The Colt Single Action Army Revolver
This is one of the most famous guns of all time. The Army contracted and carried it thoughout the Indian Wars and it is associated with the most famous lawmen and infamous outlaws on the frontier. It was often known as the “Peacemaker”, “Frontier Six-Shooter”, and the “Equalizer”, among others.
Production of this revolver began in 1872 and variations continue to be produced today. Collectors divide its history into “First”, “Second” and “Third” generations. The first generation, 1872 to 1940, includes about 180,000 revolvers made before 1898. More than 350,000 of these guns have been produced to date.
The most collectable caliber guns include the 45 (150,000 made), the 44-40 (64,000 made), the 41 (16,000 made), the 38-40 (38,000 made) and the 32-20 (29,000 made). Caution should be exercised by collectors as this is a widely reproduced revolver.