Revolver Colt peacemaker. Colt revolver: description of the Navy and Рython models

According to the most common version, Colt was pushed to the idea of ​​creating a revolver by observing a rotating mechanism on the ship "Corvo", on which the great inventor traveled from Boston to Calcutta. One way or another, but it was on board the "Corvo" that Colt first made a model of wood, later called a revolver. Upon his return to the United States, Colt, distinguished by his business acumen and enterprise, turned to the Patent Office and filed a patent No. 1304 dated August 29 (according to other sources, February 25), 1836, which described the basic principles of the operation of a weapon with a rotating drum.

Colt paterson

In late 1836, the Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in Paterson, New Jersey began production of Colt capsule revolvers - then still five-shot, caliber .28, sold under the Colt Paterson name. In total, until 1842, 1,450 revolving guns and carbines, 462 revolving shotguns and 2,350 revolvers proper were produced. Naturally, all weapons were capsule. The first samples were distinguished by low reliability, regular breakdowns and a very imperfect design, not to mention the extremely unsafe and inconvenient reloading process. Unsurprisingly, the US government has shown little interest in the new weapon. The army acquired only a few revolving carbines for testing. The biggest customer for the Colt company was the Republic of Texas, which bought 180 revolving shotguns and rifles for rangers, and about the same number of revolvers for the Texas Navy. A number of revolvers (of a more powerful caliber - .36) were ordered by the Texas Rangers themselves, privately. Low demand in 1842 led to the bankruptcy of the factory.

Colt Paterson 1836-1838 (without a ramrod lever for loading)

Thus, the most popular model of Colt Paterson revolvers produced in Paterson was the No. 5 Holster, aka Texas Paterson - a revolver of .36 caliber. About 1,000 units were produced. Half of them - in the period from 1842 to 1847, after bankruptcy. Their production was established by the creditor and former partner of Colt John Ehlers.

Colt Paterson 1836-1838 with trigger retracted into the case

One of the most significant conflicts involving Colt Paterson revolvers was the Battle of the Bander Pass between the Mexican Army and the Texas Rangers, including US Army Captain Samuel Walker. Later, during the Mexican-American War, Walker met Colt and together with him modified the Colt Paterson revolver, called the Colt Walker. There was a good demand for it, since the Colt Walker was much more reliable and convenient than its predecessor. Thanks to this, Colt returned to developing weapons in 1847.

Texas Ranger. 1957 The Colt Company owes much of its success to the Rangers

From a technical point of view, the Colt Paterson is a five-shot capsule revolver with an open frame. Single Action trigger mechanism (SA) with a trigger that folds into the body. Each time to fire, you must cock the trigger. The revolver is charged from the muzzle of the chamber - with gunpowder and a bullet (round or conical) or a finished cartridge in a paper sleeve containing a bullet and gunpowder.

44 caliber paper cartridges and loading tool

Capsules (produced today - for fans of such weapons)

Then a capsule is placed on the brand tube in the breech of the drum - a miniature glass made of soft metal (usually brass) with a small charge of explosive mercury, sensitive to impact. On impact, the charge explodes and creates a jet of flame, which ignites the powder charge in the chamber through the fire tube. You can read more about this here:. Everything that has been said about the principles of operation of such weapons applies to all other capsule revolvers.

Sights consist of front sight and rear sight on the trigger. The loading of the early models of Colt Paterson revolvers, produced before 1839, was carried out only with its partial disassembly and removal of the drum, using a special tool - essentially a small press for pressing bullets into the chambers of the drum.

This process was long and inconvenient, especially in the field. Not only was it unsafe to reload the Colt Paterson, but it was also not safe to wear it, as there were no manual safety locks. To speed up reloading, gunfighters usually carried several pre-loaded drums with them and simply changed them as needed. In later models, since 1839, a built-in pressing ramrod lever and a special hole in the front of the frame for it appeared in the design. This mechanism made it possible to significantly speed up and simplify reloading - now it was possible to equip the drum without removing it from the revolver. This improvement made it possible to get rid of the additional tool, and since that time the ramrod lever has become an integral part of the design of almost all Colt capsule revolvers.

Colt Paterson 1842-1847 with a shortened barrel and a ramrod lever for loading

Some performance characteristics of Colt Paterson caliber. 36 with a barrel length of 7.5 inches (it should be borne in mind that even with the same model of primer weapon they may differ slightly):
- muzzle velocity, m / s - 270;
- sighting range, m - 60;
- weight, kg - 1.2;
- length, mm - 350.

