Why was the Colt Peacemaker so popular?

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  • Опубликовано: 13 окт 2021
  • In this video I’ll try to answer this question:
    “Why was the Colt Single Action Army revolver so popular during the 19th century?”
    I’ll look at a variety of factors, and I’ll give you my personal opinion.
    I’d love to know whether you agree with me, or if you disagree. So, let me know in the comments.
    Mike Beliveau links:
    Patreon - / duelist
    Website - mikebeliveau.com/
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Комментарии • 834

  • @hickok45
    @hickok45 2 года назад +78

    I pretty much agree. So often I see comments regarding the obvious superiority of the S&W top-break revolvers due to faster ejection and reloading. Many cannot imagine as to why those would not have dominated the market. Some advantage there, of course, especially for cavalry, but in the civilian world of actual gun fights, where we're going to run out of time before we run out of ammo, it just isn't that big a deal. The Colt ergonomics, reliability, and simplicity tend to win out. People voted with their dollars. Likewise, nothing uglier than a Glock, but the simplicity and reliability grabbed people's imagination back in the '80's.

    • @ClickClack_Bam
      @ClickClack_Bam Год назад +1

      There's a case study on this very thing that they teach in college.
      A company that made & sold razors went "all in" on the idea that there's no way that Americans would buy cheap disposable steel razors over buying quality lifetime straight razors.
      They could buy once & have for life INSTEAD of buying & throwing away razors over & over again.
      Well you know who won here cause show me the guy who uses a straight razor instead of disposable razors.
      FYI I have a straight razor. Don't use it all the time, but I bought a refurbished straight razor & it's wild to own something that is of such quality that it can last SEVERAL lifetimes EASILY!

    • @jimh6763
      @jimh6763 Год назад +4

      Yes, but no one ever discussed the price factor. Colts were much cheaper than S&W. I'm sure lots bought them for that reason alone!

    • @hoppinggnomethe4154
      @hoppinggnomethe4154 6 месяцев назад

      And them idiots still call hickok45 a fudd 😂

  • @bobhazeel
    @bobhazeel 2 года назад +62

    The Colt SAA is a work of art, it just looks so right. The Colt 1911 is in the category, both timeless designs. The fact both are still being sold well over 100 years later proves the point.

    • @johnsheetz6639
      @johnsheetz6639 2 года назад +1

      The browning hi power as well imo

    • @jedpeeler4199
      @jedpeeler4199 2 года назад +7

      I have a bunch of them, and I especially like the 5 inch and 7 1/2 inch models. They are built to last, and the craftsmen who built them ,like artisans. I will never trade them. I have repaired the 5 inch nickeled model several times and got it back in action quickly. I reload .45 Long Colt rounds for them, even making my own ammunition for them. Some cases have been reloaded over twenty times, with bullets I make myself.

    • @user-vd6jq9kd9x
      @user-vd6jq9kd9x 10 месяцев назад

      There was no 5 inch model. Ignoring the Buntline, barrel lengths of the SAA were 4 3/4, 5 1/2 and 7 1/2 inches.@@jedpeeler4199

  • @catyear75
    @catyear75 2 года назад +122

    It always kind of bugs me when a film set in the 1860’s has all the actors using these pistols ! Lol

    • @catyear75
      @catyear75 2 года назад +9

      PS - I agree that the brand name was a big factor in selling these pistols. Merwin Hulberts were built as well or better, but sold few in comparison.

    • @filianablanxart8305
      @filianablanxart8305 2 года назад +7

      There IS something to high profile Government contracts giving a civilian sales boost . If it is at least a reasonably good product .

    • @notforsaletoday1895
      @notforsaletoday1895 2 года назад +5

      @@filianablanxart8305 agreed. Similar to how people view the 1911, “two world wars”, or the Beretta M9 series, AR15s etc.

    • @krockpotbroccoli65
      @krockpotbroccoli65 2 года назад +13

      Hollywood firearm buggery has been a thing since they invented video cameras. It's only recently started to get better thanks, in large part, to the internet.

    • @alanpeterson6224
      @alanpeterson6224 2 года назад +9

      One of the more famous examples is the movie about the War of 1812 where during the battle of New Orleans,(1814), Andrew Jackson is shown waving around an 1873 Colt single action.

  • @Valor_73737
    @Valor_73737 2 года назад +61

    I learned to shoot the Colt SAA in the late 1940s and early 50s as a young boy. I have two, one made in 1904 chambered to .38 WCF, or 38-40 cartridge originally designed for the Winchester model '73! Colt soon chambered the SAA to that original black powder cartridge and the .44-40 so that one could use the same ammo in his long gun and handgun. I carried that SAA for many years, and it saved my life in Jan 1973. In the late '80s I became aware of its value and purchased a new generation SAA in .45 LC. That has been my primary carry sidearm since that time. The reason I prefer the SAA is, for me at least, is its "point-ability"! At any distant under 10 yards or so the gun shoots where I am looking without the use of sights, like pointing my finger. I can not do that with any other sidearm.

