Colt Firearms

[@shaider1982]

Nice, a video that will definitely be approved by Forgotten Weapons. Edit: yup, I also watched Ian's video on the Col Machine gun relased the same day as this one.

[@stevegoodzeck241]

I will admit I watched Ian's video before this one today.

[@jimcappa6815]

I did, too. For a brief moment, I thought he had uploaded two videos today.

[@robertdragoff6909]

@@stevegoodzeck241 Me too

[@GunsmithSid]

We like the content -especially seeing the collector guns, but there were too many ‘mistakes’ or overlooked nuances in this presentation for the aficionados.

[@robertdragoff6909]

I thought it was an excellent video

[@Brooks_M3]

LOVED this!! You married my two favorite hobbies, history and firearms. I’d love more episodes like this!

[@jamesslick4790]

History and firearms! Yes, and Firearms is the one hobby where you can embrace history AND yet have modern utility. Yes, I'm a 21st Century guy who carries a revolver! I have an S&W 442 on me right now! Don't get me started on my infatuation with any SMLE. LOL.

[@Nawojczyk]

Me too also.

[@kingjames4886]

kzbin.info you're welcome.

[@jamesslick4790]

@@kingjames4886 Been subbed there for years, Lol also "C& RArsenal".

[@gymshoe8862]

Same here!

[@alexmg2420]

This was an outstanding video. I love the fact that you presented these firearms and the people that collect them in a politically neutral light. You presented them as they are: interesting pieces of history collected by people with a keen interest in them. Seeing firearms presented as pieces of history to be prized and preserved and appreciated, rather than being villified as tools of violence and war is such a refreshing take. This video just reaffirmed why I love this channel: your commitment to presenting history, positive or negative, without bias, and keeping it interesting the whole way through!

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

This was a pretty interesting episode. And while not a Colt collector; it was refreshing to see firearms presented other than the typical media portrayal of just an instrument of crime . They can be interesting bits of engineering as well as history. And the history of Colt, is truly American history.

[@dirus3142]

Forgotten weapons is all about the engineering and history of fire arms.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@dirus3142 True.... But I am talking about a non gun focused Channel reaching a different audience.

[@videodistro]

Don't forget C&Rsenal for more in-depth engineering and history information!

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

As American as apple pie and baseball, regardless of what one thinks about firearms.

[@davidneel8327]

I once worked at a company that was a division of Colt Industries.

[@gregraines1599]

I saw ‘Carbine Williams’ as a child and I’ve always remembered it. Would love to see it again.

[@abitofapickle6255]

I love this channel. My Dad and I definitely have a soft spot for Colts. Our favorite is a Colt 1911 manufactured in 1919, that still works, and is in remarkable condition.

[@Pantheragem]

Same here. I have one that was made in 1918. At some point it was rearsenaled, given a new Colt barrel and an Ithaca slide. They also did a few of the A1 revisions, though, like the finger scallops are not exactly like an A1. It's kind of oddball, but, it's beautiful and historic, and just plain badass looking.

[@deadhorse1391]

I have two Colt 1911s both made in 1917 One is still in its original holster rig with pistol belt, magazines and lanyard. I shoot it occasionally

[@abitofapickle6255]

@@Pantheragem Now ours wad a civilian model, but it definitely had some A1 features on it.

[@Paladin1873]

I had a 1915 Commercial that eventually cracked its slide, so I replaced the slide and sold it to my brother. As far as I know it's still runnng.

[@lancerevell5979]

My only genuine Colt pistol is the M1991A1, the starter version of the M1911A1, cheaper manufacture. But it's very reliable and reasonably accurate.

[@grimreaper6557]

Awesome story well done Colt is my personal go-to weapon I own a Colt 1911 45

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

Is that 45AARP?

[@samuelclayton4405]

Excellent program. I am a Colt man. Carried Colts as a Soldier and Lawmen. They are in my opinion the finest weapon to carry.

[@jamesslick4790]

I'm an S&W guy, But this is NOT Coke VS Pepsi, Colt made some of the best (And most iconic) American firearms! Both companies are the "Cadillac" of handguns.

