1873 Single Action Army
This Peacemaker Won the West
by Kevin Lee McIver
The Colt Single Action Army...perhaps the
most widely recognized pistols of all time. Quick shooting and fast on the
draw, the SAA is reminiscent of a time in America's history when the West
was a lawless frontier.
Just over 100 years ago, the SAA cleared a
path for an emerging nation. Lawmen, badmen, farmers, Native Americans,
prospectors, and soldiers all used Samuel Colt's most famous design for
their endeavors. There were many other good pistols on the frontier; but
none earned a reputation like the "Peacemaker."
Since its inception in 1873 to today, the
SAA has few equals when it comes to appearance or shoot ability. Easy to
disassemble, assemble, maintain and shoot, the SAA is also very rugged;
however, this is no weapon for the timid.
Those familiar with the SAA know that it
can be quite an experience when it comes to shooting at the range or in
the field: loading and ejecting one round at a time; adjusting elevation
by filing down the front sight (a one shot deal with no room for error);
and carrying only five rounds in the cylinder, as a sixth one would rest
directly under the hammer. For those of us fond of its uniqueness, it is
the "classic" firearm.
Today, despite the overwhelming popularity
of double-action revolvers and semi-automatic pistols with their
"modern-day" conveniences, cowboys are making a comeback, with
Sam Colt's design high on the wanted list.
These shootists yearn for the Old West and
their weapon is the SAA. This renewed interest in history has generated an
increase in SAA manufacture. Not only is the SAA being produced again by
its original maker, Colt, but also by many companies both in the U.S. and
abroad.
In many of these models, parts are
identical to the original Colt SAAs, making them every bit historically
correct, except for the name. In other models, they have been
"modernized" with features like adjustable sights or safety
mechanisms; however, they are still SAAs at heart.
Current manufacturers or importers of SAA
reproductions include American Arms, Cimarron, Century Gun Distributors,
Dixie Gun Works, EAA, EMF, Freedom Arms, Mitchell, Navy Arms, QFI, Ruger,
and Uberti.
My particular "Peacemaker" is a
Hartford model imported by EMF of California. A SAA reproduction from
Italy, the Hartford is identical to the 1st generation SAAs, to include
the infamous patent dates stamped on the left side of the frame. Used both
at the firing range and as a backup when hunting, the EMF Hartford is a
fine, accurate shooter and is a credit to Colt's design genius and to fine
Italian craftsmanship.
If you want to live a piece of history, get
into Single Action Shooting. You can simply buy a SAA and head to the
range, or you can join one of the SA shooting groups who practice what
they preach by firing only western-style firearms.
One of these, the Single Action Shooting
Society (SASS) "lives" the old west with appropriate dress and
unique live-fire action competitions. At SASS shoots, pre-1899 weapons are
the norm, although you may shoot modernized SAAs if you wish. Of course
you'll get some frowns with those adjustable sights atop your shooting
irons.
So head to the gun store and
pickup a piece of history, or head to the next SASS roundup in your local
area. And when you get there, tell them Dakota Lee sent you (SASS 4733).
| EMF
Hartford CT |
|
| Caliber |
.357 Magnum |
| Capacity |
6 (Only 5
recommended) |
| Barrel
Length |
4 3/4 inches |
| Weight |
36 oz. |
|