    • @christophercolt1361
      @christophercolt1361 2 года назад +1

      Shoot Somebody With It And Watch How It Disappears From You In Somebody's Collection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @ToreDL87
      @ToreDL87 2 года назад +1

      @@Valor_73737 Might I ask how you came to depend upon it for your life?

    • @Valor_73737
      @Valor_73737 2 года назад +16

      @@ToreDL87 Late one night I returned home to my cabin in the foothills west of Denver. As I drove up I noticed in my headlights the front door was ajar. Sensing something was wrong I took the old Colt and approached the door. Standing to one side as I had been trained I pushed the door open and was instantly welcomed by two shots that would have hit me had I been standing in the doorway. Startled, I fell backwards on the ground as a figure appeared in the doorway looking to see where I had gone. Two quick shots to the center of mass ended the confrontation. Only illumination was from street light about a block away. Sights were useless!

    • @ToreDL87
      @ToreDL87 2 года назад +2

      @@Valor_73737 😨 I'm sorry that person made you pull the trigger, because they most certainly did.
      Streetlight a block away from a cabin sounds like it was close enough for someone to bother scoping it out!

    • @Valor_73737
      @Valor_73737 2 года назад +7

      @@ToreDL87 It worked out just fine. The deputy that arrived shortly after my call knew the perp, he had been paroled about two weeks before, and there was a warrant for parole violations.

  • @majedajaber9064
    @majedajaber9064 2 года назад +54

    I heard another theory, The Smith and Wesson revolvers including the Scofield, could lock up from fouling due to the black powder they used. The other issue is that the extractor could fail to extract rounds if they go gummed up with dirt or powder residue. The Colt while it may have been slower on the reload was more reliable in rough conditions partialy due to the simple extractor.

    • @grizzlyblackpowder1960
      @grizzlyblackpowder1960 2 года назад +7

      That first theory is more true with reproductions of the s&w revolvers than the genuine article. The originals had a small gasket that put a very small gap between the cylinder and frame to cut down on fouling hangup, many of the reproductions don't have this as they extended the cinder for .45colt hence why you will see folks today complain about them. InrangeTV has a video that discusses this.

    • @grizzlyblackpowder1960
      @grizzlyblackpowder1960 2 года назад +3

      The second is true of both the reproductions and the genuine pieces as if there is too much fouling around the cases the extractor will pull them out about halfway, then push them out of the way and the empties will fall below the extractor making it a pain to remove them. There are ways to avoid this though.
      If the revolver is not empty when you move to reload, open the gun slowly and drop the extractor with the button on the bottom of the gun. This will do two things one keep your unfired rounds seated correctly correctly keep the empties from falling below the extractor at the end of travel.
      And if the gun is empty, even if you are planning on saving the brass, break the gun open aggressively and "dump" the empty cases at the same time. I know we all want that s&w moment where the empties fly through the air like the movies, but it works better with the help of gravity.
      And if it's still giving you hangups take it to a gunsmith and have them "slick" the chambers in the cylinder. This is something I do myself but not everyone is comfortable with that. With slicked and oiled chambers the spent brass won't have a tendency to stick or hangup, and should pop out of the gun like in the movies even with a healthy coating of BP fouling. This is also a good thing to do for your SAA or 1875s, as it will allow you to eject spent casings without the rod, by just pointing the gun upward and spinning the cylinder on half cock with the gate open.
      I spent about 500 dollars and had a used SAA 4 3/4 reproduction tuned, I removed the front post, got better springs machined, replaced the hammer with a fatter version that lays back more, slicked the cylinder and removed the ejector rod. And that may have been a high price because of the guy I went too who had all of the stuff in house, many gunsmiths may not charge as much.

  • @bibbyman2
    @bibbyman2 2 года назад +31

    I actually work on a number of guns and another advantage the Colt single action has is its simplicity of action design and few parts. It's pretty much just an update of the Colt percussion guns that came before it. So it was understood by those that had to maintain and repair them.

