Army issue 1873 Colts

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy, y'all!

I'm gonna post this here as well as on TFS, so bear with me if you've seen this before.

I've tried to research what the differences were between the Army issue and the Civilian model 1873.  Aside from the obvious Inspector's cartouche and the 1st Gen. Black Powder frames, are there other differences?  Obviously, the serial # ranges would be different.  The serial # of my AWA is 4 digits and might fit into the issue time frame.  I'm NOT doing this to hoodwink anyone, I just really like the guns with the cartouche and it fits with my personna.

Were any 2nd Gen. Colts issued?  Is there any record of the serial #s issued to the 4th Cav. like there are the 7th Cav.?

I'm thinking of making my AWA Longhorn (7.5" bbl.) into a (virtual) Army issue type.

Am I off my rocker?  (No need too answer as it's obvious! )

Thanks ahead of time!     Steel Horse Bailey

[Big Hext Finnigan]

Have you checked out a Cimarron (or other brand) of the Cavalry gun?  I have one and I can detail the details if you'd like.  Seems to me the wooden grips, with cartouche, would be a basic.  But the metal stamping would be the real detail.  In the old guns I have seen, the cartouche has been worn to nothing or the grip has been replaced.  Also, it would have the old bullseye ejector and the BP frame.

If the gun isn't exactly right for you, I'd suggest you try to trade it.  Many folks prefer the spring retention system of the new model instead of the screw.  Worth a shot.

Adios,

[St. George]

There are two great references available:

"A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver"  by Graham, Kopec and Moore

"Colt Cavalry, Artillery and Militia Revolvers 1873 - 1903" by Cochran

There were no Second Generation SAA's issued - damned hard to - considering they're post-WWII.
There were 171 replacement frames - un-numbered - provided between 1874 and 1891.

As far as the 4th Cavalry was concerned:
1000 Cavalry Model revolvers - from the third lot of 8000 from the original contract of January 3, 1874 - with an estimated serial number range of 2337 - 3437 were received at Springfield Armory on January 3, 1874.
Probably shipped to the 4th per the AG's order of January 14, 1874 and routed to San Antonio.

Scouts Out!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Big Hext, thanks.  Yes, I'd be interested in some of the details.  I'm not in a monetary position to trade guns, but the addition of the Bullseye ejector and Cartouch may be monetarily within the realm of possibility.  As I said, I'm not trying to duplicate one of these guns, just making them sort of a "first glance" facsimile.  I had forgotten about the ejector style which adds a lot (along with the cartouche) toward the "first glance" style I'm looking for.  Without having the hole in the frame welded and drilled/tapped for the BP style screw, it'll NEVER be totally authentic, but it might look more "issue" by doing a few things to the gun.

St. George, thanks for the references both here ond on TFS.