the regular Single -Action Army revolver, the Cowboy continues to be made at the time of this writing.

SINGLE-ACTION CLONES

Together with the 1911 45 auto, the Colt Single Action is one of the most copied handguns of all time, especially after it was first dropped from production after World War II. The first copies were made by Great Western, followed by Sturm Ruger. The latter company introduced a line of modern single actions that, while based on the original design, incorporated a new, stronger lockwork and improved sights.

In the years that followed, other companies have offered virtual clones of the original New Frontier model. These filled the niche as the Colt models escalated in price and were eventually dropped from regular production. The growing popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting has helped in keeping the demand for reasonably priced single-action revolvers. The following are some of the more popular brand of SAA models currently available: American Western Arms, Cimarron Arms, EAA, EMF, Navy Arms, Sturm Ruger & Company, U.S. Firearms and Dixie Gun Works, Inc.

THE COLT SINGLE ACTION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

The revolver continues to be made as a Colt Custom Shop item and as the Cowboy. Its long-term future really depends upon what happens to the Colt Company. If the company survives, as hopefully it will, so will the old single action. While this remarkably graceful handgun may not enjoy the popularity it had in the 1950s, it still has a great deal of appeal to shooters worldwide.

Loading and unloading is accomplished by means of a loading gate in the frame and an ejector rod system.

Early Single-Action Armys had the cylinder pin secured with a single screw in the front of the frame.

LOADING AND UNLOADING THE SINGLE-ACTION ARMY

To unload the Peacemaker, always ensure the barrel is pointing in a safe direction. Place the revolver in the left hand, open the loading gate and carefully draw the hammer back to the second cock position. Then elevate the barrel and rotate the cylinder so that each chamber is aligned with the ejector rod, which is used to eject the cartridges or spent cases.

To load, hold the revolver in the same way. Point the barrel towards the ground. With the loading gate open, cock the hammer to the half-cock notch, rotate the cylinder and insert a fresh cartridge in each chamber.

To ensure an empty chamber is under the hammer, load only five cartridges. After loading the first chamber, leave the next one empty and then load the rest. When all cartridges have been loaded, fully cock the hammer before gently lowering it completely so that it rests on the empty chamber.

SHOOTING AND HANDLING THE SINGLE-ACTION ARMY

In addition to its classic appearance, the Peacemaker has excellent handling and shooting characteristics, the attributes most responsible for the revolver’s continuing popularity over the years.

Much of the revolver’s fame is related to the role it played on the American frontier. While other revolvers were used, there is no doubt the SAA was the favored sidearm of most of the famous names on both sides of the law in the American West. Lawmen such as Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Bat Masterson, Pat Garret, Bill Tilghman, Heck Thomas and many others carried Peacemakers of one type or another.

The revolver began its life with the U.S. Army, especially as a cavalry sidearm. It remained in service until the Colt 38 double-action revolver of 1892 replaced it. It was rushed back into service several years later during the Philippine Insurrection because of the ineffectiveness of the 38 cartridge. It was finally retired when the Colt 45 ACP Government Model pistol was adopted by the military in 1911.

After solid-frame, swing-out cylinder, double-action revolvers by Colt and Smith & Wesson became the choice of most major police departments, many Western lawmen, especially the Texas Rangers, refused to part with their single actions.

Much of the revolver’s success is due to its many strengths.

The Colt New Frontier featured adjustable sights and a flat top frame.

While it’s internal mechanism is actually quite fragile and subject to breakages, its generally rugged construction enables it to remain functioning. Its strong solid frame enabled lawmen like Wyatt Earp to use it as a “Billy club” to “buffalo”(subdue) drunken cowboys by hitting them over the head with the revolver’s barrel. Such treatment was not good for the revolvers and often resulted in the ejector housing and rod being broken away from the side of the barrel.

While the Peacemaker is generally very well made, there were other revolvers with a superior fit and finish. In spite of this, the SAA would continue to function when subjected to the dirt and dust that would jam its finer-made competitors.

When it comes to shooting, the revolver has many endearing features. Its simple plow-handle grips tend to be one size that fits all. In addition, the revolver has excellent balance regardless of barrel length. Both these attributes help in cushioning the recoil of heavy loads. The grips allow the revolver to slide up in the hand to place the hammer in an ideal position for cocking it back for a fast follow-up shot.