  • @414Mustang1
    @414Mustang1 2 года назад +15

    I'm a bit late posting on this video, but I hope you still see this...
    One key thing I think you missed is the reliability of the Colt when using black powder cartridges. The first black powder revolver I had was an 1858 Remington replica, but I could barely get 50 rounds through it before the cylinder would become impossible to turn by cocking the hammer. I replaced that with an 1851 Navy Colt clone, which I could shoot as much as I wanted because the base pin had grooves cut into it that the fowling could go into and not lock up the cylinder.
    Colt did something different with the new cartridge revolvers, they gave the cylinder 3 surfaces on which it could rotate! In the black powder frame, the base pin was held in position by a screw that went into a groove in the base pin, WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT that would stop the base pin from rotating in the frame. The cylinder also had a bushing in the center that was free to rotate around the base pin, but also free to rotate INSIDE of the cylinder. So, the cylinder could rotate on the bushing, the bushing could rotate on the base pin and the base pin could rotate in the frame. All 3 surfaces would have to be completely fowled to stop a Peacemaker's cylinder from turning!

  • @johncanzoneri4771
    @johncanzoneri4771 9 месяцев назад +2

    I have the Cimarron 1873 7th Calvary with 2,000 rounds fired. I have shot every pistol I can think of in my life. This Colt copy is my favorite of them all. As Mike says, it is the total package. Thank you for an excellent presentation.

  • @harveylane932
    @harveylane932 2 года назад +7

    Not only Mike Venturing, but Elmer Kieth also contended that the SAA was the fastest gun for the first shot....

    • @TightwadTodd
      @TightwadTodd 2 года назад

      He convinced my Grandfather to Stay with the Single action,rather than the double action,for his use in the wilderness as a packer...

  • @charlescomly1
    @charlescomly1 2 года назад +15

    The Colt SAA was also the simplest to maintain and repair. In my opinion.

  • @Sheltowee1775
    @Sheltowee1775 2 года назад +27

    This was a fabulous presentation. Beautiful photos I assume you took. This could have been a college lecture. A book needs to be in your future.

  • @PalmettoNDN
    @PalmettoNDN 2 года назад +11

    It was fascinating to see the most popular choices in the competitive market all explained for us. Thanks, Mike. You're a treasure and a scholar.

  • @GaryED44
    @GaryED44 2 года назад +25

    I need to watch this multiple times. a lot I didn't know here. Thanks Mike immediate thumbs up. Never once considered ergonomics with a revolver

    • @SGTUSMCVET269
      @SGTUSMCVET269 2 года назад +3

      Collecting folks are thus. Pistol users love their guns more. Intimacy only comes from frequently contact and use.

  • @alanhope1190
    @alanhope1190 2 года назад +2

    Great video, Mike! Keep them coming!

  • @Pro-Gunn1952
    @Pro-Gunn1952 2 года назад +2

    Great History lesson on the Colt! I love your videos! This has to be one of your best!

  • @stoater1551
    @stoater1551 2 года назад +6

    This is one of the most interesting videos about firearms I have ever seen.
    I love the history behind these guns.
    Thank you for making this.
    I have, of course subscribed today.

  • @sgtmajtrapp3391
    @sgtmajtrapp3391 2 года назад +18

    Outstanding historical review. When I was a kid one of our major banks had a guard who carried a 5.5" Colt SAA in .45 Colt. I remember that to this day, a gun shop I frequent had this very gun for sale sometime back, 15 years I suspect and still kick myself for not getting it. I have two 4.75" Colt SAA revolvers in .45 Colt and agree it feels good in the hand and is a natural pointer. I carry one of these now and then out and about. The first five bad guys will be in dire trouble. Reloading fast cant really be accomplished but I carry a .45 Colt Speed strip which can with practice reload faster than loose or looped ammo.

    • @HircineDaWolf
      @HircineDaWolf 2 года назад +1

      a mosin nagant stripper clip kind of works as well but they can fall out

    • @opencarry3860
      @opencarry3860 2 года назад +3

      Your not alone. Most of us gun guys have one major regret when it comes to missing out on a gun purchase. Don't forget that one regret on selling a firearm you now wish you still had too.

    • @bobsradio6025
      @bobsradio6025 2 года назад +1

      I wasn't around during the 1800's, but I have heard that the speed loaders of those days were several extra loaded cylinders for the cap and ball revolvers.

    • @allentempleton2429
      @allentempleton2429 2 года назад +1

      Another wonderful video. Thanks Mike.

    • @richardelliott9511
      @richardelliott9511 2 года назад +2

      @@bobsradio6025there is vertually no historical documentation of spare cylinders being carried unlike everyone that has ever watched Pale Rider seems to think. However lots of evidence of multiple revolvers being carried as depicted in The Outlaw Josie Wales.

  • @williamgunnarsson
    @williamgunnarsson 2 года назад +9

    It was esthetically beautiful. It has exceptional point-ability. The mechanics of it and design was state-of-the-art for that period of time. Also, other Colt models had been very popular from the Civil War on up to the introduction of the 1873, so there was a definite product loyalty at work there, which increased sales of the Colt SAA revolver.

