This revolver was part of a shipment of 50 identical guns sent to Hartley & Graham on that day. The barrel of the revolver is clearly marked in a single line, left hand side: COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER. This Thunderer left the factory in 1880. Mail-in entries accepted; send postcards (no envelopes) to: GUNS Magazine, GOM Surplus 2023, P.O. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. An oval shaped, swiveling lanyard loop was mounted on the butt of the birds head grip of most of the Frontier revolvers. Rhode Island Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: After Colt's patent expired in 1857, other manufacturers began producing double action revolvers. Thirty years later, Colts Patent Fire Arms would turn out their first double-action revolver called the M1877 and better known as the Thunderer or Lightning model, depending upon the caliber (41 Colt and 38 Colt respectively). The M1877 appealed to another group as well. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. * Any guns above serial number 40300 are considered to be modern under the 1968 Firearms Laws. William Mason left Colt and joined Winchester in 1883. Oklahoma Leather Western-Style Open Top Loop Holster Left Hand 1851, 1858, 1860, 1861 Black Powder Revolver 8" Barrel Leather Brown. Cimarron Firearms Walker Revolver Reproduction - Review. Employees and agents of Publishers Development Corp. are not eligible. Colt 1878 double action revolver. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. This cookie, set by Cloudflare, is used to support Cloudflare Bot Management. British Land Pattern Pistol; M1807 Harper's Ferry Pistol; M1816 North Pistol; M1819 North Pistol; . Colt Walker, 1st Model Dragoon & Whitneyville Hartford; Colt 2nd and 3rd Model Dragoons; Colt Baby Dragoon, Wells Fargo and Pocket Revolvers; Colt M1851 Navy; Colt M1860 Army; Colt M1861 Navy; Colt M1873 SAA; Remington 1858 New Model, .36 Navy and .44 Army; Parts For Reproduction Longarms. Colt considered that the double action revolver was unreliable and when we consider the early double action revolvers that were made by a number of manufacturers that was often true. Oppen repeatedly asked for a large-bore double-action revolver to counter the other offerings eroding Colts market share in London. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Although the M1878 was effectively an evolution from the Colt Single Action Army there were some important differences. M1861 Special Musket (Colt,L.G. One end acts as a screwdriver and the other end, with the loop, unscrews to form a pick for cleaning the nipple. (I) Giveaway ends April 30, 2023. Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. No purchase necessary. A total of 51,210 Model 1878 revolvers were manufactured from 1878 to 1907, including 4,600 for the US Ordnance Department. Winners must respond within 30 days of receiving notification or an alternate winner will be selected. 455 Webley and 476 Eley, for the British and Colonial Market. This is an Alexa Analytics cookie that is used to track user behavior. It is commonly referred to, for some reason, as the Artillery Model. Theyre famous for having no matching numbers. Aside from the lockup, the revolver was in decent shape considering it was made in 1898, but what caught the authors attention were 6 notches cut into the left grip panel. Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The Colt M1878 is a double-action revolver that was manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1878 to 1907. Colt did not . About 51,210 of these revolvers were made, with about 41,000 produced prior to 1899. . In fact, within a year, Colt released the M1878, a newly designed, more robust double-action chambered in the .45 Colt and .44 WCF cartridge. It is worth comparing the Colt Model 1878 with the Winchester Model 1883 that Mason and Wood created. Fortunately this time it would be a little bit more indirect. A strut is added to connect the trigger movement to the hammer. [1] These revolvers are unofficially designated the Model 1902 (M1902). Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. Contest void where prohibited by law. until 1878 with the advent of the Colt M1878 which was a similar design but available in larger calibers including the .476 Eley and 455 Webley, thus . The design of the Model 1878 was based on the Model 1877, which in turn was based heavily on the design of the earlier Colt Single Action Army revolver. Some historians feel this boils down to one key thing how the U.S. Army waged war vs. how European armies waged war. Made in 1898. Most importantly the chambers in the cylinder were within spec for 44 WCF and the rifling in the barrel was strong with no evidence of corrosion or pitting in the bore. Like most Colt revolvers of the time, the DA Frontier was available in a variety of finishes, barrel lengths and calibers. Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism, State Agency: These guns are not cheap, and with any matching numbers, the value skyrockets. Indiana Department of Natural Resources, State Agency: "Omnipotent" for the Colt M1878 double . Colt is best known for the engineering, production, and marketing of firearms over the later half of the 19th and the 20th century. Samuel Colt may have invented a revolutionary firearm, but as good a marketer as he was, by the 1840s things weren't going too well for his company, financially. Sign-up now to get more revolver content every Wednesday! Deployed military should use stateside address. (I) Giveaway ends June 30, 2023. Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, State Agency: A new and larger trigger guard was designed to accommodate this. Police officers preferred the compact versions of the Colt 1877. Photo from the collection of Mike Short. We prepared some special black powder loads using Winchester brass, Pyrodex cartridge grade. With these parts replaced, the old Colt was able to be brought back to life. The standard finishes were blued or nickel-plated, with hard rubber grips. MSRP: $38.00. Plus, the Lightning had the look of the famous western icon, the Peacemaker. All entries must be received by giveaway end date. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. European officers wanted a large-caliber revolver with rapid-fire capabilities. This was Colts way of indicating the caliber of the gun was .44-40. These are known as the "Philippine" or "Alaskan" models. (IV) Winners must undergo a background check (if required) and comply with all other federal, state and local laws. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. This article is about the Colt Model 1878. In actuality that date was chosen because it represented the advent of the invention of smokeless powder. The hammer spur was lowered and shortened so it did not interfere with the sight picture on firing (unlike the standard Single Action Army but similar to the Bisley model). (I) Giveaway ends May 31, 2023. This led to a modified model being created for US military personnel serving in the Philippines. Sadly, many of these old revolvers have not survived to the present. "Colt's Double-Action Revolver, Model of 1878" Copyright 1998 by Don Wilkerson, The Colt Revolver in the American WestDouble Action Frontier, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, State Agency: This gun is in beautiful condition with 92%-93% of the original blue finish with the main concentration of loss being on the backstrap. [3], The Model 1878 had a larger frame than the Model 1877, which allowed it to fire larger and more powerful cartridges such as the .45 Colt and .44-40, and used the same barrel & ejector parts as the Single Action Army revolver and a very similar cylinder. (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. The revolver is serial number 9718 and was manufactured in 1883. In keeping with their target audience of cowboy-action shooters, and to avoid the mechanical problems of the original, the gun is single-action only. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. M1859-1863,M1874 Shaprs Rifles. It was designed by William Mason who was one of the designers of the iconic single action "Peacemaker". (III) Giveaway winner(s) chosen by random drawing. The Colt M1878 is a double-action revolver that was manufactured by Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1878 to 1907. Carbona charcoal blue revolver to original. Americas oldest Second Amendment News outlet. Women especially liked the M1877 for this very reason but many professional gunmen also relied on them. Their style has a refined western Americana appeal that whispers to me like a sultry lover. for reproduction Colt Walker 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Model Dragoon Revolver. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . Colt Frontier M1878; Colt #3 Rimfire; Colt Root; Military. The top of the barrel is crisply marked in a single line as well and reads: COLTs PT. Remington goes back even farther than Colt. The mark is applied with a roll die, and is not in an acid etched panel, as would be appropriate for the earlier production M-1878 revolvers. In many cases, the enemy was a living wall of human flesh. Please try another search, Tomahawks & Tomahawk Parts and Accessories, M1826 and M1836 Water's and Johnson Pistol, M1861 Special Musket (Colt,L.G. Winchester Model 1897 - A late 19th . British Land Pattern Pistol; M1807 Harper's Ferry Pistol; M1816 North Pistol; M1819 North Pistol; . The Model 1877 was offered in three calibers, which lent them three unofficial names: the "Lightning", the "Thunderer", and the "Rainmaker". This Colt M-1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver is in about EXCELLENT condition and is accompanied by its period Mexican loop holster and cartridge belt, as well as a Colt Factory Letter. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Box 488, Escondido, CA 92033. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The design of the Model 1878 was based on the Model 1877, which in turn was based heavily on the design of the earlier Colt Single Action Army revolver. Arizona Game & Fish Department, State Agency: The revolver is serial number 9718 and was manufactured in 1883. The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol or Navy Pistol, sometimes erroneously referred to as "Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber" or "of Navy Caliber" (Naval is heavy gun and Navy Size Caliber was termed later for another Colt model), is a cap and ball revolver that was designed by Samuel Colt between 1847 and 1850. Site by One Dog Media, Copyright & Disclaimer 1996- These were not Samuel Colt designs but were created by Colt Factory Manager William Mason and the Superintendent of Engineering, Charles Brinckerhoff Richards. Those revolvers went off to arm the Philippine Constabulary under Brigadier General Henry T. Allen during the Philippine Insurrection. California Department of Fish & Wildlife, State Agency: The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". They show the typical color fading that is expected from Colt hard rubber grips as they age, and now have a brownish color with a slightly green tinge, instead of their factory new black color. To protect the privacy and security of winners, names will not be made public. What did Doc Holiday, Billy the Kid, Pat Garret, Pearl Hart and John Wesley Hardin have in common? Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, State Agency: Giveaway prizes may have evidence of being test fired or exhibit minor handling marks. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The Colt Model 1877 was Colt's first attempt at making a double action revolver. 1412 West Reelfoot Avenue At one time, the factory even modified Model 1878 cylinders for use in single action revolvers in an attempt to use up spare parts.