[@josephledux8598]

Me too, the M16 A1 as a soldier, and as a young metro police officer I carried a nickel-plated Colt Cobra .38 as a backup to my issue Smith and Wesson duty revolver. I carried the Cobra because for a snub-nosed hideout pistol it shot like a full-sized revolver, something you could NOT say about the Smith and Wesson snubnoses. Nickel plated because I was in southern Louisiana and being in body armor I always sweated like a hooker in church. A blued-steel revolver would have turned into a rustball after about a month of that.

[@samuelclayton4405]

S&W's are outstanding side arms. I wanted to carry a model 57 S&W. By the time got in to Police work ( 1980 ) the Agencies here had regulated Officers to carry a weapon no larger than .357 mag. So that why I got my Python.

[@CrossTimbersSon]

Enjoyed this! I was surprised the big Walker Colt wasn’t discussed. It played a major role on the frontier especially for the Texas rangers.

[@josephledux8598]

I mentioned the Walker in another comment. I have one of the Uberti reproductions of the Walker -- an exquisitely beautiful firearm -- sitting on my desk next to my keyboard. It was in fact the first practical combat revolver, and only the second ever introduced after the underpowered and unreliable Patterson. Like I said in the other comment, I own an identical pair of Uberti Walkers, which is what I get for watching the movie Outlaw Josey Wales too many times.

[@BogeyTheBear]

They made only 1100 Walkers, and most got used up in the Mexican-American War. It's all the more likely that the Dragoon, the improved version of the Walker, that had the bigger impact in Texas and the western frontier as a whole (they ended up making 20,000 of them, after all). However, it may have been the .31 caliber Colt pocket revolvers which made their greatest mark in the west. After all, a Colt Army or Colt Navy is the revolver for the professionals while the Pocket Revolver made their way into the hands of the everyday farmer, prospector, and civilian. The Pocket was Colt's best-seller, especially in the California Gold Rush.

[@MrTruckerf]

I wonder if that is where they got the name for the TV show, "Walker, Texas Ranger'.

[@dirtcop11]

I am glad you did this episode. I have enjoyed target shooting for most of my life. I haven't hunted game for a long time but still enjoy shooting at targets. It isn't some misguided desire to destroy anything, it is a test of skill.

[@jefffoutz4024]

Such a nice slice of history with the link to firearms. Mucho thanks!!

[@richardchapin6912]

Absolutely love this video I'd like to see more

[@WatchingYouTube1234]

You are an interesting character. You are well-spoken and well dressed. Your channel is refreshing. Subscribed.

[@tubeu28]

Great story as usual. Please do one on John Browning gun inventor, thx for all that you do!

[@oliveoil2x]

Brilliant. Thank you for such a personal and extensive overview- respect to collectors!

[@rickbarkman9062]

Well said.

[@geoffgill5334]

Always look forward to your posts

[@bjs301]

Great video! The M1911 deserves its own video. Designed by John Browning, the 1911 was first used by the U.S. Army in 1911, and continued in military use until recent years. It is still more accurate than nearly all modern auto-loading pistols.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Well..... there's kind of No Lack of 1911 videos on KZbin.

[@bjs301]

@@WALTERBROADDUS Definitely not. But I bet the History Guy could do a good one from a historical perspective.

[@abitofapickle6255]

Pump your brakes. The 1911 much like the Luger is a excellent design. However it's a old design that most definitely requires someone to take care of it. Even modern firearms are just as if not more accurate than Browning's poster child.

[@bjs301]

@@abitofapickle6255 Pump your own damn brakes. My duty gun was a Glock, and I currently own Glocks, S&W's, Sigs, Springfields and others. The only gun I own that is as accurate as a 1911 is a revolver. Sure their are semiautos that can outshoot it, but they're all expensive target pistols. I know it's an old design, and I know it needs care, so what? It's a great historical firearm, and THC could do an interesting video about it.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@abitofapickle6255 🙋🏽‍♂️aggreed....

[@johngregg5735]

Another high caliber video!

[@DixieHomestead]

Colt is an American icon. Good video 👍🏻

[@BogeyTheBear]

I dare say that Winchester is even more an American icon, simply on the grace that nobody outside of America likes lever-action rifles.

