Collection of Colt Single Action Army Revolvers

In this video, take a look at this collection of Colt Single Action Army Revolvers!
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[@luckydogx2]

"I don't know" is one of the most legitimate answers on earth, and sometimes refreshing to see and hear. Great video! BTW, I have a couple of Lugers, and a couple of vintage SAAs, have a huge interest in both, so this was a welcome episode for me.

[@peteengard9966]

You should get ahold of Hickock 45. I'm sure he could tell you all you need to know about the SSA. I had a history teacher in highschool that carried a chrome plated with bone or antler grips holstered on his hip everyday. Great teacher he was.

[@mikenstien1861]

Probably Nickel plated, don't think older SAA were ever Chrome plated...

[@jphilb]

Would LOVE to see those two guys sit down for a video!

[@hercules1073]

Wow that cutaway is extremely valuable...

[@kormidoit6709]

You should request Colt letters for these 1873 Colts. For the Artillery models (U.S.stamped, many serial #s) use the frame Serial Number. Look for Inspector stamps on the barrels, cylinders, back straps. DFC, RAC, A, P, HN. These will help with value.

[@MikeScott-nk2ht]

You cant have master knowledge of every gun but you did a great job with these; I love every one of your videos.

[@freddobbs4437]

Thank you from all us shrinking but remaining Colt or clone 1873 SAA fans.

[@scottdunn2178]

Those Uberti replicas are getting quite collectable. Many of the "Colt" and "Winchester" guns used in the old westerns were actually Italian Uberti replicas.

[@JerresYouTubular]

Try and find a Uberti or other Italian Colt Paterson copy if anyone doubts how collectable they are becoming. They are well made and have beautiful case hardening and bluing on many models.

[@chrisgabbert658]

You can shoot it and not worry about it and enjoy.

[@danielmoore3056]

James Arness from Gunsmoke and John Wayne in most of his later films used "Great Western" single actions. In fact, his last film "The Shootist" he used a pair of these highly engraved Six-shooter's.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

They normally used original Colt and Winchesters. And no, the Italien guns are not worth much and they dont have the quality at all, like the Colts and Winchesters have. You know that you can still buy new Colts and Winchester rifles.

[@scottdunn2178]

@@bushcraft_in_the_north In the 1950's and 60's Colt didn't produce single action pistols, nor did Winchester produce 1873 model rifles... Uberti to the rescue. The "Winchester" rifles used by John Wayne in many of his pictures were actually a Uberti. They were simply cheaper and much easier to get.

[@Sir_Baddington]

Such an elegant design.

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I have been studying and working on colt SAAs most of my life. if you have any questions On any of these guns, please feel free to ask. So all of these guns were made before 1896 and the Military inspected guns were made before 1891. The artillery models are older guns that were cut down by the Military armories. They all originally started out as 7 1/2 inch guns.. That nickel plated colt, i could not tell, but did it have any inspector markings on the frame ,cylinder, and barrel. Colt did a buy back from the military. They removed the US stamp on the frame and nickel plated the guns to sell on the civilian market. So if its got Inspector markings on the gun. It might be a buy back colt. If any of the markings are a "c" it could mean the gun did not pass The government inspection. and was sold on the civilian market. That is quite common as well.

[@enricomandragona163]

Great explanation!! Although the second to last before the cutaway was a 1903

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

I should have been more clear. I was only talking about US government issued SAA. Not civilian market sold. They made the civilian model 1st gen until early 1940s

[@72agustin]

That is an amazing treasure, what a great collection you ran in to with those safes! I know you drink a different cup of tea but aren’t those such beautiful pieces of Americana 🇺🇸??? Thank you for sharing it.

[@aussmith5335]

Any gun featured on your channel is great to see and learn about. 👍

[@tompniewski5781]

Agree 100%

[@leonardjanda6181]

Great job for identifying them , they look absolutely amazing for the age of them terrific show🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@ahall1459]

Excellent show & tell...like to see one on S&W revolvers too. Cheers

[@sharkboy_twentytwo8155]

There’s just something elegant about Colt SAA. Completely Indestructible, but still has great lines and pleasing balance. Ruger makes amazing replicas called Vaquero’s.