    • @chroma6947
      @chroma6947 Год назад

      I wouldnt say state of the art considering you could buy a bulldog for a 1/3rd of the price and it was DA/SA and you could carry a full cylinder safely

    • @dough6759
      @dough6759 Год назад

      @@chroma6947
      Well, I'd rather buy a bulldog than a poodle any day of the week!

  • @donaldmyck4296
    @donaldmyck4296 2 года назад +1

    I have eleven Colt Single Action Armies. Loved them since I was a kid and saw my first "Ken Maynard" western way back when.

    • @duelist1954
      @duelist1954  2 года назад +1

      I envy you. I only own two SSAs.

    • @donaldmyck4296
      @donaldmyck4296 2 года назад

      @@duelist1954 I thought you'd have a bunch. A few of mine have odd barrel lengths. Bought one from Carol Wilkerson. nickel plated .357 mag. with a four inch barrel with an ejector. One of these days I'm going to check to see how rare it is. Take care.

  • @andrewyording4284
    @andrewyording4284 2 года назад +4

    I've been shooting black powder guns for 39 yrs and about 4 yrs ago started getting a gollection of the old west type guns together that we all grew up watching, Colt SAA, Winchester and other lever guns, coach gun, etc. Have really learned allot from all your videos as well as Hickok45, but yours are very precise and well done. Thank you sir for taking the time to educate us on these guns.

  • @rapidrrobert4333
    @rapidrrobert4333 2 года назад +2

    Thanks Mike, it's obvious that these are close to your heart. Excellent lecture!

  • @bobsradio6025
    @bobsradio6025 2 года назад +4

    One of the things that I like about the 1873 SAA is that many of the parts are interchangeable with the 1851 Navy, 1860 Army and the 1861 Navy. If a part breaks in a gun that you use a lot, you often can get a replacement right away from another gun that you have. The longer grips on the 1960 Army are great for guys with big hands.

    • @BogeyTheBear
      @BogeyTheBear 2 года назад +1

      I tried that with the Uberti repros. The triggerguard on the 1860 Army grip is smaller than the Navy grips, and the Cattleman trigger is longer than the percussion Colts. The Cattleman trigger impacted against the guard, and swapping the 1860 trigger into the Cattleman resulted in a gun that would not stick the full cock position (despite eyeballing it and judging the sears to be identical dimensions).
      Only workaround I could see was grinding the Cattleman trigger shorter.

    • @bobsradio6025
      @bobsradio6025 2 года назад

      @@BogeyTheBear - Good info. It is true that a little gunsmithing can solve many situations. I had to shorten a trigger spring in one of the switches that I made. In any event, these Italian clones are all close enough that it doesn't take much work to make them work.

  • @donnacorrell3527
    @donnacorrell3527 2 года назад +1

    Superb video; you give the numbers to back up your theories, and the personal points (like the royalties issue with S&W) that make your videos so complete. Great job!

  • @marioacevedo5077
    @marioacevedo5077 2 года назад +5

    Thanks for these videos as you got me back into guns eight years ago. First with black powder, then SAA, and now I have a collection of all types. Appreciate your historical accuracy.

  • @Atpost334
    @Atpost334 8 месяцев назад +1

    The unbeatable aesthetics of the SAA certainly played a large role. I was talking to a Navy Seal once about handguns. He said “durability and reliability are obviously paramount”. He went on to say “does the cool factor come into play? absolutely”. I would add that as a definite part of the package that you summarize at the end of the video. The SAA just looks amazing. If we’re honest, that’s a large element of its draw (alright, pun intended).

  • @DeerHunter308
    @DeerHunter308 2 года назад +3

    One of a handful of guns that are icons in their class. A totally beautiful work and a true masterpiece.

  • @jefferyvollers2705
    @jefferyvollers2705 2 года назад +5

    Great job Mike, I have a Colt 3rd Gen. just like the cavalry model you were holding. It has a rare black powder frame. Thank you for the video.

  • @jojo82505
    @jojo82505 2 года назад +15

    Great video Mike. I can definitely tell a difference in the feel of the grip of the 1875 Remington compared to the Colt. Colt feels better in the hand.

  • @gunfighterzero
    @gunfighterzero 2 года назад +8

    Great video Mike, interesting to hear those production numbers compared and yes i agree a SAA just points so naturally

  • @johnhampton8659
    @johnhampton8659 2 года назад +9

    Great history lesson Thanks Mike

  • @Moroni108
    @Moroni108 2 года назад +2

    Duelist1954, I sure appreciate your videos my friend!! 100% quality / 100% educational and entertaining my friend!!

