It was undoubtedly the gun that won the West and it was introduced in 1873 by Colt as a single action army revolver. This “Peacemaker” no doubt a go to and must have firearm with its practical design and performance. It was also the gun western movie makers preferred for their cowboys and even bad guys to wear on their side. Remember Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Matt Dillon?
The bet is on that a lot of Rockwall Gun Club members have this Colt 1873 model revolver in their collection or wishing they did and maybe even seen being fired on the range. Through the years, large numbers of knock-offs and look a likes have never been able to replace the real Colt. 
The design of this famous Colt six-shooter started in early 1869 for the goal of meeting the U.S. Governments service revolver trials of 1872. It was adopted as the standard military service revolver and production started in 1873 using 45 caliber cartridges. The blunt round-nosed bullet was quite powerful in its day with great stopping power.
Colt made over 16,000 and about 3,500 were available for the civilian market. The single action army 1873 model was developed in barrel lengths of 4 ¾, 5 ½, and 7 ½. The shorter barreled revolvers are sometimes called the “Gun Fighter”. It later became available as a sub 4 inch that was referred as the “Sheriff Model” or “Bankers Model”. Through the years modifications were made for a .44 model, adjustable leaf rear sights, and a spring-loaded base pin replaced the cylinder pin retaining screw and other tweaks. The Colt 1873 remained the U.S. Military sidearm until 1892 when it was replaced by the .38 Long Colt caliber Model 1892, which was a double action revolver with a swing-out cylinder. This revolver remained somewhat the same until the beginning of World War II, with different calibers that ranged from a .22 rim fire to a 476 Eley.
The most popular were the .44-40, .38-40, .32-20 and the .41 Colt. The guns that are most sought after and so valuable are the rare Henry Nettleton and the Orville Wood Answorth Colt revolvers. They could go for over $10,000. Both the Netteton and the Answorth Colts have OWA or HN on the left side of the wood grip. So be on the lookout for a fantastic find on your next trip to your favorite gun-show. Anyway, the Colt 1873 revolver or “Frontier Six Shooter” was the favorite side arm for Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, Buffalo Bill Cody, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid and many others. This reliable gun became a big part of taming the Wild West and is still a big favorite among modern day gun slingers.
Today, Colt Manufacturing Company is still offering this famous revolver for sale in an array of calibers, barrel lengths and styles to appeal to just about every gun enthusiast. Maybe the folks at the Rockwall Gun Club located at 15950 State Hwy in Terrell, Texas know of one for sale at a good price so you can play cowboy. Find out by calling them at 972.551.0470. Stay tuned for further stories about the guns that made the United States of America and remember Safety comes first. Flash! Update...In a recent showing of PAWN STARS a 1976 Colt Army revolver brought in $25,000!
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