The Complete History of the Colt Single Action Army in One Man's Collection

See the entire history of the Colt Single Action Army (S.A.A.) pistol in one man's collection! From the earliest models that were issued to the United States cavalry, to $20,000 pistols with engraving and pearl grips, and S.A.A's that were owned by celebrities, this is an incredible collection that spans from the 1870's to the 1970's! The Colt Single Action Army is an incredible piece of Americana which revolutionized firearms design near the turn of the 19th century and set a new standard for reliability and effectiveness. If you're a fan of history, westerns, or beautiful handguns, check out this video!
Music: Rattlesnake Railroad by Brett Van Donsel 2015 - @BVanDonsel
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#TFBTV #Colt Single Action Army #Colt #Pistol #Collecting #History #Western #OldWest #RDR2 #SAA #S.A.A #45 #pearl #pearlhandle

[@originalbluebuddha]

~"I'm sorry, all my good stuff is on loan to museums." : proceeds to haul a quarter of a million buck's worth of SAA beauty out of the back room

[@VictorMarines06]

This is exactly what I thought as well

[@soylentgreen7074]

“You gonna pull those pistols, or whistle Dixie?”

[@soylentgreen7074]

FlamQ Dbltap and he carried colt walkers. Single action armies didn’t exist during the civil war. Just a good quote and movie.

[@10mikemike89]

@@soylentgreen7074 😂😂😂

[@ReconstructedYankee1882]

Will get you Josie by orders of the redlegs

[@tsumnerbmw]

I ain'tcha paaaaaw!! Dyin' ain't much of a livin' boy!

[@AdamScepaniak]

Single-action revolvers don't get much press so this was a very cool video, nice stuff Stephen!

[@notsure653]

Rons Gun Shop in ABQ NM is the best place in NM to waste 3 hours of your life. Their guys have always been honest and polite. The place is a big kids paradise! They will even call you years later to tell you they have something in stock. I have never had a bad experience buying or selling from him in the past 20 some years.. those places are hard to find anymore

[@brycewilliams3279]

They've sadly since made the decision to go 100% online

[@Haruki_Aznable]

"THIS is the greatest handgun ever made: the Colt Single Action Army. Six bullets. More than enough to kill anything that moves. Now I'll show you why they call me 'Revolver.' "

[@SamuelBlane]

I don't know. The 44 python is pretty dope.

[@normanhorton9898]

@@SamuelBlane the Python is .357 MAG, the Anaconda is the .44 MAG

[@normanhorton9898]

YOU'RE PRETTY GOOD!

[@IAmBushid0]

I love to reload during a battle. There's nothing like the feeling of slamming a long silver bullet into a well greased chamber.

[@gabekaelin4517]

"Wait a minute." - R.O.

[@tlshortyshorty5810]

“But that was some fancy shooting. You’re pretty good.”

[@IAmBushid0]

Pretty.... good?

[@gunzablazin01]

My favorite part about his collection was how much local history he tracked down. Very cool!

[@11bbasterd]

And to think in Colorado at one point you could shoot a robber in the back of the head much less have a gun on you in Denver without going to jail.

[@Ideo7Z]

Colt engraved is $20k. So, he's got over a $200k on that glass case alone. Yeesh.

[@PeachTreesHOA]

Just the right amount of awkwardness. Love it

[@Stigstigster]

Deference deployed.

[@masterhalflife]

"The greatest handgun ever made!"

[@robotfighter303]

"6 shots. More than enough to kill anything that moves."

[@bigbossiswatchingyou4624]

Now I'll show you why they call me Revolver.

[@IAmBushid0]

DRAW!

[@geogodthebat]

Yeah, more of Mr. Peterson. Fascinating man.

[@stephencanty89]

geogodthebat I agree! What sort of firearms from his collection should I cover next?

[@geogodthebat]

@@stephencanty89 You have seen it, not I, I'm sure you and Ron can find something cool. Does he have some pre metallic cartridge stuff, like Civil War-era pistols? Colt 1855 and such?

[@stephencanty89]

geogodthebat yeah he does. Ron has such a huge collection it’s hard to narrow it down. I just got off the phone with him and we were scratching our heads because there’s so many choices. I’d like to do a video on trapper’s rifles or something from the Revolutionary War. Anything before the 1950s he’s got somewhere.

[@victortamini847]

Stephen Canty Some long distance shooting with a Sharps would be cool!

