In 1872, Colt submitted a .45-caliber revolver to the U.S. Army for test and evaluation. In 1873, it was accepted, and one of the greatest firearm legends was born. The Colt Single Action Army (SAA), also known as the Peacemaker, was most generally offered in three barrel lengths. The short 4¾-inch barrel is often referred to as the “Gunfighter,” the 5½-inch-barreled version as the “Artillery Model,” and the longer 7½-inch-barreled version as the “Cavalry,” or standard model.
The revolver enjoyed immense popularity well after World War I, but after World War II Colt tried to retire it. Television Westerns and Bill Ruger’s introduction of the Blackhawk in 1955 forced Colt to bring back the SAA, and in 1956, the second-generation Colt SAA was born. By 1974, sales had once again fallen off, and Colt killed the SAA for a second time.
But shooters would have none of it. Colt began