  • @tomvawter4531
    @tomvawter4531 2 года назад +1

    Outstanding presentation Mike! An iconic and elegant handgun for sure!

  • @peteobana8265
    @peteobana8265 2 года назад +1

    Very well done.
    Thanks a lot. I was truly entertained.
    A big thumbs up!!!!

  • @nicklewis7291
    @nicklewis7291 Год назад +1

    I'm liking these videos. I just discovered your channel a couple days ago. I have definitely subscribed.

  • @timothydurkan
    @timothydurkan 2 года назад +2

    Another banger, Michael!

  • @dennismitchell5414
    @dennismitchell5414 Год назад

    Great video !! , Looking forward to seeing more of them . 👍👍

  • @CarlosGarcia-gf7nj
    @CarlosGarcia-gf7nj 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for making this video I really enjoy not only the beautiful Colt guns but the history of it

  • @bantamkid5045
    @bantamkid5045 2 года назад

    What a great video, Mike. Entertaining and informative. Thanks!

  • @james_lessick892
    @james_lessick892 2 года назад +1

    Thank you for such a very informative video. My favorite hand gun by far is the Colt and you explain why. What a great shooter indeed. 👌🤠👍

  • @4doorsmorewhores651
    @4doorsmorewhores651 2 года назад +16

    I think you left out that the Schofield and in general the Smith and Wesson‘s were about eight times the cost of the colt. That’s why the colt was the gun of the west

    • @halidehelux5221
      @halidehelux5221 2 года назад +1

      Thats pretty interesting....I wonder what it was that made them so much more expensive.

    • @4doorsmorewhores651
      @4doorsmorewhores651 2 года назад +1

      @@halidehelux5221 it was that break action required so much more tooling also a spring loaded extractor that worked in sequence with the break action. The colt had a loading gate And you manually extracted each shell casing. I also imagine Smith and Wesson had to charge so much more for research and development. The Smith and Wesson would have been the gun that won in the west it was affordable. Not to dissimilar from the reasoning that the military took so long in those days to get a lever action. They were clearly available but the military stayed with the trap door single shot. It was far too expensive to arm the men with the lever action. It’s the reason why the seventh Calvalry and Custer where slaughtered by the faster shooting Indians with bows and arrows.

    • @jimbob465
      @jimbob465 Год назад +1

      @@4doorsmorewhores651 the indians had repeating rifles too....

    • @4doorsmorewhores651
      @4doorsmorewhores651 Год назад

      @@jimbob465 some

  • @Dreadnought9411
    @Dreadnought9411 2 года назад +1

    Another great informative video...well done Sir...well done !👍

  • @chermartin7994
    @chermartin7994 2 года назад +1

    Thanks for a great description of the history of single action revolvers. I grew up watching cowboy shows on tv and have always loved “cowboy guns” and have a few, but yet to get a colt. Someday….

  • @lanedexter6303
    @lanedexter6303 2 года назад +2

    Great Video! 👍 Gotta love the feel of the SAA. I’d like to try the 1875 Remington one of these days.

  • @TheLoneRanger745
    @TheLoneRanger745 2 года назад

    I'm So GLAD I FOUND YOU, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE HISTORY LESSON BEHIND THE EVOLUTION OF THESE MAGNIFICENT FIREARMS, ( SUBSCRIBED)

  • @FiReInMyBoNeS9711
    @FiReInMyBoNeS9711 Год назад

    Just wanted to say thank you for all your videos, probably one of the main reasons I got into shooting the old-style revolvers. I currently own an 1858 Remington repro and I just got my first Walker

  • @mrunderhood
    @mrunderhood 2 года назад +2

    Great post. Ditto on loving those SAAs!

  • @felixcat9318
    @felixcat9318 Год назад

    You present a clear, credible and compelling analysis, and do so superbly!

  • @nicholassteel5529
    @nicholassteel5529 2 года назад +4

    Fabulous info and conclusions.✌️👍

  • @robertmigash4989
    @robertmigash4989 2 года назад +7

    Loved the video. I have a Great Western II Alchimista in 44-40 (7.5 barrel)and a Ruger super Blackhawk in 44 mag (small frame 5.5 barrel). I love both guns they fit my hands perfectly and they both shoot great.

    • @Harold710
      @Harold710 2 года назад +1

      I had a ruger super Blackhawk 44 mag for winter snowmachining (moose) in Alaska but the recoil was too much for me. I traded it in for a 45 long colt. My summer protection (bears) was a marlin 45-70 lever rifle but I switched to a mossberg 12 g pump.

  • @602br61458
    @602br61458 Год назад

    Enjoyed your informative video. Thanks for your work.