[@DixieHomestead]

@@BogeyTheBear Of course, Winchester is as well.

[@pat0467]

Love your videos, you remind me of Paul Harvey! The biggest difference is that I learn much more from you sir.

[@mrstacyj9496]

good day

[@MrTruckerf]

And now you know the rrrrrrrrrrrrest of the story!

[@MrScott1171]

I will always remember going past the famous Colt Firearms Factory Onion Dome in Hartford, CT. One of many Icons of Hartford that made the city. The Colt Firearms history if very interesting.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

It's rather shocking they're still there. As most of the industry has left New England forever.

[@MrScott1171]

@@WALTERBROADDUS They are thinking of leaving. But the history will remain if they do leave.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@MrScott1171 Sadly, the State has become anti gun and anti business.

[@MrScott1171]

@@WALTERBROADDUS Sad but true

[@jeffstevens156]

This has been my favorite of Your videos. Thank You!

[@russwoodward8251]

Lots of history there! Thanks again.

[@dr.froghopper6711]

I once owned a Colt Trooper Mk III with a 6” barrel. I traded it away and wish I hadn’t. I later owned one with an 8 3/8” barrel that was a true pleasure to shoot. The long barrel took a week to draw but it counteracted the recoil of the 357 magnum round and it was very accurate.

[@HemlockRidge]

I also have a Trooper Mk III w/6". I wanted a Smith, but at the time Smith didn't have the "L" frame, and I thought the "K" frame too light for .357 and "N" was too heavy. I've been deer hunting exclusively with the handgun, and have taken a number with the Colt.

[@darthcat6337]

Many friends say the same about their trades. Some were due to hard times, others for what they thought were a better gun.

[@patrickscalia5088]

I once owned a early 70s manufactured Colt Python with a 6-inch barrel. It was the slickest, most accurate, and most exquisite revolver I have ever owned. It would be worth thousands today. I lost it in a burglary about 40 years ago and it still makes me sick thinking about it.

[@HemlockRidge]

@@patrickscalia5088 Wow. My sympathies.

[@edwardloomis887]

I was going to comment about Sam Colt -- a distant cousin -- making men equal, but was happy to hear it at the end. Great video.

[@candyflair7946]

Old guns are beautiful.

[@howardjohnson2138]

Just one more SUPER presentation - Thanks

[@richardkut3976]

Excellent, wonderful episode, thanks.

[@silentseawolf]

there is lots of history around these old companies. love it.

[@daveb3910]

The history of arms is the history of technology. The history of is the history of the world. Thank you for covering it

[@garywagner2466]

Fascinating. I admire passionate collectors, too. The Canadian military is thinking about upgrading their flintlocks and duelling pistol sidearms. A study has been commissioned, at great expense, so both soldiers, all three sailors (sorry, “occasional floating service members,”) and all six aircrew will soon have “state of the art” weapons with new high-tensile rubber bands plus lightweight balsa wood stocks. We are very proud. Watch out Putin, you scamp!

[@radioguy1620]

Elisha K Root was a engineer for Colt and invented many of the processes that made it a success. In my town of Collinsville CT he made the Collins Axe factory prosper and Samuel Colt hired him for the then huge sum of 5000 $ a year.

[@mjc11a]

Impressive episode! Thanks very much for posting🙏

[@deaconblue949]

Great video! Might I suggest an episode on John M Browning who designed some of those handguns in this video as well as long guns for Winchester, Browning, and others. Also for the military. Probably the greatest gun designer of all time.

[@patrickscalia5088]

I second this. John Browning was an absolute prodigy when it came to to designing firearms and the list of famous and popular weapons that were the product of his creativity is extremely long. It's worth noting that one he designed over a hundred years ago, toward the end of WW1 -- the .50 Browning Heavy Machinegun -- is still in use all over the world today. He designed them right the first time and the M2 .50 as it has been known as under US Army designation is still largely identical to the original. Any changes and improvements implemented have all been minor -- like re-working the feed mechanism to use metal rather than cloth belts, and it's still mostly the same gun Browning designed back in 1915. There is literally no other weapon on earth of that old a design that's still common everyday military issue. I've been owning and studying guns for almost 50 years and I still occasionally get startled by finding out Browning designed something I like. For instance one of my favorite rifles of all time is the Winchester 1894 lever action. It is without doubt the most popular and best-selling rifle in history. I love the damn things. It was only about three years ago that I discovered that John Browning designed that one too. I honestly didn't know, even though I got my first 1894 when I was only 14, which is about 45 years ago. I was absolutely floored. I stand in awe of the man. There will never be another like him. He was the Thomas Edison of firearms.