In terms of accuracy, the revolver can hold its own against most others. I witnessed an old blackpowder model in 44/40 being fired at a man-size silhouette target at a distance of 200 yards. A total of 10 shots were fired; seven hit the target. The three misses were all misfires, no doubt due to the age of the ammunition. I should add this revolver was well used and had a worn and pitted barrel.

In spite of its great accuracy potential, the revolver is not a target arm. Its fixed sights are rudimentary and rarely shoot to point of aim. Most of the SAAs I have shot required some sight adjustments. Even when adjusted, the sights present a small sight picture that is not conducive to pinpoint accuracy.

The revolver is not without its faults; it is slow to load and unload and has to be cocked for every shot. The latter is somewhat mitigated by its relatively light single-action trigger pull. With practice, the revolver can be fired quite quickly thanks to its generous hammer spur.

Even more speed can be achieved by using a two-handed hold, using the thumb of the supporting hand to cock the hammer. Slip shooting, where the hammer is slipped off the thumb while the trigger is held or tied back, is another way of shooting the Single Action quickly.

In 1894, the single screw securing the cylinder pin was replaced with an easier-to-operate transverse bolt. This feature is often mistakenly used to identify revolvers made for use with smokeless powder.

As pistol target shooting grew in popularity, Colt introduced two target versions of the Single-Action Army, the Flattop Target model (top) and the Bisley Model (bottom).

Fanning the hammer, a method popularized by Hollywood, is an overrated method of quickly discharging a single-action revolver. It can be effective after much practice, but was little used on the frontier. Fanning can also cause serious damage to a Peacemaker by breaking the hammer notches, making the revolver dangerous to load and unload. Fanning is not the only way notches can be damaged or broken, however. A heavy blow on the hammer, or losing control of the hammer during cocking, so that it falls before engaging the trigger can break or damage the lower notches or do the same to the trigger.

Shooting a Peacemaker fast requires a considerable amount of dexterity. The danger is the hammer slipping off the thumb before the hammer is fully cocked. Not only is this likely to break the half and safety notches, but the revolver may discharge. Many accidents have occurred by a shooter attempting to practice a fast draw from the holster. For this reason, both fast shooting and holster work must be approached with caution.

While broken hammer notches may not prevent a single action from being fired, safety is severely compromised. The first or safety notch is intended to keep the firing pin from contacting the cartridge primer. Its not being strong enough to resist fracturing from a heavy blow can result in an accidental firing of the revolver. For this reason, traditional Peacemakers must always be carried with an empty chamber under the hammer.

Both the functions of loading and unloading require placing the hammer in the half-cock notch so the cylinder is free to rotate. If the notch is broken, the hammer can slip off and fire a cartridge during the loading process.

The tendency of the screws to be jarred loose during firing is more an irritation than a serious fault. Giving the threads a thin coating of nail varnish or rubber cement is a simple way to lock the screws in place.

Another warning for Peacemaker owners is never to shoot modern smokeless ammunition in blackpowder models. Even though these revolvers will chamber modern ammunition, blackpowder single actions are just not stressed for the higher pressures generated by modern ammunition and are in danger of blowing up.

An early alloy frame Scout (bottom) and a late model with color case steel frame.

This 38/40 Single-Action Army of 1907 vintage is warranted for smokeless powder. It has the transverse bolt.

COLLECTOR INTEREST

Colt Single Actions are highly collectable and demand high prices completely out of proportion to their scarcity or vintage. Except for new revolvers, there is the question “Should a Single-Action revolver be fired at all?”

There are several factors to consider when answering this question, the first of which has already been discussed – is it a blackpowder or smokeless model? The other question is one of value. Single actions, even of fairly recent vintage, are demanding amazingly high values. As a general rule of thumb, shooting should be confined to third-generation models of late vintage. I rarely shoot even my third-generation models and never my three first-generation revolvers. All my single-action shooting is done with one of the many fine replicas currently available.

Nevertheless, these revolvers are shot quite a bit by handgun hunters, single-action enthusiasts and Cowboy Action Shooters. Genuine Colt SAAs are in great demand by the latter. There are a number of gun shops that offer restoration services catering to the needs of such competitors. Ultimately, the decision to shoot must be left to the reader.