So, the first Colt Paterson revolvers were actively used by the Rangers and the Navy of the Republic of Texas, and were used very limitedly by the US Army. Colt Paterson was used in the clashes between the Republic of Texas and Mexico, in the Mexican-American War, in the US war with the Seminole and Comanche tribes.

Such revolvers are very much appreciated today. Colt Paterson in original box with all accessories, sold at auction in 2011 for $ 977,500

Colt walker

Colt Walker was developed in 1846 by Samuel Colt in conjunction with Texas Ranger captain Samuel Hamilton Walker. According to the popular version, Walker suggested that Colt develop a powerful army revolver in .4 caliber instead of the relatively weak and not very reliable Colt Paterson revolvers in caliber .36 that were then in service. In 1847, the newly formed Colt's Colt's Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut (where it still resides), produced the first batch of 1,100 Colt Walker revolvers, which was also the last. In the same year, Samuel Walker was killed in Texas during the Mexican-American War.

The Colt Walker is an open-frame, 6-shot capsule revolver with an added trigger guard. The Colt Walker is Colt's largest black powder revolver, weighing 2.5 kilograms. From that moment on, all "non-pocket" models of Colt's capsule revolvers become six-shooters.

Some performance characteristics of Colt Walker caliber. 44:
- muzzle velocity, m / s - 300-370;
- sighting range, m - 90-100;
- weight, kg - 2.5;
- length, mm - 394.

Colt Walker was used by both sides in the war of the North and South.

Confederate Army soldier with Colt Walker

Colt Dragoon Model 1848

The Colt Model 1848 Precision Army revolver was developed by Samuel Colt in 1848 for the US government to arm the U.S. Army's Mounted Rifles, better known in the United States as Dragoons. Hence its name, under which the revolver went down in history - Colt Dragoon Model 1848. In this model, a number of shortcomings of the previous Colt Walker model were eliminated - Colt Dragoon had less weight and a ramrod retainer was added.

Colt Dragoon Model 1848

Holster and belt for Colt Dragoon Model 1848

There were three editions of the Colt Dragoon model, differing from each other by minor improvements in the firing mechanism:
- the first issue: from 1848 to 1850, about 7,000 were produced;
- second issue: from 1850 to 1851 about 2,550 were produced;
- the third edition: from 1851 to 1860, about 10,000 Colt Dragoon revolvers were produced, of which the US government acquired more than 8,000 units.

Thus, Colt Dragoon was produced for 12 years. The Colt company produced about 20,000 of these revolvers. The Colt Dragoon turned out to be a very successful revolver.

Separately, it is worth noting the release since 1848 of his pocket version of the Colt Pocket Model 1848 in caliber. 31, better known as the Baby Dragoon, especially popular with civilians.

Colt Pocket Model 1848 Baby Dragoon

Some of the performance characteristics of the Colt Dragoon Model 1848 caliber. 44, with a barrel length of 8 inches:
- muzzle velocity, m / s - 330;

- weight, kg - 1.9;
- length, mm - 375.
Colt Dragoon Model 1848 was used by the US Army and the Confederate Army in the North-South War. A large part was sold to civilians.

Confederate Army soldiers with Colt Dragoon Model 1848

Colt Navy 1851

The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber (caliber. 36), better known as the Colt Navy 1851, was developed by the Colt company specifically for the armament of US Navy officers. The Colt Navy turned out to be such a successful model that its production continued until 1873 (from 1861 - Colt Navy Model 1861), when armies around the world massively switched to the unitary cartridge. Colt Navy of various models was produced for a record 18 years, and in total, about 250,000 of them were produced in the United States. Another 22,000 units were manufactured in the UK at the production facilities of the London Armory factory. The Colt Navy is considered one of the finest and most beautiful capsule revolvers in history.

The firing mechanism has been improved: a special pin was made in the breech of the drum between the chambers, thanks to which, in the event of an under-rotation of the drum, accidental triggering of the trigger does not cause ignition of the primers. The Colt Navy has an octagonal barrel.

The Colt Navy 1851 revolvers were in service not only with the US Army, where the Remington M1858 revolver became their main competitor, but also among the officers of the Russian Empire (which ordered a large batch from Colt), Austria-Hungary, Prussia and other countries.

Some performance characteristics of Colt Navy 1851 caliber. 36:
- muzzle velocity, m / s - 230;
- sighting range, m - 70-75;
- weight, kg - 1.2-1.3;
- length, mm - 330.