[@JerresYouTubular]

Always wanted to live out my cowboy dreams by buying a pair of .357/.38 Cal. Vaquero's, a fancy holster rig, and try some quick draws 'Shooting from the hip'.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

Well they are not replicas,they are a different single action revolver and they are allmost inestructible. Colt has better balance and feel, they are also slimmer and use flat springs. And they are not indestrucible,but lasts for a long time. But Ruger makes great guns.

[@reggierico]

'Old Vaquero's', good. 'New Vaquero's, not good.

[@sharkboy_twentytwo8155]

@@reggierico Mine are 11 years old.

[@reggierico]

@@sharkboy_twentytwo8155Not sure when the 'New' Vaquero came into the line up, but if you have an older, large frame Vaquero, you'll definitely know the difference. I have a stainless in .44 mag and a blue/case hardened /.45 colt. Both 'Old' Vaquero's.

[@pasha12343]

It’s interesting to see how different the colour and patina of each gun is, interesting collection 👍🙂

[@g54b95]

"I have no idea how this works." Love your content, Tom. You have taught me a great deal about the things that you know how they work.

[@JohnChrusz]

You've got me so excited, watching your video on the Colts RAC is Rolando a car. He was the Army inspector for Colt or should I say add cult from 1873 to 1910. Retired just before the 1911's came in. On the artillery revolvers in the seventh half-inch like cutback 26in. They were done in batches of 25 so that's why artillery ludger's are only one in for our have all matching numbers

[@enricomandragona163]

Interesting details however your spelling and grammar is horrible!!

[@Foche_T._Schitt]

Check and see if the family has Colt Factory Letters. The letters will tell you the finish, grips, caliber, barrel length and where they were shipped.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

The third revolver is a 1872 open top,only made for a year,because of waiting for the patent from S&W company to run out. So they could make the new Colt 1873. There is not many of them and they are worth alot. Some was put together with old parts in the beginning, but was later built that way and called the 1872. But all are buidt on the 61 frame etc. And are in caliber 38 even though it stands 36cal. It is the most valuable one.

[@jensenwilliam5434]

I like it !! Thank you for your videos Tom and Randy !!!

[@enscroggs]

The third one, assumed to be .36-caliber, looks to be a cartridge conversion from a percussion revolver.

[@dongies5834]

Also cylinder & barrel look larger than 36 Ca.

[@lynnlabauve9319]

The cutaway is the rarest and most valuable.

[@DB2A7]

Beautiful collection

[@computerwizard1959]

The 27,000 serial range gun is probably too early for factory nickel since most of the early ones were blued but it was probably "dealer plated" which is fairly common. It very well could be true vintage nickel on it.

[@nevillewran4083]

Thank you for the effort you make in putting these videos together. Informastive, interesting ....much appreciated.

[@RodgerHuse-bq1pr]

I really appreciate this vid. I have an 1893 Colt 45 Peacemaker and wish she had friends but I only have one. Seeing a collection like this is amazing. Thank you for the great content and I just subscribed and will watch anything you make.

[@mikenstien1861]

Great Video! I enjoy watching firearms displayed that I can't afford 😢

[@johnryan7932]

Me too. You can have some of the pleasure at no expense.

[@computerwizard1959]

The 134,000 range single action army is very very nice for the $5500 price. It should date around 1890 based on the serial number.

[@conradw9229]

This is a very informative video. I especially loved to see the differences. Thank you. I am a collector; but not an expert. But, I believe that the 'gold standard' for old Colt Peacemakers is a numbers matching, properly functioning, Army issue, 7.5" barreled pistol. That gun would be 'top of the mark' for collectibility. As these pristine issues subside, the value goes down. For me...mismatched part numbers would be the first monetary detractor followed by issuance and barrel length. I appreciate the final selling price being shown. It gives us a great frame of reference. These pistols are not cheap and personal education is the best way to find your proper market. Not to sound snobby...which I probably will, I would personally grade this collection in the B+ to C range.

[@LS1007]

Upon some preliminary research the WTP might stand for Western Trading Post and K might mean the gun has replacement parts. I’m no expert so don’t hold me to that. Thanks for sharing these. Have a great day!

[@LS1007]

Just to add, RAC is for Ronaldo A. Carr, the inspector who inspected the refurbished guns. This and previous information was obtained from Wikipedia.

[@trenacook7694]

Nice job sir. Thank you. Enjoyed.