  • @jeannemathews9575
    @jeannemathews9575 2 года назад +2

    Well done, Mike! I couldn't agree more with your opinion on the SAA's ergonomics. When I was 15 years old an adult friend brought out his 1901 SAA for me to hold (and drool over). In spite of its 7 1/2-inch barrel the weapon had a perfect balance, and a natural point, even for a kid. The most comfortable and "natural" handgun I've ever handled.

  • @ILoveMuzzleloading
    @ILoveMuzzleloading 2 года назад +8

    I feel like I'm taking a class on revolvers!

  • @jeffstevens156
    @jeffstevens156 2 года назад +1

    Oh yeah, in John Wayne’s movie “ The Shootist”, when Ron Howard is talking about “Mr.Books” pistol’s, He does get the timing a little wrong. But it’s a great movie with a wonderful cast!

  • @billbearback2591
    @billbearback2591 2 года назад +3

    I enjoy all your videos , I've just been reading about the 4f g use of powder as opposed to the early use of 2f g and the conical bullets and paper cartridge from an old chat on the high road forum and while searching your vids on paper cartridges and conical with the various calibre I found this little gem of a video , thanks for sharing cobber

    • @richardelliott9511
      @richardelliott9511 2 года назад

      I enjoyed this video but want get to where you came from! I have played with 4f cartridge loads but after reading in the Blackpowder Cartridge News of a bad experience that Steve Garbe wrote of I have stuck with only using these loads in modern made guns. I have a very nice BP 45acp load, quite the head turner at the range!

    • @63DW89A
      @63DW89A 2 года назад +2

      @@richardelliott9511 NOT a good idea to use heavy 4Fg charges in a cartridge, unless the gun is modern and capable of handling magnum pressure. In original percussion revolver combustible cartridges, "Hazard Cartridge Powder" was actually about 5Fg, but the charge weights were roughly 10% conical bullet weight (22 grs for a 220 grain conical bullet). The .455 Webley Mk 1 cartridge used 18 grains of what British black powder makers called "Revolver Powder", (roughly 5Fg screened size), and could get a 265 grain bullet to about 750 fps from a 5" barrel even with only a 6.8% charge-to-bullet ratio. I have a reprint of the 1910 version of "WW GREENER's THE GUN" and in it Greener notes that even a nitro proofed double rifle can rupture a barrel when using a long cartridge case full of fine grained (4Fg / 5Fg) black powder. Greener's theory was that the rapid combustion of fine grain BP at the rear of a long column of fine grained BP drove the rear of the powder column forward with such force into the middle points of the charge that the charge "percussion detonated" at several points in the middle creating a possible tremendous pressure peak, IF the detonations were in phase. Around this same era, U.S. Navy pressure tests showed that long columns of fine grained BP could occasionally produce pressure peaks of 100,000 psi, giving some credence to Greener's theory of "in phase mid charge detonations". Most handgun cartridges are too short for detonation to occur, but in a rifle case like the 45-70 or 45-120, it is possible that such a long powder column could detonate, if fully loaded with 4Fg / 5Fg. That being said, I don't think I'd load a full 40 grains of 4Fg / 5Fg in a 45 Colt cartridge. With 4Fg / 5Fg, I'd load about 25 grains max, with corn meal on top, and then maybe move up 5 grains at a time, watching for pressure signs just like a smokeless load. The 25 grain 4Fg / 5Fg with corn meal filler load would likely be safe in any gun, but at full charge levels of 4Fg / 5Fg in a 45 Colt cartridge, I'd be using a Ruger Blackhawk to test with, and watch carefully for pressure. I'd fire 100 + full charge loads, watching carefully for pressure signs before I was convinced that detonation of fine grain BP could not occur at full 45 Colt charge levels. Just my thoughts and I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, being only an interested student of ballistics.

    • @billbearback2591
      @billbearback2591 2 года назад

      Richard Elliot , I should have been more careful when I mentioned 4ffff g , as I understand 2ff g was typical in early brass cartridge maybe 3fff g but 4ffffg blackpowder in cartridge was bad , in cap and ball 2ffg was the 1850's revolvers load by 1860's a type of 4ffffg was being used in cap and ball paper cartridge or loose powder but the loads were 1/2 to 2/3 of the old loads there was also I big difference between ball and conical so definitely be real careful with F grades in cartridges, cheers big ears

    • @richardelliott9511
      @richardelliott9511 2 года назад +1

      @@billbearback2591 not to worry on my account. I am happy to have the info that you supplied and do not intend to push the situation any further.

  • @superbug1977
    @superbug1977 2 года назад

    You and your channel are excellent. Thanks for these videos. They are treasures for both historians and shooting enthusiasts.