[@DanGoodShotHD]

"That's got a body on it. That's cool." Ha! That would have been my reaction.

[@Warriorbob-im5py]

vettelover2009 those are out of his personal collection so I guarantee he has the documentation. Colt also kept extensive records of their guns back then. Give them the serial number and they can tell you how it left the factory and who it was shipped to.

[@soylentgreen7074]

“Why Johnny Ringo, you look like someone just walked over your grave.”

[@thelefthandedshooter5760]

Ron Peterson’s store in Albuquerque on Central is an awesome store. Vintage muskets to modern tack drivers.

[@SVTBansheeman]

I love the collector's enthusiasm and passion for his collection and the history of it all. Thanks for giving him an opportunity to share with us.

[@wapiti3750]

Collector's wife: Honey, we need groceries. Collector: Sorry, babe, I'm buying another single action army gun.

[@AbcdEfgh-so5dy]

Just love the way he calmly wanders off camera leaving the interviewer wondering what the hell is he going to come back with next. A lifetimes obsession and work seen in a few minutes simply jaw dropping. Oh and there's also the museum full but there really special!

[@operator1192]

I love the history and seeing the elaborate collections of some of these old timers. That's what I'd consider some serious life goals. I hope one day I can be a caretaker of some more historical pieces like these as well.

[@GUNMETALGUYUSA]

Hands Down The BEST twenty two minutes and nineteen seconds I have watched on KZbin to date. I doubt this will change anytime soon. This man is a gun history asset.

[@m17x4v7]

Finally something to take my mind of that stupid virus thanks .

[@Griffonki]

6 shots... more than enough to kill anything than moves.

[@yulusleonard985]

5 shoots.

[@gunzablazin01]

There's nothing like slamming a long silver bullet into a well greased chamber!

[@GamesCooky]

You should be careful having 6 shots reloaded in these single action revolvers. You might just end up shooting yourself in the leg.

[@sh0ryualfa393]

S i x B o o l e t s

[@THiZZAAFuRR]

That’s what Revolver Ocelot used in the Metal Gear Solid. Nice Vid!

[@IAmBushid0]

I see a man of a culture here :D

[@gungriffen]

Schofield made a mistake going with the 45 Short proprietary cartridge instead of adopting the 45 Long Colt. The Colt Singe Action Army could use both but the Schofield could only use the Short. This meant on the frontier when supplies were slow and irregular ammo would get sent to the wrong places. If you had a SAA you were fine but a Schofield became useless so the Army phased them out of service.

[@soylentgreen7074]

“Get 3 coffins ⚰️ ready.”

[@patsparks8731]

My mistake....four.

[@danieljohnson1053]

Yeah thats impressive but engravings add no tactical value.

[@stephenfields6236]

Nice seeing a young man like you show so much interest in the old Colt Single actions. From someone over 70.

[@jrrodr86]

Awesome episode! There are so many amazing and iconic guns out there, not just AR's, Glocks, & MP5's. TFBTV FTW! 👍🏼🍻

[@GenX-Grampa]

My first SAA was a full metal Roy Roger’s cap pistol!! I loved it and learned to fan it pretty fast before I finally broke it. Now I have my Grandfather’s I recently inherited! I actually carry it, proudly! Even when I go into town. Sometimes in a belt holster and sometimes in a shoulder holster! I’ve gotten so many people ask about it and compliment it because it IS a beautiful, color case hardened work of art!

[@badweetabix]

I would taken the Merwin & Hulbert over any revolvers from that era. The precision on the M&H is crazy impressive.

[@joshuawelsh9022]

Out of all of the revolvers there the m&h was and is the finest one the counter

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Machining so tight it was like they were made by watch makers.

[@citekare]

I found myself giggling at the end of this video, just happy to see the history here of such an iconic weapon. Great review of a great gun.

[@rafer2002]

One of your guys better shows

[@davidgcalderone]

Truly amazing, too bad Colt is no longer the company it once was.

[@victortamini847]

davidgcalderone Seems like they are having a few problems with the new revolvers.

[@garrisonnichols7372]

The problem with Colt is they focused so much of their time and effort for the military that they forgot about their domestic private market. That's why they're in the shape they're in now. Also having a gun company in a anti gun liberal state doesn't help either.

[@allenrichardson2956]

@@garrisonnichols7372 That’s what happens when the lawyers and accountants take over control of a the company.

