Colt 2nd Gen Revolvers

[dek]

With respect to the Colt 2nd generation revolvers, does anyone have the serial numbers issued
for each model in the series? And year of production? Thanks Federal Lawman

[St. George]

St. George's Notes XVI - 'Real' BP Colts...
« on: April 07, 2005, 10:38:02 AM »     

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Many C&WAS folks carry and use cap and ball revolvers as a part of their Impression - and with good reason - there were thousands available - beyond what was carried during 'the War', and brought home by returning veterans.

After the Civil War - they were available through the sales of Government surplus, and for someone headed  West - they were fairly cheap.

The big 1860 Army Colts - and the smaller 1851 Navys - and all of the rest - saw service far past the their initial Military service and well into the Cartridge Era - many eventually being converted for cartridge use, after the Rollin White patent for bored-through cylinders elapsed.
Of course - this was true of many other guns - but the Colt was more or less ubiquitous - most likely because of its military connotation and the subsequent familiarity with it.

In the early 1970's - Colt decided to reproduce much of their original product line - starting with the famed 'Squareback' Model 1851 Navy and continuing on to the big Dragoons - beautifully-made guns, all - with the rich Colt Blue, and distinctive color-case-hardening.

Much has been speculated about as to the 'actual' manufacturers of these fine revolvers - and this link will illuminate much of the history behind their recent production.

A note - this article really concerns the 'true' 2d Generation Colt Black Powder revolver.
Though the  later 'Signature Series' is touched upon - it doesn't seem to have the 'cachet' of being a 'real' Colt...

The article was written by Dennis Adler - who wrote "Metallic Cartridge Conversions" - a worthwhile book for the folks interested in the time frame immediately following the Civil War.

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/cap_ball/index.html

I'm sure you'll find it of interest.



Scouts Out!

[dek]

Thank you for the response and information. I did find the article very interesting. Federal Lawman

[Driftwood Johnson]

Ummmmmmmm.........

Were you asking about the 2nd Generation Black Powder revolvers, or the 2nd Generation of the Single Action Army? Two completely different things.

[Fingers McGee]

R.L. Wilson's book 'Colt - An American Legend' has a table in the back that lists models and serial numbers by date of all colt firearms up through the date of publication (I don't have it handy so can't tell you when that is).  It includes the 2nd Genration Colt BP firearms made from 1971 trough 1982; but does not include the Sig Series.

Additionally, Dennis Russell's book 'Colt Percussion Revolvers - the Second Generation) is a must have reference for 2nd Gen collectors.

[St. George]

The 'Signature Series' guns aren't viewed as 'Colt-made' revolvers.

The earlier versions 'will' letter to Colt - the 'Signature Series' guns won't.

'The Blue Book' also has the serial number ranges - drawn from R.L. Wilson.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!