Colt Single Action Army

The Colt Single Action Army (also known as the SAA, Model P, Peacemaker, or M1873) is a single-action revolver handgun. It was designed for the U.S. government service revolver trials of 1872 by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company (today known as Colt's Manufacturing Company) and was adopted as the standard-issued pistol of the U.S. Army from 1873 until 1892.

Colt Single Action Army
A model with a 7+12 in. barrel
TypeService revolver
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1873–1945
Used byUnited States
Canada
Native Americans
Mexico
Ireland
United Kingdom
South Africa
Wars
Production history
DesignerWilliam Mason and Charles Brinckerhoff Richards
Designed1872
ManufacturerColt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company
Produced1873–1941
1956–1974
1976–1982
1994–present
No. built457,000+
Specifications
Mass2.31 lbs (1.048 kg; with 7+12 in. barrel)
Length10.25 in. (260 mm, with 4+34 in. barrel)
11 in. (279 mm, with 5+12 in. barrel)
13 in. (330 mm, with 7+12 in. barrel)

Cartridge.45 Colt
.44-40 WCF
.38-40 WCF
.32-20 WCF
.38 Long Colt
.22 Long Rifle
.38 Special
.45 ACP
.357 Magnum
.44 Special
Numerous other calibers
ActionSingle-action revolver
Feed system6-round cylinder

The Colt SAA has been offered in over 30 different calibers and various barrel lengths. Its overall appearance has remained consistent since 1873. Colt has cancelled its production twice, but brought it back due to popular demand. The revolver was dubbed the "Peacemaker", and is a famous piece of Americana and the American Wild West era, due to its popularity with ranchers, lawmen, and outlaws alike. Today, they are mainly bought as memorabilia by collectors and re-enactors. Its design has influenced the production of numerous other models from other companies.

The original length of the barrel, issued to the U.S. Cavalry, was 7+12 inches (19 cm), with an overall length of 13 inches (33 cm).

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