Welcome to in the present day’s Photo of the Day! This remarkably early Colt SAA represents the start of what would turn out to be America’s most iconic handgun. Made in 1873 with serial quantity 14, it’s among the many first industrial manufacturing Colts ever assembled, predating even the well-known U.S. army contracts. What makes this revolver extraordinary past its early serial quantity is the “pinched body” rear sight – a characteristic discovered on fewer than 100 weapons, principally under serial quantity 200. Colt professional Ron Graham known as this gun “the Single Motion Military discovery of the last decade” when it emerged in 1991. In contrast to the standardized .45 Lengthy Colt caliber most SAAs used, this revolver is chambered for .44 S&W American – a transitional cartridge that reveals Colt was nonetheless determining their design. The barrel options “achieve twist” rifling (a carryover from percussion revolver days) and a flawless roll-die stamped handle. The 2-line patent marking on the body seems on fewer than 25 identified SAAs. The ejector housing makes use of an early design with out the strengthening stud that will quickly turn out to be normal. Even the loading gate reveals first-style manufacturing with solely slight beveling. Maybe most exceptional is the included bullet mildew – a factory-modified .36 caliber percussion mildew rechambered for .44 S&W American. Based on professional Robin Rapley, that is the one identified instance of this particular mildew. The revolver traces again to John Francis Ahern who died in 1924, passing by way of a number of generations of his household in Utah earlier than rising at a gun present in 1991. Household lore suggests Ahern might have acquired it by way of a “bar debt” – a becoming origin story for a chunk of the American West’s most legendary firearm.
“Colt Pinched Body Single Motion Military .44 S&W American Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/1089/colt-pinched-frame-single-action-army-44-sw-american-revolver. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025
Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, printed creator, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.
Trending Merchandise