[@longshot7590]

Actually the Unions ruined Colt - when the workers joined the UAW the cost went thru the roof, the craftsman retired and the company was forced to abandon any firearm that required skilled workers - it went all downhill from there. Unions SUCK and kill companies - Unions don't make jobs - they kill them!!!!

[@soylentgreen7074]

“I’ve got 2 guns, once for each of you.”

[@jedbozza8234]

Credat Judaeus Apella, non ego. Funny how you show up on all these Single Action comment boards. Texas is waiting for you!!! Flee New Jersey!!!

[@soylentgreen7074]

@@jedbozza8234 i hope to eventually. Easier said than done. A livable wage job and finding a place i can live with my dog. Only 2 conditions but big ones to solve.

[@ronnieman87]

Engravings give you no tactical advantage.

[@Ideo7Z]

No shit...

[@TheCivilWarriorProj]

About as effective as go fast stripes.

[@cameronnightman8112]

I appreciate the Metal Gear reference even if nobody else gets it

[@GustheGunGuy]

Great job, Stephen. I'm really enjoying your contributions to TFBTV

[@stephencanty89]

GustheGunGuy thanks! I really appreciate that. Anything you want to see?

[@GustheGunGuy]

@@stephencanty89 my offer for the Rolling Block still stands, but I'm betting Mr. Peterson probably has plenty of those as well.

[@GustheGunGuy]

@@stephencanty89 actually, a video demonstrating the differences between the Remington rolling block, Sharps falling block, and Springfield trapdoor actions would be really cool

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Just casually pulls out an engraved Merwin and Hulbert. Mad flex.

[@jvleasure]

Thought you fellas hated anything this old. Interesting.

[@tfbtv]

We are more than one person

[@Rustebadge]

A fine man who doesn't piddle with plastic. Thankful that someone loves history enough to preserve it.

[@hutehund9519]

And the hits just kept on coming. Really enjoyed this gentleman’s knowledge of a great firearm of the past.

[@azazel7752]

Respect your elders! This man is gold! Great video. Awesome guns. Truly a sight

[@kentonmiles]

Case hardened is my favorite finish

[@stephencanty89]

ChopStick Pony yeah it’s beautiful isn’t it?

[@PalmettoNDN]

What a great video! Absolutely fascinating. I applaud the historian, the host, the cameraman and editor - everyone. It's rare that you see a video that enriches your life.

[@pilgrimm23]

WOW! I moved out of Albuquerque over 30 years ago. I spent I don't know how many hours and dollars I spent in Ron's shop. I am so glad to see he is still going strong. Thank you. Ron is a WEALTH of information.

[@dimscrawl4910]

cool video! don't be so nervous man

[@stephencanty89]

dim scrawl yeah I’m working on it!

[@lorgarbeareroftheword5836]

Anyone else here that learned about the SAA from Revolver Ocelot?

[@stephencanty89]

Lorgar Bearer of the Word I did. And I’d like to do a video on “Shooting like Revolver Ocelot” one day

[@lorgarbeareroftheword5836]

@@stephencanty89 I cant wait to watch that video.

[@stephencanty89]

Lorgar Bearer of the Word sweet username too btw.

[@n8dogue]

"I *LOVE* to reload during a battle!

[@BrianMcKinny]

The Ben Johnson presentation engraved model with the custom holster/belt, and the Colt Bisley original long barreled target model were my two favorites. Beautiful collection! Amazing, and I'd love to see TFB do more videos like this.

[@GeorgeSemel]

You can learn a lot about America and It's people by just looking at the guns they had. All kinds of rifles and pistols. To me, the ones I like are the old working guns, the ones that brought home game or defended the homestead, etc. It's just that I just love old guns! Guns like Glocks are very practical but there is something about blued steel and wood.

[@kevinquinn3763]

This kid was thinking o'shit man. How many guns do you have back there.

[@kevingraham8535]

Copy of the Keith no. 5!

[@hamstreak5591]

Engravings provide you no tactical advantages whatsoever.

[@theiranxican7412]

I must say, I know all of us can appreciate modern semi auto rifles and pistols for their practicality these days, but my Ruger blackhawk 357/9mm conversion is nothing short of amazing. I mean she ain't no Colt but she will ALWAYS be my special gal. Single actions and lever rifles need loving too fellas

[@jon_doe4763]

3:10 it's a nice gun i'll give you that, but the engreavings gives you no tactical adventage whatsoever

[@kevinquinn3763]

It makes it work of art.