    • @duelist1954
      @duelist1954  2 года назад

      Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

  • @GoldtopDude
    @GoldtopDude 2 года назад

    Awesome vid, best ssa video I have seen, thanks much

  • @VernonWallace
    @VernonWallace 2 года назад

    Great information. Nice seeing each pistol. Thank you and continue your excellent video.

  • @63DW89A
    @63DW89A 2 года назад +5

    Thanks Mike for a superb video.
    One of the best documentaries on the Colt SAA ever made, written OR video. I've long been a fan of Mike Venturino, and have several of his books. BUT, Mike Beliveau is one of the best at quickly and concisely getting complete information right in front of the viewer / reader. If anyone wonders why such an "archaic" design is still being sold in very large numbers, Mike has pretty well answered the question. The mind-boggling fact that 100+ year old Colt designs like 1911's and SAA's are still being produced worldwide by many different manufacturers, is made easy to understand by Mike Beliveau: these two guns in particular balance well, hit hard, are accurate,tough and reliable. The SAA is probably the most universally recognized firearm on the planet. An assailant may think you are bluffing with the Glock, or the pump 12 gauge, or the AR15; point that SAA at him and cock it, he KNOWS, watching that big 45 bullet rotating into barrel alignment, that you ain't bluffing and he can almost feel that big slug going thru his fragile body.

    • @davejob630
      @davejob630 2 года назад +1

      Having had one pointed at me, can confirm. (Was pointed by a criminal, in Australia-many years ago.)

  • @orangejuice4332
    @orangejuice4332 Год назад

    Great information. Enjoyed.

  • @DrumandPianoDude
    @DrumandPianoDude 2 года назад

    Excellent video!! Great history and technical information! Thank you Sir.

  • @fokkerd3red618
    @fokkerd3red618 2 года назад

    That was and excellent review. Really like the historical background for these guns. Thank you

  • @ronalddunne3413
    @ronalddunne3413 2 года назад

    fascinating dissertation! It's obvious that you love your subject and can spread that to others...

  • @mkshffr4936
    @mkshffr4936 2 года назад +4

    Smith made a big mistake not pushing the Schofield. Now if they had combined it with a grip and hammer more like the SAA they could have been a real contender.

    • @clongshanks5206
      @clongshanks5206 2 года назад

      Don’t forget the ammo issue: .45 schofield is just a hair smaller than .45 colt. When the US army tried to load “.45” in their schofields, they found that it was impossible to close. That killed S & W sales badly

  • @comradeyars
    @comradeyars 2 года назад

    What a wonderfully informative video. Thanks, 'Professor'!

  • @michaelrains2268
    @michaelrains2268 2 года назад

    Great video with historical significance and details! 🤗

  • @tubbybutterman5711
    @tubbybutterman5711 2 года назад +1

    Fun video, thanks for making it!

  • @djw6430
    @djw6430 2 года назад

    Superb presentation. Thank you.

  • @johnt.chambers4204
    @johnt.chambers4204 2 года назад +1

    I agree that the SAA is just a better feeling gun all the way around than anything else made at the time. I would also add familiarity as a factor. Once you get used to any gun you develop a feel for that gun or one like it. I practice fast draw a lot and have for many years. I have a 1851 that I cut down at least 30 years ago to 5 inches. I can get it into play faster than any gun I own mostly because, over the years, I have just gotten used to the way it feels and handles. Another excellent video, I always enjoy them.

  • @samy7013
    @samy7013 2 года назад

    Phenomenal analysis! Kudos to you.

  • @markknivila8383
    @markknivila8383 2 года назад

    Great video! Thank you, brother!

  • @daviddiffenderfer6963
    @daviddiffenderfer6963 2 года назад +1

    Great video mike.

  • @atune2682
    @atune2682 2 года назад +1

    nice vid!
    read something about this topic a bit ago!
    was very interesting!

  • @davidtaylor9654
    @davidtaylor9654 2 года назад +1

    Great info,Thanks

  • @guyfox1206
    @guyfox1206 2 года назад

    Very well made presentation, thank you Sir.

  • @theodorebranin1365
    @theodorebranin1365 2 года назад

    Just rewatched! Excellent!

  • @robertwest7633
    @robertwest7633 2 года назад

    Love your history presentations, man.

    • @halidehelux5221
      @halidehelux5221 2 года назад

      That comment really tied the room together ,man.

  • @deniscleaver7544
    @deniscleaver7544 2 года назад

    Thank you so much, excellent video. I love those old smoke wagons!

  • @johnshelley842
    @johnshelley842 2 года назад +1

    Mike I have watched your videos for years and I am convinced you know your stuff👍...thumbs up my freind...