[@jakewonuff3502]

One of the better infomercials on KZbin!

[@k_enn]

As a revolver fan, "modern" Colts have two engineering features that shine above most of the competitors. First, the cylinder rotates in a clockwise direction. That means that the hand rotating the cylinder from the bottom up applies pressure to push the cylinder in to the frame, rather than outwards like a S&W does. This eliminates the need for additional "locks" used by S&W and provides a more secure alignment. Second, the cylinder release latch is one that you pull back on, instead of pushing on the S&W. When you push, you have tendency to push the barrel into a downward angle, only to have to then tip it up more to allow gravity to assist the ejection. With the Colt's "pull back" design, you have a natural tendency to pull the butt of the revolver down, naturally improving the angle for gravity to assist on the ejection. This results in an economy of movement and a slightly faster reload.

[@ypaulbrown]

what a wonderful Kitty.....best wishes, Paul

[@Trigonometric]

Very fascinating, there's so much history in firearms

[@olchevy7983]

Here in Oklahoma, farmers have found old rusted guns tilled up in dirt from the wild west past.

[@dougbotimer8005]

Your video is much appreciated by this collector of a very small number of rather ordinary early 20th Century and Prohibition era Colt handguns. Firearms, like few other man made objects, stay with us for generations. Handling some of the older guns just leaves me wondering what stories they could hold. Especially ones like an obviously well cared for gun that sports a classic gun metal gray patina where deep rich blueing or iridescent case hardening covered the steel…

[@7come11two]

Great presentation, Sir. I love Colt revolvers, and auto-loaders.

[@thanksfernuthin]

It's pretty cool and wise for Colt to provide that service concerning their products. Not many things in the home are recorded so meticulously so make great history pieces.

[@josephledux8598]

I was practically drooling on my desk watching all this, and remembering with sadness all the Colt firearms that have passed through my hands over the decades that I foolishly let slip away. The closest thing to one I have now is sitting on my desk as I type this, a beautiful Italian Uberti reproduction of of the first practical combat revolver, the ludicrously huge and powerful Walker Colt, all 5 pounds of it. The original design specs on the weapon were that it had to be powerful to kill a man "or a horse" at 100 yards. I actually own an identical pair of them, which is what happens when you watch the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales too many times. Included in that list was a Colt Pocket Model 1903 -- the same gun as you featured which were issued to general officers in WW2 -- that my grandfather carried in the 1940s and 50s everywhere he went when he was a sugar chemist in Cuba. At the time the country had a serious bandit problem and my grandfather literally never left his home without that pistol. I inherited it but it was stolen in a burglary 40 years ago, something which still breaks my heart. It's also worth mentioning that for something over a hundred years Colt was the manufacturer of choice for the US military, manufacturing both Colt original designs and those patented by others but licensed to Colt. These included everything from the Gatling gun to the Browning series of machineguns (including the M2 .50 or "Ma Deuce" still in use by the US Army), the Browning Automatic Rifle of WW1 and WW2 fame, various versions of the Thompson submachinegun (Colt was the original manufacturer for those), up to the M16 which Colt manufactured for the US from around 1960 until relatively recently when the gun finally came off patent. I've owned a number of the Colt semi-auto civilian version AR-15 derived from the M-16. When I was a young police officer I carried a Colt Cobra snubnosed .38 inside my uniform shirt in the waistband of my pants as a backup gun, a gun so slick and comfortable to shoot I could shoot it equally as well as my full-sized Smith and Wesson duty revolver. I've also owned more Colt Government Model .45s (the official sidearm of the US military from around 1912 to I believe 1984 when the Beretta was adopted) than I can count, including an exquisite Gold Cup National Match Government Model, one of the most accurate handguns I've ever owned. In the 70s and 80s Colt licensed the same Italian gun company Uberti to make miniatures of many of their historically famous pistols, including the Single Action Army, the Walker Colt, the 1860 Army, and others. These miniatures were made in an arsenal by hand by some of the most talented machinists in the world and are utterly exquisite. So much so that the miniatures are often worth more than the original full-sized weapons that inspired them (meaning always north of $1K and usually much higher). I would love to own a collection of these but I'd have to mortgage my home to afford them. Thanks so much for this episode History Guy. In an ouvre of excellent and entertaining history videos that you've created, this one was a standout. I wish I'd gone to that gun show with you. Believe me I will attend it one of these years coming.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I believe that it will be held in Scottsdale, AZ next year.