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

The Uberti Cattleman 2 and their other revision models have 3 clicks because the company installed a safety mechanism. It departs from the Colt standard but safer to use and carry.

[@kylewood8327]

Love SAA pistols, they’re truly American.

[@ronaldbyrne3320]

As always, educational. I’m not that interested in cowboy guns but it’s always good to learn new things. 👍🏻

[@JerresYouTubular]

Just the Hammer on a first Generation Colt can run $300 and up. There are only so many original guns and parts available. That's why Italian copies are getting more pricey by the day. Uberti's are well made. Some have gorgeous bluing and case hardening. There is like a year wait time back log to get a Colt Paterson copy.

[@bertroost1675]

Do you mean the older Uberti's, like from the 1960's, or even the current ones?

[@JerresYouTubular]

@@bertroost1675 Newer Pietta and Uberti have a high degree of craftsmanship and quality. I don't know about older ones.

[@usnchief1339]

Wow, this was just wonderful to see. You did a great job.

[@danielparrish5438]

if you send the serial numbers to Colt they may be able to tell you more about the guns like when they were made and who they were 1st sold to

[@Moe395]

I actually watched your entire video. I would never pay 4k or 5k on one with the modern day pistols of today. Great review.

[@kevinshorter5861]

Thanks for telling us about them too!!!

[@alvinuselton912]

Wow I am glad you did that.

[@RichardGoth]

RAC = Rinaldo A. Carr, these were ordered in 1891, the final order of 1873''s the army bought. K is a colt inspection mark WTP looks like a police marking

[@southfloridaarcheryguy114]

As much as I love the old German pistols of the World Wars, when you’re talking single action Colts, you’re speaking my language. To me, they’re gorgeous in every way.

[@bigtex4058]

Remarkable that a collector with so many did not have a single Bisley.

[@joecat101]

One of your guns is not a SAA, it's a converted cap and ball like a Dragoon or a Navy. The rest look like first generation or maybe some second generation SAA's. Very nice collection.

[@markmiller1503]

I'm no expert but if you find a spike hammer , I'll take it (black powder) If it has mixed numbers, but only 2 matching numders. It's a factory rebuild usually to a shorter berrel and steal trigger gard

[@roybartran6756]

very interesting never scene some of that.....

[@Garth2011]

The last trainer model...its a "leaf spring".

[@profpudwick]

I was saying "mainspring" to the video.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks Tom.... Old Dead Shoe🇺🇸

[@quinnjim]

I really want to add a SAA to my collection. These seem to be in very poor condition for the prices they are asking. If you find a nice one, I'd be interested!

[@bertroost1675]

I imagine mint 1st gen is super rare.

[@arthurblundell6128]

The Italian repros sell for around 300 dollars in the UK (deactivated)

[@bertroost1675]

I thought in the UK black powder was allowed?

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

it is,but lots of people dont know anything about weapons. You can own old ones, but also buy new. But have to be a member of a gun club. Not hard to do, you can also of course own rifles and shotguns too. Made for smokeless powder@@bertroost1675

[@702Wolfi]

I love SAA's.

[@remko1238]

The Cinnabar - he’s a gunsmith & collector

[@kncochran1]

Very entertaining video .

[@bigolemike33]

Great Video Tom.

[@บัวสีโรเจอร์-ศ9ฝ]

Great stuff! Your email inbox will probably crash with enquiries regarding the details of some of these. Colt used to search their records for you if you sent all the details of numbers etc., Might be worth looking into if all of these haven't sold already.

[@heyboz4458]

I believe that you can still get a Letter of Authenticity from Colt, but it would probably cost you $300 - $400 for guns of this era. Nice video. Thank you for taking your time to make it. I would have loved to get the cut - away.

[@enscroggs]

The 1906 SSA looks to be an arsenal refurbished gun. The standard-issue sidearm at that time was the .38-caliber double-action Colt M1892 revolver. However, the Moro Rebellion in the Philippines revealed the M1892 to be less effective than desirable, therefore old single-action .45s were taken out of storage, refurbished, and re-issued to help bridge the gap between the M1892 and the .45-caliber self-loader then under development by Colt and J.M. Browning.

[@bertroost1675]

I also heard that some old cap and ball Rogers and Spencer revolvers were brought out of mothball for the Rebellion. But I have no proof, just things I read. It would be cool if it were true.