[@garrisonnichols7372]

10:23 Back in the good old days when you could get away with stuff like that. I bet no one ever tried to rob that guy again.

[@kyleconger2109]

I could listen to him talk about guns all day.

[@milesupshur9869]

It’s a nice gun, but the engraving offers no tactical advantage whatsoever.

[@victortamini847]

Miles Upshur Yes it does. It’s beauty and glare from the sun flashing off it’s brilliance would leave men speechless and off guard to a quick first shot.👍🏼

[@nedkelly2733]

Victor Tamini You missed the reference there chief

[@victortamini847]

Ned Kelly Yes! I get it now. It’s a video game reference. Us boomers aren’t up on that stuff.

[@nedkelly2733]

Victor Tamini it’s alright partner. You did your best and that’s all that matters in the end.

[@donwise9459]

Fantastic video! I have always loved the old guns. And the historical information was great.

[@jeffw1246]

I've been through hundreds of guns over the years and have 37 single action army clones from Uberti, Pietta, and stainless Ruger New Vaqueros. From 3.5in Thunderer grip frame to 5.5 in. They are my favorite ccw guns even though I have several 9mms and 357 snubbies.

[@kentonmiles]

$120 in early 1900 is alot my grandfather got paid $20 a month in the Navy 1898 to 1910 maybe less. Their farm cost $3k in 1912.

[@darrylnelson6264]

Be careful what you ask for. Now I don't feel so guilty. He's got one hell of a collection.

[@eabdoom]

Engravings give you no tactical advantage whatsoever.

[@mikethomas5412]

Very enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@patsparks8731]

The engraved Merwin Hulbert he has is a very expensive example. Merwin are some of the finest guns of the time. Tolerances were amazing. He kinda glossed over it bc he was taking about Colts but MH are rare and expensive vintage collectible guns too. Punch dot engraving was cheaper to do so there tends to be more of them with some kind of engraving (as a percentage). Awesome if you haven’t seen one before.

[@EcchiRevenge]

Pretty...good...

[@celowski6296]

AWESOME history lesson!!! Thank you so much for sharing! This man is a true gun guru... Love his short history lessons along with props!

[@whiteclawactual4922]

Makes me wanna play red dead redemption

[@deweyblackwell2734]

I really enjoyed your video I love old cowboy guns I own a first generation Colt 44-40 Frontier Model myself

[@jander9820]

Do another video and have him tell us about some of those rifles on the wall and the ones that I'm sure he has at home.

[@stephencanty89]

Jander I’d be glad to! Any rifle in particular that you’re interested in?

[@jander9820]

Old lever actions. Namely, more of the Winchester 1873. I'm sure he has more than just the one he showed.

[@soylentgreen7074]

“I’m your huckleberry.”

[@kurasvass]

Tfb tv is a superior KZbin channel with diversity.

[@josephadams7379]

I have 5 SAAs myself. Love every one of them. I'm also digging on the Winchester Model 66's he has on the rack in the background.

[@unionrdr]

Just...wow! The SAA Colt came out in 1873, after first being patented Sept 18, 1871. It took about 2 years to design, build & install the tooling to produce them. We had similar things going on in the Auto plants during my 31 years at Ford. Took about a year to get new machinery, then install them quickly and done right the first time. Always was a monumental undertaking!

[@themanwhosold4chan856]

The engraving gives you no tactical advantage whatsoever

[@jeremybailey5020]

You should do something similar with lever actions

[@65greedy]

My granddad gave me one of those. Never shot it bc I dont know much about it..does anyone have any advice?

[@patsparks8731]

Yeah, if it’s a gen one don’t shoot it at all. I General you’re risk decreasing the value. You can go online and check the SN and find out the date of mfr.

[@brandonyong2592]

great history! thank you for sharing it

[@SlickSixguns]

History was pretty spot on I kept thinking that there was not enough room on the counter

[@bobbyscott4887]

The guy is the next Billy Mays, just when you think you've seen them all...There's More!

[@utpalsarma9018]

Many thanks for your wonderful endeavor and the rare opportunity you gave us to see some of Colts pistols and guns of the wild west and the journey back in time. Wish if you could rustle up some time to find an ol' timer likewise to share some history on the famous Remington repeater. Thank you once again!

[@richards.2690]

Back in 2003 I bought a 7.5" Colt saa. Case hardened all the best craftsmanship at that from thier Custom shop... It was a thing if beauty and art. At that time it cost $1,400.00 Special order from the custom shop. I miss that one the most. 😔😪... This man's collection is one of the finest I've seen 👌!!! Well done sir!!!

