Colt Single Action Army Peacemaker
The Colt Peacemaker is nothing short of charismatic and hallmark for its role in American history. Colt themselves admit no other revolver in their lineup has ever earned more fame than this single-action army revolver. The weapon of choice for characters such as Buffalo Bill and General George Patten, this revolver is now manufactured to blend history with modern ammunition.
The equalizer of the west, this SAA retains its .45 long colt capacity, with just as much beauty and finesse as restored antiques. This firearm typically isn’t used as a carry or even recreational shooting piece, and fully recreated from historical design. First introduced into the market in 1873, this revolver is a must-add to any firearms collection.
The Equalizer of the West
The Colt Single Action Army Peacemaker is aptly named. First introduced within the U.S. Army in 1873, it was referred to as the M1873. The nickname “Peacemaker” actually wasn’t coined until 1878. Some different calibers exist with this model historically but the most iconic has to be the .45 long colt, still readily available today.
The single-action trigger used to be hair-light when cocked. With no other safety feature, this was a saving grace, unless one dropped it on the spur; Colt still recommends carrying the hammer down on an empty cylinder. Reproduction models are usually between 2 and 3 lbs of draw weight with the hammer back. Later models introduced a double-action trigger with a heavier pull.
Colt Peacemaker Standard Features
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Colt Single Action Army Peacemaker Variations
The Colt SAA Peacemaker has been around for a long time, and many variations were produced, though few exist in continued production today. Colt has canceled production twice in its history, only to be brought back due to popular demand. Calibers of this revolver include, but aren’t limited to the .45 long colt, .44-40 Winchester, .38-40 Winchester, .44 American, .32-20 Winchester, .41 Colt, .38 long colt, .38 special, .357 Magnum, .44 Henry rimfire, .22 rimfire, .476 Eley. Most of these are historical cartridge sizes, and the 45LC is currently the only caliber in production for the Colt SAA Peacemaker.Variations are listed below:
| Currently in Production | Discontinued |
|---|---|
| SAA 7.5” (45LC) SAA 4.25” (45LC) SAA 5.5” (45LC) |
M1873 (45LC) First-generation SAA 4.75” First-generation SAA 5.5” First-generation SAA 7.5” First-generation SAA Gunfighter First-generation SAA Artillery First-generation Flattop Target First-generation Banker’s Special First-generation Bisley Colt Frontier Six-Shooter Second-generation The New Frontier Colt Buntline Special Third-generation Buntline Third-generation New Frontier Third-generation Frontier Six Shooter revival Colt Cowboy |
Price::$1,600-$250,000
Colt Single Action Army 7.5”
The original preferred barrel length on this SAA revolver is hard to miss. A practical and accurate production as close to the historical design as possible, this revolver is encouraged to be a collector’s piece only. Colt includes a disclaimer to refrain from firing, cycling, or cocking this firearm lest the handler significantly reduces its value. True to time this six-shooter takes 45LC cartridges and features a blued barrel and cylinder with color case hardened frame.
Colt Single Action Army 7.5” Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | 45 long colt, .357 Magnum |
| Barrel length: | 7.5” |
| Unloaded weight: | 43-44 oz |
| Hand: | Right |
| Front sights: | Fixed front blade |
| Rear sights: | U-notch |
| Grips: | Black composite double eagle |
| Finish: | Nickel, case hardened and blued |
| Capacity: | 6 |
| Action: | Revolver, single |
Colt Single Action Army 5.5”
This mid-length barrel for the SAA Peacemaker, the 5.5” barrel doesn’t compromise balance or power compared to the 7.5” barrel model. Colt includes a disclaimer to refrain from firing, cycling, or cocking this firearm lest the handler significantly reduces its value. These shorter barrels were primarily used in military settings. True to time this six-shooter takes 45LC cartridges as a current production. Some reproductions are fitted for .357 Magnum cartridges, though they are not currently in production.
Colt Single Action Army 5.5” Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | 45 long colt, .357 Magnum |
| Barrel length: | 5.5” |
| Unloaded weight: | 42 oz |
| Hand: | Right |
| Front sights: | Fixed front blade |
| Rear sights: | U-notch |
| Grips: | Black composite double eagle |
| Finish: | Nickel, case hardened and blued |
| Capacity: | 6 |
| Action: | Revolver, single |
Colt Single Action Army 4.75”
The shortest of the three Peacemaker barrels, the 4.75” barrel was often preferred by those that needed extra concealment but reliable power, often popular with bankers or store owners. This revolver is encouraged to be a collector’s piece only. Colt includes a disclaimer to refrain from firing, cycling, or cocking this firearm lest the handler significantly reduces its value. With the typical front blade and rear U-notch sight setup, this firearm was incredibly accurate for its time.
Colt Single Action Army 4.75” Specs:
| Attribute | Spec |
|---|---|
| Caliber: | 45 long colt, .357 Magnum |
| Barrel length: | 4.75” |
| Unloaded weight: | 40 oz |
| Hand: | Right |
| Front sights: | Fixed front blade |
| Rear sights: | U-notch |
| Grips: | Black composite double eagle |
| Finish: | Nickel, case hardened and blued |
| Capacity: | 6 |
| Action: | Revolver, single |