7 Classic Colt Revolvers You Need To Know

The Colt revolver is an iconic symbol of the American Wild West, and its impact on firearms history cannot be overstated. For over 180 years, Colt has been producing high-quality revolvers that have been used by lawmen, outlaws, and sportsmen alike. Here, we'll take a look at 7 classic Colt revolvers that every firearms enthusiast needs to know.

1. Colt Paterson (1836)

The Colt Paterson was the first commercially successful revolver, and it paved the way for all future Colt designs. Invented by Samuel Colt in 1836, the Paterson was a 5-shot,.28 caliber revolver that used a unique folding trigger and a rotating cylinder. Although it had some reliability issues, the Paterson was a groundbreaking design that laid the foundation for modern revolvers.

Key Features:

• 5-shot capacity *.28 caliber
• Folding trigger
• Rotating cylinder

2. Colt Walker (1847)

The Colt Walker was a massive, 6-shot,.44 caliber revolver that was designed for the Texas Rangers during the Mexican-American War. Weighing in at over 4 pounds, the Walker was a behemoth of a handgun that packed a serious punch. Although only 1,100 were produced, the Walker remains one of the most iconic Colt revolvers of all time.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.44 caliber
• 9-inch barrel
• 4.25 pounds

3. Colt Dragoon (1848)

The Colt Dragoon was a smaller, more practical version of the Walker, designed for the US military. With a 6-shot capacity and a.44 caliber barrel, the Dragoon was a reliable and powerful sidearm that saw extensive use during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.44 caliber
• 7.5-inch barrel
• 3.5 pounds

4. Colt 1851 Navy (1851)

The Colt 1851 Navy was a 6-shot,.36 caliber revolver that was designed for the US Navy. With its elegant design and reliable mechanism, the 1851 Navy became a popular sidearm among civilians and military personnel alike. It's estimated that over 215,000 were produced, making it one of the most widely used Colt revolvers of the 19th century.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.36 caliber
• 7.5-inch barrel
• 2.5 pounds

5. Colt 1860 Army (1860)

The Colt 1860 Army was a 6-shot,.44 caliber revolver that was designed for the US military during the American Civil War. With its sturdy design and reliable mechanism, the 1860 Army became a popular sidearm among Union soldiers. Although only 200,000 were produced, the 1860 Army remains one of the most iconic Colt revolvers of the Civil War era.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.44 caliber
• 8-inch barrel
• 2.75 pounds

6. Colt Single Action Army (1873)

The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the "Peacemaker," is arguably the most iconic Colt revolver of all time. With its sleek design and reliable mechanism, the SAA became a popular sidearm among lawmen, outlaws, and sportsmen alike. Produced from 1873 to 1941, the SAA remains one of the most widely recognized and beloved firearms in the world.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.45 caliber
• 7.5-inch barrel
• 2.5 pounds

7. Colt Python (1955)

The Colt Python was a 6-shot,.357 Magnum revolver that was designed for law enforcement and civilian use. With its sleek design and exceptional accuracy, the Python became a popular sidearm among police officers and competitive shooters. Produced from 1955 to 1999, the Python remains one of the most iconic Colt revolvers of the 20th century.

Key Features:

• 6-shot capacity *.357 Magnum
• 6-inch barrel
• 2.25 pounds

Colt Revolver Image Gallery

What is the most iconic Colt revolver of all time?

+

The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the "Peacemaker," is arguably the most iconic Colt revolver of all time.

What is the difference between a Colt revolver and a semi-automatic pistol?

+

A Colt revolver is a type of handgun that uses a rotating cylinder to chamber multiple rounds, whereas a semi-automatic pistol uses a magazine to feed rounds into the chamber.

Are Colt revolvers still produced today?

+

Yes, Colt still produces revolvers today, although their product line has changed significantly over the years.

What is the most popular Colt revolver among collectors?

+

The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most popular Colt revolvers among collectors, due to its historical significance and iconic design.

We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the history of Colt revolvers. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, these 7 classic Colt revolvers are sure to impress. So, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!