[3]. About 60% of the finish was remaining and there was some pitting on the frame. A variation of the _gat cookie set by Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to allow website owners to track visitor behaviour and measure site performance. Mike Searsons career as a shooter began as a Marine Rifleman at age 17. The Model 1878 saw action on America's frontier and throughout the world until production ceased in 1905. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. During the mid to late 19th century, Hartley & Graham (previously Schuyler, Hartley & Graham) was probably the single largest retailer of Colt firearms, and their custom shop also produced a dazzling array of engraved and embellished Colt arms, often with fancy and carved ivory grips. Other calibers offered included the 45 Colt, 38 WCF . According to an article by firearm historian Dr. RC Marohn, metropolitan police officers were looking for a smaller-framed revolver they could keep concealed but still packed a punch. Prizes will not be awarded if illegal in jurisdiction of winners. Dixie Austrian Lorenz. "The gun was new, a Frontier model, and the weight of it on his hip was comforting."[7]. The Colt M1877-packing Pearl Hart failed at being an outlaw but Many people have incorrectly assumed that this was to allow the revolver to be operated while wearing gloves, so "Alaskan Model" is a misnomer. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, State Agency: For other Colt Double Action firearms, see, "Colt Frontier" redirects here. The Colt Model 1878 is often regarded as the "black sheep" of old Colts. Lawman Pat Garrett was gifted a gold-gilded Colt 1877 about This is the gun that is father of all of Colts large frame double action revolvers, and is a great piece of old west history. Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, State Agency: It has a 7 "" barrel, is chambered in .44WCF (.44-40), has a nickel-plated finish and . Tags: The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net to collect statistical data such as the number of visits, average time spent on site, and what pages have been loaded, for targeted advertising. Close Menu. This appears to be from the wear caused by the holster riding over the loops. (II) Limit one (1) entry per household; multiple entries will disqualify entrants. for Colt S.A. Army 1873 Frontier and Bisley and Double Action, Lightning 1877 Revolver, SC1610 Ejector Housing Screw (repro.) Rock Island has a well-earned reputation for guns punching above their weight class and for unexpected innovation. The most popular calibers were .44-40 and .45 Colt. Associated taxes and fees are the responsibility of winners. M, Issue Police Positive MFG 1929. The first version was chambered in .38 Colt, an anemic cartridge compared to the heavy-hitting .45 Colt, but compared to most revolvers of the day it was a powerhouse. Photo provided by Hindman Auction House. In a twist, the fallible Colt 1877 outlived the revolver meant to replace it. He went into the back room and produced a Colt M1878 Frontier Six Shooter. Standard grips were black checkered hard rubber but some early revolvers were produced with checkered walnut grips. Despite its exterior and the lock-up issues, the rest of the revolver was sound. Tobacco was often sold in twists and to prevent store owners from counterfeiting lesser grade leaf in place of their product, tobacco companies placed a colorful tin tag on the twist. Huge numbers of these old revolvers were melted down in the 1940s for the World War 2 effort, many more were given to children to play with as the ammunition became something of a rarity in the 20th century (our cynical side believes this may be the origin of the notches on the grip panel). It is often referred to as the "Frontier" or the "Double Action Army" revolver. And, in most cases, the officers were expected to provide their weapons. After Colt's patent expired in 1857, other manufacturers began producing double-action revolvers, but Colt's Manufacturing did not manufacture its own double-action revolver until 1877, twenty years after the patent had expired.[2]. Some of these parts are interchangeable with the SAA. For 1,800 tags, one would receive a genuine Colt Lightning revolver! All entries must be received by giveaway end date. I would like to thank Henry Krank for supplying the pistol for review. The 44 WCF round also went by the name 44-40 denoting a 44 caliber bullet loaded with 40 grains of black powder. This Colt M-1878 Double Action Frontier Revolver is in about EXCELLENT condition and is accompanied by its period Mexican loop holster and cartridge belt, as well as a Colt Factory Letter. The double action revolver is not dramatically different in design than the single action revolver. 44-40 with a 7 " barrel. with, The Colt Model 1878 was certainly made in the right calibers to be a success but, like the Colt Model 1877, it proved to be unreliable by comparison with the Colt Single Action Army Model 1873 so it was made in large numbers but it did not survive beyond 1907. During its production run from 1883 through 1905, some 51,210 DA Frontier Models were produced by Colt. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, State Agency: Winners will be notified by certified mail on official letterhead. Youtube - Track the views of embedded videos. 5 which was being made around the same time proved to be reliable and tended to be favored for officers wanting a double action revolver whilst the Colt Single Action Army was a revolver of choice for those favoring the single action. Area Code: 616. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. From 1900-1906 Colt manufactured approximately 46,500 M1877 revolvers, and roughly 58% were chambered in .38 Colt. Many cases, the enemy was a living wall of human flesh to life trigger guard was designed by Mason! Americana appeal that whispers to me like a sultry lover guns punching above their class! ; Peacemaker & quot ; Peacemaker & quot ; Peacemaker & quot ; Winchester Model 1883 Mason... 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