    • @duelist1954
      @duelist1954  2 года назад

      Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

  • @fredhancz3097
    @fredhancz3097 2 года назад

    Thank U M.B. please show us more!!

  • @sallywilson5097
    @sallywilson5097 2 года назад

    The handle on the Colt is beautiful!! I have always felt that this was one of the main selling points!!

  • @ww321
    @ww321 2 года назад

    Thanks for the video Mike

  • @michael.w.salter
    @michael.w.salter 2 года назад

    Great history lesson Mike. I have a replica or two, but not originals. The Duke's SSA from True Grit just sold for $517,000. Definitely a fantastic revolver.

  • @larrykline6700
    @larrykline6700 Год назад

    Mike, I appreciate the time you take to tell the history of the weapons you shoot.

  • @jamesvolo7948
    @jamesvolo7948 2 года назад

    Thanks again. Great video.

  • @mikeseigel6566
    @mikeseigel6566 2 года назад

    Thanks Mike!

  • @jonerdmann6512
    @jonerdmann6512 2 года назад

    Great presentation Mike.

  • @gerrypowell2748
    @gerrypowell2748 2 года назад

    Really interesting perspective on the Colt👌

  • @jeffw1246
    @jeffw1246 2 года назад +6

    I now have 37 single action clones, Rugers, Pietta, Uberti. 6 are the Thunderer grip 3.5. All are my favorite ccw guns, even though I have several da 357 snubbies and 9mms. It looks like the Remington has a longer reach to the trigger which as you said the Colt feels better. And the 1873 is just gorgeous to boot.

    • @john-paulsilke893
      @john-paulsilke893 2 года назад +1

      Honestly if you do the work, a SA revolver will definitely work for self defence. Ive carried a modern .22 revolver and since I could shoot the eye out of a squirrel at 15ft I definitely felt perfectly safe and well armed with it. I’m back to Canada so unfortunately I go about unarmed because we don’t have a 2nd amendment. (Honestly it’s probably not necessary for me, but I’d like my wife to be able to carry and defend our children).

    • @jeffw1246
      @jeffw1246 2 года назад +1

      @@john-paulsilke893
      I'll get a 22 double action for my girlfriend someday, she has no tolerance for recoil. With my scoped 1022s I can hit empty 50 pack 22 boxes at 100 yards. Very good urban guns 👍

  • @conradsenior5843
    @conradsenior5843 2 года назад

    Nice presentation. Perfectly executed. Fine detail. You didn't skip anything relevant.

  • @danielkleinheksel8853
    @danielkleinheksel8853 2 года назад

    Well presented Mike.

  • @wolfpack4694
    @wolfpack4694 2 года назад

    Great info! Thanks!

  • @royshobe6642
    @royshobe6642 2 года назад

    Thanks for making this video

  • @trevorfitzgerald4996
    @trevorfitzgerald4996 2 года назад +1

    Another great video

  • @eddierudolph8702
    @eddierudolph8702 Год назад

    Thank you for answering the difference about that and the Remington 1875, I knew there was something different but I couldn't judge it from the photos I've seen.

  • @SGTUSMCVET269
    @SGTUSMCVET269 2 года назад +6

    The colt is a natural fighting man’s weapon, just like Brownings 1911. I like the feeling of the colt. Carrying a Schofield as a back up or solution to an extended fight is preferable.

  • @factorybear5264
    @factorybear5264 2 года назад

    Great information!

  • @cliffchilders5820
    @cliffchilders5820 2 года назад +2

    Mr B. I absolutely love the Colt peacemaker, but hv nvr been able to afford one! But I do hv a Ruger new Vaquero in 45 Colt tht I absolutely love! I've modified it a little to look more like a Colt....but it's still a Ruger!!! I bot it in 2004, and I hv shot thsnds of rounds thru it, and it keeps on shooting!! Thnx for your time!!! And great video!!!! Shoot strait.... Shoot often!!!!

    • @scooterbob4432
      @scooterbob4432 2 года назад

      I had a 7 1/2" Vaquero 45 but sold it because I didn't like the weight, sort of top heavy. I am shopping around now for a real Colt 45 also with the 7 1/2" barrel.

  • @kwaffen9070
    @kwaffen9070 Год назад

    Keep up the great work.

  • @kholt275
    @kholt275 2 года назад

    Great video. Super informative.

  • @jimpolicke7639
    @jimpolicke7639 2 года назад +3

    Good video. I wonder if 19th century logistics played a part in people's buying decisions as well. Meaning that for Colt, success bred success, and the more popular their guns became, the more people could count on getting their guns repaired. After all, when spare parts had to be hauled from "back east" via stagecoach and rail, you wanted to be confident that you could find that spring or screw in some little cow town.