[@gregoryforde7447]

Wonderful once again Many Thanks

[@darrylnelson6264]

I'm not a Colt collector, but a gun collector with a few Colts. Pretty nice video.

[@MrTruckerf]

I think many of us fall into that category.

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

" No ! I don't want to say hi !! I want Some TREATS !! " We have one that looks just like that one!😊

[@kristensorensen2219]

Great history of your visit to a unique collectors show!

[@matthewrobinson4323]

I wish I had known about this event. I live in Noblesville, IN, and love both history and firearms.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Fascinating, Lance. I would love to see you do a video on the history of armaments manufacturing in the state of Connecticut. It began with Eli Whitney during the revolution, and proceeded to Colt, Winchester, Marlin, Mossberg and others. Not to mention submarines, helicopters, jet engines and more. We are a small state, but mighty.

[@robertdragoff6909]

And don’t forget the gun makers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that were in Worcester and Springfield.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

Of course the same state is doing their best to run all those out of business.

[@ronalddevine9587]

Changing economic conditions put most of them out of business almost 40 years ago or more.

[@dongrant5827]

I’m also from Connecticut, and the story THG really needs to tell involving firearms, is the great Windham frog fight of 1764. It’s probably the most bizarre war story ever!

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@dongrant5827 That's one I'm not familiar with. Please elaborate.

[@littlebear1520]

Awesome video Lance , it is great to see people sharing our firearms history. I have done so myself for years but to see it from the history guy makes it all the more worthwhile keep up the great work and I love your channel.

[@roberthardy6390]

You did a bang up job on this video! Thanks HG

[@danielbeck9191]

OUTSTANDING EPISODE!!!

[@Nawojczyk]

Wow. Just wow.

[@brodie61dogg23]

Nice kitty, great markings! He does look heavy 😂

[@carlpretorius1584]

I love your program, and especially, your cat!

[@samwalker7821]

Very nice video displaying some really beautiful pieces. You touched on the early Colt "conversions" and stated that they were not referred to that in their time. Very true. They were referred to as "Altered" by the Government when they were tested for service and never referred to as conversions in Colt catalogs. Although some were converted at the time directly from percussion revolvers, most were factory assembled from left over parts on hand by Colt. As far as I know they were the last models sold by Colt with Samuel Colt's name and the New York address on the barrel.

[@diannameade495]

Awe cute tuxedo kitteh.. 😃

[@theburrowrises8549]

Love a cameo appearance by the History Cat!

[@saabreplay7553]

Excellent

[@davefellhoelter1343]

As a Bit of a Historian On this Topic! I LIKE IT! Well Do in the Time Used!!

[@jethroandthegooddogs6192]

I am fascinated by punt guns. I would love to see a production of yours based on the punt guns' history. Keep up the good work.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always! How about a vlog that created rock n roll. The electric guitar. The Fender Statocaster/Telecaster and/or the Gibson Les Paul or SG.

[@j.s.wagner2582]

Yep, my Colt Officer's Model 38 revolver was special ordered in 1938 with a 3 lbs trigger and King sights....and yes, I have the Colt Archive letter to prove it. Thanks for another great video.....that deserves to be remembered. PS - My revolver is still a tack-driver. Smooth as silk, even after all these decades.

[@rickrichter9445]

Great video! I knew about the “gentleman’s agreement” between Winchester & Colt, but I never knew the reason why-now I do!!!

