Revolver Round-Table: Colt Peacemaker
history
The first revolver was manufactured in 1836 by Samuel Colt. Before that, handguns had only single-fire capability and had to be reloaded after each shot. For some time, Colt had been working on a new loading mechanism, inspired by the capstan—the vertical-axled wheel used for hauling in rope on large nautical ships.
Colt eventually constructed and patented the "revolving cylinder" that allowed for repeated indexing of rounds, dramatically decreasing reload time. The first revolvers still had to be muzzle-loaded with loose black powder, until the advent of self-contained cartridges in 1854. It was at this point that Samuel created the signature Colt gun: The Peacemaker.
This iconic six-shooter is also known as the Single Action Army, SAA, Model P, M1873, Colt .45, and “the gun that won the west”. It was first designed for the government service revolver trial of 1872, after which, it was adopted as the official standard military service revolver through to 1892. In addition to military personnel, the gun found extreme popularity with American civilians due to its ease of use, reliability, and relatively inexpensive construction.
Throughout its service history the Peacemaker has been manufactured with over 30 variations of caliber and barrel length, but the classic design has never changed. There are few firearms as instantly recognizable as this classic piece of Americana. Colt discontinued the Model P twice, but were forced to bring it back due to overwhelming demand.
Although it is only single action, the Peacemaker was the gun that made rapid fire “fanning” popular, and a standard among movie cowboys.
movie appearance
The peacemaker can be seen in almost every western ever made, but perhaps its most notable appearance is in the hand and holster of The Man With No Name (Clint Eastwood). In his first film appearance, A Fistful of Dollars (1964), TMWNN carries a 5.5-inch SAA with a colour case hardened frame, blued finish, and silver rattlesnake grips. This personalized revolver stays with TMWNN throughout Sergio Leone’s spaghetti western film saga.
airgun replica
This Umarex pellet gun is an official colt licensed replica of the Single Action Army revolver. It features a 7.5-inch riffled barrel for sharp shooting, even on the quick draw. The striking nickel and gold finished frame is accented with imitation ivory grips and an inlaid Colt Peacemaker medallion. It shoots and loads just like the real steel gun, with a single action trigger, rotating cylinder, and loading gate. With a realistic weight, look, and feel, this six-shooter offers an authentic cowboy experience.
Buy it here!