[@enscroggs]

@@bertroost1675 It's possible. The U.S. armed forces in the Spanish-American War contained numerous volunteer regiments (e.g. Theodore Roosevelt's "Rough Rider" cavalry) that sometimes provided their own weapons, equipment, and supplies. Also, until recently it was not uncommon for soldiers to carry their own sidearms purchased or otherwise acquired by their own means. Why someone would carry a cap & ball pistol into combat in 1900 is a difficult question. If the Moros were immune to .38-caliber smokeless ammo, why shoot black powder percussion ammo at them? If R&S revolvers did show up in the Philippines, they were almost certainly privately purchased. Bannerman & Son bought them all for scrap before the insurrection broke out.

[@bertroost1675]

@@enscroggs The Rogers and Spencer can take a full Dragoon charge so maybe that's why they were used. The Colt Walker (also Dragoon charge) was still the most powerful handgun up until the 357 mag was created. So even an outdated black powder revolver packed a punch even in the early 1900's. Bannerman bought them to resell, unless you mean he bought them for scrap prices. Perhaps I misunderstand the way you used the term scrap.

[@enscroggs]

@@bertroost1675 Scrap price, by weight rather than by piece. They did resell them as collectibles. Yes, the Walker was powerful, but it was also prone to explode. They were made of wrought iron rather than carbon steel. I'd need to see a photo of a soldier in the Philippines with a cap & ball pistol to take this as something other than a remote possibility. BTW, when George S. Patton was commissioned in 1909, he was issued an M1892 as his personal sidearm, as the M1911 wasn't yet adopted. In 1912 Patton competed in the Modern Pentathlon using that same gun in the pistol shooting event. In 1915 he was issued an M1911, but he didn't receive a proper holster for it. Apparently, it slipped from his belt and went off as it hit the ground, causing Patton to lose confidence in the Colt self-loader. He traded it for a re-arsenaled SSA which he grew to admire as an outstandingly accurate firearm. Later on, he had a pair made to order with hard chrome plating and ivory grips with GSP inlaid in 21-kt gold.

[@robertonavarro7713]

During the Philippine Commonwealth era, the Philippine Constabulary (PC) was established in 1901 and Filipinos, mostly Christians, were also recruited to help fight the Moro rebellion in the southern island of Mindanao. The smaller Filipino soldiers were also issued Colt 1892 revolvers but with unusually oversized triggers and trigger guards. My Filipino grandfather, Col. Celestino Navarro, a PC area commander, was KIA when his regiment was overran by superior Japanese forces in Mindanao in WW2.

[@royalservant2012]

Where are they listed?

[@daleparker4207]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@thomasallen3818]

W.T.P. marked Colts were 2nd generation models made from 11/1978 to 11/1982, according to Colt’s website.

[@silverstar4289]

Examine a first generation model to appreciate the quality of things made in the mid 19th century.

[@TheCristo68]

Any first gen in 41lc fetch a prety penny in Canada because of the Antique designation

[@stevendiner9389]

I believe the black grips are made of hard rubber

[@gregentwistle5105]

Yup, Gutta Percha

[@stevendiner9389]

@@gregentwistle5105 Correct!

[@vladimirasanin7462]

Most black powder frames..

[@finaloption...]

Looked like all.

[@garyzanghi9272]

Nice collection

[@dlife7427]

Italy? Replica? No way, my father got that from a Indian named Geronimo.

[@scottdunn2178]

Uberti

[@nathanielgood7813]

The artillery colts handle were redone and reissued to soldiers because the used the handle as a hammer to open the breach and supply box's so a definite us government rework

[@PATROITICWAYS1776]

I’m like you I know a little about these but I am more well versed on WWI and WWII guns myself

[@JohnChrusz]

TomTom why did you wait till I just decide to do my kitchen I would be cooking in a stove the backyard to own any of these never feel the need to defend your displays of Colt Single Action Army the gun that started it all

[@mrj10101]

Some very nice black powder SAA

[@pb68slab18]

Cimarron sells artificially 'antiqued' Uberti copies.

[@Garth2011]

Gun prices have gone way up since my last review maybe 5 or so years ago.

[@bertroost1675]

way way up

[@daryljacobson7462]

My guess about the initials I W P is that it belonged to a Hollywood prop company and used in the movies and television.

