Why was the Colt Peacemaker so popular?

In this video I’ll try to answer this question:

“Why was the Colt Single Action Army revolver so popular during the 19th century?”

I’ll look at a variety of factors, and I’ll give you my personal opinion.

I’d love to know whether you agree with me, or if you disagree. So, let me know in the comments.

Mike Beliveau links:

[hickok]

I pretty much agree. So often I see comments regarding the obvious superiority of the S&W top-break revolvers due to faster ejection and reloading. Many cannot imagine as to why those would not have dominated the market. Some advantage there, of course, especially for cavalry, but in the civilian world of actual gun fights, where we're going to run out of time before we run out of ammo, it just isn't that big a deal. The Colt ergonomics, reliability, and simplicity tend to win out. People voted with their dollars. Likewise, nothing uglier than a Glock, but the simplicity and reliability grabbed people's imagination back in the '80's.

[bobhazeel]

The Colt SAA is a work of art, it just looks so right. The Colt 1911 is in the category, both timeless designs. The fact both are still being sold well over 100 years later proves the point.

[Valor_]

I learned to shoot the Colt SAA in the late 1940s and early 50s as a young boy. I have two, one made in 1904 chambered to .38 WCF, or 38-40 cartridge originally designed for the Winchester model '73! Colt soon chambered the SAA to that original black powder cartridge and the .44-40 so that one could use the same ammo in his long gun and handgun. I carried that SAA for many years, and it saved my life in Jan 1973. In the late '80s I became aware of its value and purchased a new generation SAA in .45 LC. That has been my primary carry sidearm since that time. The reason I prefer the SAA is, for me at least, is its "point-ability"! At any distant under 10 yards or so the gun shoots where I am looking without the use of sights, like pointing my finger. I can not do that with any other sidearm.

[Atpost]

The unbeatable aesthetics of the SAA certainly played a large role. I was talking to a Navy Seal once about handguns. He said “durability and reliability are obviously paramount”. He went on to say “does the cool factor come into play? absolutely”. I would add that as a definite part of the package that you summarize at the end of the video. The SAA just looks amazing. If we’re honest, that’s a large element of its draw (alright, pun intended).

[majedajaber]

I heard another theory, The Smith and Wesson revolvers including the Scofield, could lock up from fouling due to the black powder they used. The other issue is that the extractor could fail to extract rounds if they go gummed up with dirt or powder residue. The Colt while it may have been slower on the reload was more reliable in rough conditions partialy due to the simple extractor.

[reliom]

I think there is also another important ragion because it was so popular: because it is

[bibbyman]

I actually work on a number of guns and another advantage the Colt single action has is its simplicity of action design and few parts. It's pretty much just an update of the Colt percussion guns that came before it. So it was understood by those that had to maintain and repair them.

[Mustang]

I'm a bit late posting on this video, but I hope you still see this...
One key thing I think you missed is the reliability of the Colt when using black powder cartridges. The first black powder revolver I had was an 1858 Remington replica, but I could barely get 50 rounds through it before the cylinder would become impossible to turn by cocking the hammer. I replaced that with an 1851 Navy Colt clone, which I could shoot as much as I wanted because the base pin had grooves cut into it that the fowling could go into and not lock up the cylinder.
Colt did something different with the new cartridge revolvers, they gave the cylinder 3 surfaces on which it could rotate! In the black powder frame, the base pin was held in position by a screw that went into a groove in the base pin, WITHOUT MAKING CONTACT that would stop the base pin from rotating in the frame. The cylinder also had a bushing in the center that was free to rotate around the base pin, but also free to rotate INSIDE of the cylinder. So, the cylinder could rotate on the bushing, the bushing could rotate on the base pin and the base pin could rotate in the frame. All 3 surfaces would have to be completely fowled to stop a Peacemaker's cylinder from turning!

[TheGrenadier]

EXCELLENT explanation. Competitors had some advantages but the reality ultimately boils down to that old truth of History: people in the past weren't stupid, or else, we wouldn't be here.

[catyear]

It always kind of bugs me when a film set in the 1860’s has all the actors using these pistols ! Lol

[Sheltowee]

This was a fabulous presentation. Beautiful photos I assume you took. This could have been a college lecture. A book needs to be in your future.

[PalmettoNDN]

It was fascinating to see the most popular choices in the competitive market all explained for us. Thanks, Mike. You're a treasure and a scholar.

[GaryED]

I need to watch this multiple times. a lot I didn't know here. Thanks Mike immediate thumbs up. Never once considered ergonomics with a revolver

[dougdottery]

I am a "gun guy". Well, I thought I was anyway. You are "THE" gun guy. I definitely learn a lot from you. Keep those videos rolling. I watch them all.

[andrewyording]

I've been shooting black powder guns for 39 yrs and about 4 yrs ago started getting a gollection of the old west type guns together that we all grew up watching, Colt SAA, Winchester and other lever guns, coach gun, etc. Have really learned allot from all your videos as well as Hickok45, but yours are very precise and well done. Thank you sir for taking the time to educate us on these guns.

[sgtmajtrapp]

Outstanding historical review. When I was a kid one of our major banks had a guard who carried a 5.5" Colt SAA in .45 Colt. I remember that to this day, a gun shop I frequent had this very gun for sale sometime back, 15 years I suspect and still kick myself for not getting it. I have two 4.75" Colt SAA revolvers in .45 Colt and agree it feels good in the hand and is a natural pointer. I carry one of these now and then out and about. The first five bad guys will be in dire trouble. Reloading fast cant really be accomplished but I carry a .45 Colt Speed strip which can with practice reload faster than loose or looped ammo.

[jojo]

Great video Mike. I can definitely tell a difference in the feel of the grip of the 1875 Remington compared to the Colt. Colt feels better in the hand.

[jeannemathews]

Well done, Mike! I couldn't agree more with your opinion on the SAA's ergonomics. When I was 15 years old an adult friend brought out his 1901 SAA for me to hold (and drool over). In spite of its 7 1/2-inch barrel the weapon had a perfect balance, and a natural point, even for a kid. The most comfortable and "natural" handgun I've ever handled.

[gunfighterzero]

Great video Mike, interesting to hear those production numbers compared and yes i agree a SAA just points so naturally

[robertsansone]

According to the British experts Hogg & Weeks, "The Colt balanced like a fine dueling pistol & had more than enough power to put any man out of action straight away". "Anything that went wrong with it could be mended with a hammer." "(or a rock)" Great information. Thank You