FALL 2019
andfamousmetallic-cartridgerevolver,
witharound413,000made.
The1870swerea periodofincred-
ib letechnologicalinnovationatColt.In
1877—onlyfouryearsafterintroducing
thePeacemaker—Coltreleaseditsfirst
double-actionrevolver.Colt’sDouble-Action
Self-CockingPistol(Model1877)hada
completelynewframestylewitha bird’s-
headgriphumpedatthetopofthebackstrap
tohelpstabilizethepistolindouble-action
shooting. Almost all were chambered in .38
or .41 Colt centerfire and were nicknamed
by retailers the “Lightning” and “Thunderer,”
respectively. They generally came withbar-
rels of 3, 4½ , 5 or 6 inches, the longerones
usually equipped with a shrouded ejec-
tor. Lighter and more compact than the
Peacemaker, they were ideal for concealed
carry. The Model 1877 was a fast-handling
little pistol. Advertisements boasted six
shots in three seconds. It was produced into
1909 and a total of 166,849 were made, with
111,500 of them coming before 1900. It was
very popular in spite of the fact that the
delicate action was prone to breakage.
In 1878, Colt brought out the Model
1877’s big brother. “Colt’s Double Action
Self-Cocking Central Fire, Army Six Shot
.45In. Caliber Revolving Pistol” had simi-
larlines, but the grip was integral with the
frame, making it exceptionally sturdy. The
action was improved but still somewhat
weak mechanically compared to old single
actions and double actions to come. It
was nicknamed the Colt’s Frontier Double
72 GUNS OF THE OLD WEST
COLT AFTER COLT
1 2
3 4
5
- Colt Model 1889 New Navy
- Colt Model 1896 New Police
- Colt Model 1898 New Service
4-5. Colt 1893 New Pocket
