Classic Handguns of the 20th Century. David Arnold

      The renewed demand prompted Colt to bring the Single Action back into production in 1956. Referred to as “second-generation” models, these single actions—offered in the same standard barrel length and centerfire calibers as the original —differed little from the first-generation guns.

      Also made were 12- and 3-inch barrel versions called “Buntline Specials” and “Sheriff’s Models” respectively. These are included in the second-generation series, which remained in production until 1976. Second-generation models can be identified by the letters “SA” as a suffix to the serial number that began with 00001SA and ended with 74000SA.

      THIRD-GENERATION SINGLE ACTIONS

      Production of second-generation revolvers ended in 1976. Colt then made a few minor changes to the design mainly to simplify production. The most significant of these were the elimination of the separate cylinder bushing and a different method of securing the barrel to the frame. Apart from these, no other major changes were made to the original design. The series included the Buntline Specials and the Sheriff’s Models.

      This generation series remained in production until 1984. Some years thereafter, the Single-Action Army became a special order item made by the Colt Custom Shop.

      Third-generation models start with serial number 80000SA and run to 99999SA before the “SA” becomes a prefix at SA00001 until SA99999. To confuse matters further, numbering began again in 1993 with S00001A. All revolvers within these number ranges are classified as third-generation models.

      THE 22 SCOUT SERIES

      In 1957, a year after the revival of the Single-Action Army, Colt introduced a seven-eighth-sized 22 version called the Frontier Scout. The revolver employed a frame and grip made of alloy metal. Duotone (silver frame/grips and blue barrel/cylinder) and all-blue finishes were offered.

      Later, blue all-steel models as well as guns with color casehardened frames were made. The latter revolver was called the Peacemaker Scout. In addition, flattop frame versions with adjustable sights, called the New Frontier Scout, as well as long-barrel (9 inches) revolvers called Buntline Scouts, were also made. Production of the Scouts ended in 1981.

      THE NEW FRONTIER MODELS

      In 1961 Colt introduced a flattop frame single action with adjustable sights called the New Frontier. The models were made in the same standard barrel lengths and calibers as the regular Single Action line. The New Frontiers underwent the same production changes as the regular single action and are classified as second generation (1961-1975, with the letters “NF” a suffix to the serial number) and third generation (1978-1983, with the letters “NF” a prefix to the serial number).

      THE COLT COWBOY

      In 1999 Colt introduced a new single action with a modern action that included a transfer bar safety. Called the Colt Cowboy, this revolver was made to offer a more moderately priced revolver to the Cowboy Action Shooting market. It retained the traditional looks and feel of the original but had the added safety of the transfer bar action.

      The first Cowboy was chambered for 45 Colt and was available in the traditional barrel lengths of 4-3/4, 5-1/2 and 7-1/2 inches. Finish was the usual color case-hardened frame and blue barrel, cylinder and grip frame. Grips were two-piece wood or checkered black plastic. Along with the regular Single -Action Army revolver, the Cowboy continues to be made at the time of this writing.

      SINGLE-ACTION CLONES

      Together with the 1911 45 auto, the Colt Single Action is one of the most copied handguns of all time, especially after it was first dropped from production after World War II. The first copies were made by Great Western, followed by Sturm Ruger. The latter company introduced a line of modern single actions that, while based on the original design, incorporated a new, stronger lockwork and improved sights.

      In the years that followed, other companies have offered virtual clones of the original New Frontier model. These filled the niche as the Colt models escalated in price and were eventually dropped from regular production. The growing popularity of Cowboy Action Shooting has helped in keeping the demand for reasonably priced single-action revolvers. The following are some of the more popular brand of SAA models currently available: American Western Arms, Cimarron Arms, EAA, EMF, Navy Arms, Sturm Ruger & Company, U.S. Firearms and Dixie Gun Works, Inc.

      THE COLT SINGLE ACTION IN THE 21ST CENTURY

      The revolver continues to be made as a Colt Custom Shop item and as the Cowboy. Its long-term future really depends upon what happens to the Colt Company. If the company survives, as hopefully it will, so will the old single action. While this remarkably graceful handgun may not enjoy the popularity it had in the 1950s, it still has a great deal of appeal to shooters worldwide.

       Loading and unloading is accomplished by means of a loading gate in the frame and an ejector rod system.

       Early Single-Action Armys had the cylinder pin secured with a single screw in the front of the frame.

      LOADING AND UNLOADING THE SINGLE-ACTION ARMY

      To unload the Peacemaker, always ensure the barrel is pointing in a safe direction. Place the revolver in the left hand, open the loading gate and carefully draw the hammer back to the second cock position. Then elevate the barrel and rotate the cylinder so that each chamber is aligned with the ejector rod, which is used to eject the cartridges or spent cases.

      To load, hold the revolver in the same way. Point the barrel towards the ground. With the loading gate open, cock the hammer to the half-cock notch, rotate the cylinder and insert a fresh cartridge in each chamber.

      To ensure an empty chamber is under the hammer, load only five cartridges. After loading the first chamber, leave the next one empty and then load the rest. When all cartridges have been loaded, fully cock the hammer before gently lowering it completely so that it rests on the empty chamber.

      SHOOTING AND HANDLING THE SINGLE-ACTION ARMY

      In addition to its classic appearance, the Peacemaker has excellent handling and shooting characteristics, the attributes most responsible for the revolver’s continuing popularity over the years.

      Much of the revolver’s fame is related to the role it played on the American frontier. While other revolvers were used, there is no doubt the SAA was the favored sidearm of most of the famous names on both sides of the law in the American West. Lawmen such as Wyatt and Virgil Earp, Bat Masterson, Pat Garret, Bill Tilghman, Heck Thomas and many others carried Peacemakers of one type or another.

      The revolver began its life with the U.S. Army, especially as a cavalry sidearm. It remained in service until the Colt 38 double-action revolver of 1892 replaced it. It was rushed back into service several years later during the Philippine Insurrection because of the ineffectiveness of the 38 cartridge. It was finally retired when the Colt 45 ACP Government Model pistol was adopted by the military in 1911.

      After solid-frame, swing-out cylinder, double-action revolvers by Colt and Smith & Wesson became the choice of most major police departments, many Western lawmen, especially the Texas Rangers, refused to part with their single actions.

      Much of the revolver’s success is due to its many strengths.

       The Colt New Frontier featured adjustable sights and a flat top frame.

      While it’s internal mechanism is actually quite fragile and subject to breakages, its generally rugged construction enables it to remain functioning. Its strong solid frame enabled lawmen like Wyatt Earp to