[@jimbelt9219]

Did you sell all of them?

[@dongies5834]

I was always under the assumption that 7 1/2' barreled SAA's, were the Artillery Model, not a 5 1/2'

[@profpudwick]

7.5" Cavalry Model; 5 1/2" Artillery.

[@montasir7]

❤

[@T.J-and-Soul]

You should have gone out to see hickok45 with these. He might just happen to want one or two?

[@nathanielgood7813]

The Richard's is definitely not commercial because most confederate handguns were privately owned before the war and very little were made and issued during the war most confederate handguns issued during the war were eroupe made or confiscated by the confederates during the war

[@arthurblundell6128]

Think needs black powder licence. People started making their own ammo for obsolete guns and I think they tightened the law on even that !

[@davidatovar]

Dang it if you're not the luckiest son of a gun ! Dang It

[@AdamosDad]

🛡Μολών λαβέ

[@rickkucharski3211]

It's too bad you don't intend to do a lot of videos on these. I think a lot of your fans enjoy these also. I know I sure do. And at least if you don't know something you're honest about it and don't try to fake your way through because you know there are knowledgeable collectors that will probably help you out.

[@ianrobst6648]

Colt got to love these I don’t know if Colt meant it to be intentional? But always remember those 4 clicks spell out COLT, 1, 2, 3, 4, like I said not sure if Colt meant for the pistol to cock that way? What a piece Samuel Colt said: God created all men, but my Colt made them all equal. Fabulous saying a 5 foot gun slinger is as equal as a 6 footer so let’s all be nice! …

[@bass2367]

👍😍💥🥇🤩

[@rogermorrill4700]

They are early , BLACK POWDER FRAMES, takedown screw not push button

[@toldyouso5588]

The loneliest gun in the world is the Colt Single A.

[@pedro-nm7os]

Lalo

[@pedroparamo-fw6ez]

hola

[@stefansellin7365]

you are so funny :)

[@Ac.MillitaryPrepper]

Folo packing wine box p90 it's mine

[@enricomandragona163]

Ok so the only gun missing from this beautiful collection is the Colt 1878 lightning double action!! Nothing personal but you don't handle a single action correctly!! Thumb the hammer with the pad of your thumb not under the joints!! It's drives me nuts!! And you didn't half click and pull out the load gate!! Brown grips were issued to the Army. Lighter grips and the rubber were civilian! Lastly 45 is not reference as a caliber!! Is Colt 45 or ACP!!

[@bertroost1675]

I think you can afford new gloves 😅

[@robertlipsey6056]

Why so worried about the clicks?? If they are all Colts in working condition they are all going to have the same amount of clicks.

[@5265vic]

I see a lot of mistakes in the comments

[@pedro-nm7os]

Judio.

[@kenibnanak5554]

$100 should be taken off the price for each time the gun was cocked on camera.

[@joshualemaster9328]

Excuse my ignorance, but I imagine that's bad? I only know if the hammer goes back at all you have to fully cock it before returning it home.

[@Immafraid]

Oh shut up

[@ikwer111]

@@joshualemaster9328cocking it adds to the drag line between the notches on the cylinder. Bad for value. And totally unnecessary. These are not shooters.

[@kenibnanak5554]

@@joshualemaster9328 You are correct. My comment was tongue in cheek. The fastest way to lower the price of a collectable mint Colt SAA is to put wear marks on the cylinder bluing by partially cocking it over and over. Especially when a careless person does it wring. This is why many Colt sales people strap down the hammer so the 'I have to touch and play with it' folks can't do that.

[@bertroost1675]

@@kenibnanak5554 But in the end it is just a thing. Maybe a very nice and collectable thing for sure. It sounds like the original collector wanted to enjoy them in more ways then just looking at them. To each his own.

[@dougcobb8114]

Wound never pay, a price for wore out guns...mis match..and worn finish...no history attached..ect....buy new one..!

[@ernestoflores5771]

I don't like any single action gun !

[@nsob8897]

That is a cool collection regardless of whether or not youre into them. Ive always liked the looks of the colt single action. Just dont know if ill ever buy one. Ive got nothing against them or the caliber. Just not that interested in shooting it. The way the actions are made is very fascinating though. The wheel gun is such a simple but handy little device.