[@Noah_E]

I don't own any Colt firearms, but some of the early models are works of art as much as they are tools.

[@candaceaustin4258]

Wonderful history

[@gregreilly7328]

I don't even like guns, but this was just so fascinating. Thank you!

[@judiannereppucci5659]

Glad to see your kittie back in the scene.

[@kennethkustren3966]

As another clueless Canadian, I can honestly say ... WOW !! .. WOW !! again, a few times. RESPECT !! ... to 'Murica !!

[@guyh.4553]

A very nice video HG. In 1976, my family went on a trip from ID to Richmond, VA. My parents made a very concerted effort to go to historical & museums. Some of which were Civil War museums that had huge collections of weapons. Of which were some of these. I was young but I can remember them as I was there right now

[@opencarry3860]

I love the Colt SAA. My favorite open carry pistol.

[@miguelmederos8634]

Well darn! I'm from Indianapolis and I wish I'd heard of this! I would love to have seen this show.

[@tadroid3858]

I served in the USCG from '83-'87. I was trained with a 1911, and was sad when they replaced our 1911s with the Beretta 9mm.

[@lancerevell5979]

I served on my ship, an ASW Frigate, from late 1981 to early 1985. We had our own security team, as we had no Marines. We carried the Colt M1911A1. For a short time, the Colts were under a recall, do we had to carry the Ruger Servicesix revolver. We soon got our Colts back. It inspired me to later buy my own. I have a Ruger Securitysix too, but prefer the M1911A1.

[@david_W5QDF]

Wonderful video on the history of Colt. Really enjoy all of your videos. School history was so boring and you make it so interesting

[@MrTruckerf]

True.

[@matthewb8229]

Being someone who appreciates firearms, this was a great episode.

[@WinkelManBearPig]

My first pistol was a Colt. A 1978 Combat Commander finished in "Coltguard ®" Beat the heck up and well used, I still enjoy it at the range.

[@markhonerbaum3920]

The best most expensive is that at the museum, N.Y.C an D.C have behind the glinted glass a history of forgotten weapons, a lot very nice displays.

[@beerdrinker6452]

Always interesting and informative content. Thank you.

[@jonathonleggins6680]

I would love to see an episode on John Browning. He was a genius in firearms design.

[@ernestpaul2484]

My great great uncle, James Edsall Serven, authored a book of Colt history. Colt Firearms, 1836-1954 is the title. It is in the Library of Congress and is also available on Amazon. This book continues the Colt story for almost a century after Samuel Colt was laid to rest in the Colt burial ground. It provides facts and figures for the arms collector, relevant historical background, biography, and archival records. The book is divided into the following parts: Peterson Pistols, Colt Dragoon Pistols, Colt Percussion Pistols, Colt Cartridge Pistols, and Colt Shoulder Arms. Photographs, illustrations, and drawings of firearms manufactured between the years 1836 and 1954 accompany the descriptive text. I know there are a few copies, some original, floating around in the family. I myself do not have a copy, but I had read thru the book several years ago. Just a tidbit of information that I thought I'd share.

[@oldman0995]

That shirt and tie combination are epic

[@thisolesignguy2733]

My grandpa had a Colt 1911 officer edition he brought back from Korea. It's a 9mm/38 special conversion with the interchangeable barrels. It's also my dream gun, I shot it once and fell in love. It shoots so smooth and just feels great to hold. I've been looking for another one, but they're extremely rare.

[@lancerevell5979]

Great subject! I have a few Pietta-made repros of the 1851 Navy and 1860 Army. I acquired one cartridge conversion cylinder but it's not reliable. Shooting the old cap&ball revolvers is great fun though. Accuracy can be surprisingly good. For me, the 1851 Navy feels best and shoots best.

[@dalecflowers]

Great video. Lots of good info. Thanks.

[@gregorymaine9615]

Very nice video about Colt Collecting. My only thought is that you could and should do a video on the infamous RL Wilson and his impact on the Colt collectors market. Most of the folks you talked to I'm sure are eager to forget what happened, but it's history nonethelss.

[@thatsmrharley2u2]

Excellent idea!

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

👍👍 many thanx!