[@ecrevissebigeard6293]

Thank you Mr Peterson !

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

What an awesome Colt collection !!!!!!! Thank you for showing them and the knowledge about Colt , Sir !!!!!!!!!!!

[@soylentgreen7074]

“That’s bold talk, for a one eyed fat man.” “Fill your hand you son of a b***h.”

[@ronultralimitedguns635]

Great video! Such a historian of the Colt single action! He has forgotten more about the Colt SA than I know!I agree with you! That's my favorite also!! As a collector, I would love to have an original piece of history in my collection! Hopefully one day that will happen!

[@garyK.45ACP]

When I was a young man working on our family's ranch in west Texas I carried a Colt Official Police .38 Special revolver with 4" barrel my father had given me. I carried it in a similar fashion to the way you are slinging that single action. Separate belt and the holster in kind of an "outside waistband appendix" carry, for lack of better term. It wasn't to be stylish or debonaire, it was very comfortable to carry that way, and being within the outline of my body, instead of sticking out on the side, it didn't snag on or bang into things. It folded in nicely when seated on a horse or in a truck. and it was right there, handy, to take a shot at a rattlesnake or the occasional coyote of opportunity. I still have the gun. No, it's not a SAA but it is a classic in itself and one of my favorites.

[@MegadethTillDeth]

Very badass! I am envious of more than just the wonderful piece of American history.

[@mr.lovell3645]

I love that he keeps walking off and coming back with some more awesome guns... :0)

[@theeasternfront6436]

Thank you TFBtv for having presentations on these sweet old guns. Cant forget our history.

[@jerker1015]

Get this old timer on more episodes. This was fantastic.

[@soylentgreen7074]

IT’S HIGH NOON 🕛

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

It actually wasn't the first true cartridge revolver. Colt was converting previous cap and ball revolvers in 1871 & 1872 to cartridge revolvers. The 1873 was being designed in 1872 released in 1873.

[@bks4203]

Okay I don't know but the Colt revolvers at like the same thing as the Cattleman's revolver in the Red Dead Redemption 2 I don't know anything about guns I like the Cattleman's revolver it makes you feel more like a cowboy in the video game

[@stephencanty89]

bks420 bks420 it’s the same gun! RDR2 got me hooked on the guns of the old west.

[@bks4203]

@@stephencanty89 yes me too and I want to watch Old Spaghetti Westerns and stuff I look for the Cattleman's revolver in the repeaters and stuff the Litchfield thank you

[@stephencanty89]

bks420 bks420 check out “Once Upon a Time in the West.” It’s on Netflix. It’s a slow film but it’ll give you a good feel for spaghetti westerns. There’s a lot of cool guns in that film. If you can find “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” that’s one of the best.

[@MarkHansen1990]

Beautiful collection. Thank you for sharing. Amazing knowledge of these magnificent pistols.

[@danhelmly7121]

Awesome video! Thanks for posting up. Love to see someone who knows their stuff share the history of those guns. Kudos to you for the respect shown throughout the video.

[@keithwarkentin]

I’m very curious about the accuracy of the guns made before 1900 and also I couldn’t quite understand did the Winchester 73 collaborate with Colt to sell the 4440 ammunition? 😀🇨🇦

[@bettymaverick1098]

Great Presentation......So much info no filler. Love it.

[@f.puttroff4470]

I liked Ben Johnson's SSA

[@victortamini847]

Great video! Thank you! You could tell which one was Mt. Peterson’s favorite, the target model. He is a national treasure.

[@benperea8483]

I really Ron's shop in Albuquerque....best gun shop ever!

[@mypetvelociraptor]

So jealous you got the opportunity to see all those Colt SAA in person 😅. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@kennethmitchellsr451]

He Knows A Lot👍

[@boydgrandy5769]

The rim on the .45 LC was too narrow and too thin to work in a lever gun. The extractor tended to pull the case apart at the rim when used in a lever action rifle. The real difference between the 44WCF (Colt called it 44-40 so that they didn't have to give Winchester free advertising) and the 45LC is the rim dimensions, which are significantly more robust on the Winchester round. The initial cutdown of the Model 1873 SAA revolvers was done to equip artillery troops, after the Colt Model 1892 38LC double action revolver had been issued in 1892-93.