[@richrock8960]

Thanks for doing this piece on Colt. I have a few Colts that I inherited from my grandfather as well as some that I purchased along with a couple of quality repros like the Walker model I recently picked up. I have certificates on two that I got from my grandfather, a New Army and a Navy model made in the late 1860's and waiting on paperwork to come back on a "Thunder" and "Lightning" made in the 1880's. Nice video and informative as well. Thanks again for doing this video.

[@MrTruckerf]

Those archive records are interesting but pricey. I believe they are around 200-300 dollars.

[@donalddodson7365]

Very interesting. I did not know that Colt conversion revolvers were not really finished cap and ball conversions, just re-use of obsolete parts. Thank you THG.

[@dukecraig2402]

That's true but a lot really were converted by gunsmiths which is probably where they got the names conversions.

[@patrickscalia5088]

I've been owning and seriously studying firearms for about 50 years and I didn't know that either. I'd always just assumed they were cap and ball revolvers pulled from inventory and reworked to take cartridge ammunition. The History Guy educates me yet again.

[@janey783]

The tiny white foot in the air is so precious. History Cat!

[@tyroberts2261]

Love the History Cat.

[@ypaulbrown]

On December 1, this year, I will have owned a Colt Python 4" Barrel in Blue......for 49 years.....a very fine Revolver......Bravo Colt Patent Firearms

[@6bluestrings]

Thank you.

[@desperado8605]

Wish I'd have known about the show that's only about 2 hours from me. I've been to the colt museum in Harrisburg, PA

[@RealTylerBell]

dang it! i forgot about that show, maybe next year

[@glencrandall7051]

A great story.

[@bulow453]

A nice video. Thanks.

[@jamesluke7377]

Something of my Colt through many with only minimal knowledge of the Colt 1911 lines. I happen to have a Colt 1911 Combat Commander. This is not what through most. It was built in 1980. For this, most think it a Model 80. It is infact a Model 70. Trivial it is, but fun to tell the story. BTW... Hello again from the opposite end of the "I-70 Series". 😁

[@randelbrooks]

And now you can do one on Smith & Wesson and all the other gun companies that’ll keep you busy for the next few years ha ha what fun thank you for the show

[@DavidHBurkart]

History and Guns = Priceless

[@makerspace533]

Being a Texan, I find the most interesting Colt revolver is a Colt Walker. It has its own story worth telling.

[@patrickscalia5088]

Indeed. I own a reproduction. It's huge and beautiful and I love the damn thing. Note that the original specs on the design called for it to be able to kill a man "or a horse" at 100 yards. I have no doubt that it can. Were it not for Sam Colt's fortuitous association with Col. Walker it's questionable whether he'd have ever made a career as a designer and manufacturer of firearms. He was an inventor in true Industrial Revolution tradition and created a lot of interesting things other than firearms. Remember that his first design -- the Patterson Colt -- was a commercial failure and left Colt bankrupt, and at the time he had given up on firearms and was designing other things besides guns in pursuit of making his fortune. Col. Walker sought him out and discussed many improvements to the Patterson design that be believed would make it a viable and effective military weapon and the first practical combat revolver. You could say that Sam Colt owes his success to Col. Walker. Otherwise he'd have made his name as an inventor of farm implements or a sewing machine or something equally mundane. Alas, Col Walker was killed in combat either the day before or the day of his receiving his first manufactured specimen of the revolver. He reportedly either never actually saw his production model or got to examine it but never got to use it in combat. The historical accounts are a bit vague but it's a crying shame either way. I can tell you that if I ever shot at a burglar with my Walker if I missed him the fireball would probably burn him to death. From his perspective it would be like having a volcano erupt in his face. I like to shoot mine with the maximum load the thing is designed for, 60 grains of gunpowder behind a .45 caliber round ball. The Walker took only ten grains less of gunpowder than was used in the later, massively powerful Springfield .45-70 rifle used by the US Army. It's a beast. All five pounds of it.

[@makerspace533]

@@patrickscalia5088 Yes, I also have one of the Uberti reproductions. Every once in a while I would shoot it in a cowboy action shoot. Paired with the Walker I would shoot a J. H. Dance Colt-like revolver made in Anderson, Texas during the War of Northern Aggression.