Colt Navy was actively used by both sides in the war of the North and South. It became the first capsule revolver that underwent a massive conversion - alteration under a unitary cartridge.

Winchester black powder rimfire cartridges in .44 Rimfire

Conversion Colt Navy Model 1861

The differences from the Colt Navy capsule are clearly visible: a new drum with a door in the rear for loading, the ramrod lever is removed and a spring-loaded extractor is installed in its place to remove spent cartridges, the depth of the recess is increased behind the drum for easy loading with cartridges.

Remington M1858

The Remington M1858 capsule revolver, also known as the Remington New Model, was developed by the American company Eliphalet Remington & Sons and was produced in calibers. 36 and 44. Due to the fact that Colt was the holder of the patent, Remington was forced to pay him royalties on each revolver released, so the price of Remington revolvers was significantly higher than for similar Colt revolvers. The Remington M1858 revolver was produced until 1875.

Over 17 years, about 132,000 Remington M1858 revolvers in caliber. 44 (army model with an 8 "barrel) and caliber. 36 (naval model with a barrel length of 7.375 inches) were produced. There were three large releases in total, which were almost identical - small differences were in the appearance of the trigger, the arrangement of the barrel lever and the drum.

From a technical point of view, the Remington M1858 is a six-shot capsule revolver with a solid frame, which is loaded by placing ready-made cartridges in a paper sleeve or bullets with black powder in the barrel chambers from the muzzle side, after which the primers were placed in the breech of the drum.

Single Action trigger mechanism (SA), no manual safety locks.

Some of the performance characteristics of the Remington M1858 in caliber. 44, with a barrel length of 8 inches:
- muzzle velocity, m / s - about 350;
- sighting range, m - 70-75;
- weight, kg - 1.270;
- length, mm - 337.

The Remington M1858 revolvers were in service with the US, British and Russian empires, Japan, Mexico, etc.

Northerners Army cavalry soldier with three Remington M1858

The Remington M1858 was actively redesigned for the unitary cartridge. Since 1868, the company itself began producing a conversion version of the Remington M1858 revolver chambered in caliber. 46 rimfire on black powder.

Conversion Remington M1858

Colt Army Model 1860

The Colt Army Model 1860 revolver was developed in 1860 and became one of the most common revolvers during the American Civil War. Produced for 13 years. In total, until 1873, about 200,000 Colt Army Model 1860 revolvers were produced, and about 130,000 of them were made by order of the US government.

It had a modification with longitudinal grooves on the drum and less weight - the Texas Model, so named because most of these revolvers were bought by Texas Rangers after the Civil War.

The Colt Army Model 1860 revolver, along with the Colt Navy 1851 and Remington M1858, became one of the most beloved revolvers of its era. It was actively bought not only by the military, but also by civilians. Moreover, revolvers were relatively inexpensive then. For example, the Colt Army Model 1860 cost $ 20 (for comparison: the price of an ounce of gold on the New York Stock Exchange in 1862 was $ 20.67).

1873 was a landmark year for the Colt Company. She began production of the most famous revolver in history, the Colt M1873 Single Action Army, better known as the Peacemaker. Along with the Smith & Wesson Peacemaker's Magnum .44 revolver, it has become an iconic weapon with a community of fans today. Suffice it to say that the release of the first generation Peacemakers for the civilian weapons market lasted until ... 1940!

Colt М1873 Single Action Army "Peacemaker"

The Peacemaker was originally produced in the powerful .45 Long Colt on black powder with a 7.5-inch barrel, with 5.5 and 4.75-inch barrels coming soon. Later, revolvers of calibers 44-40 WCF and 32-20 WCF (Winchester) appeared, and in the twentieth century they were supplemented with options chambered for .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .44 Special, etc. - more in all. than 30 calibers!

Peacemaker for the US Army was produced for 9 years - until 1892, when the "peacekeepers" were removed from service (the artillery model continued to be used until 1902) and replaced by the Colt Double Action M1892. In total, before 1940, 357,859 first-generation Peacemakers were produced, of which for American army 37,000 revolvers were purchased.

The Peacemaker is a six-shot one-piece frame revolver that is loaded through a hinged door in the drum on the right side of the revolver. There is a spring-loaded extractor for extracting spent cartridges, located below and to the right of the barrel. The design provides for setting the trigger to a safety half-cocking.

Peacemaker Buntline Special variant with 16 '' barrel (almost 41 cm)!

Some of Peacemaker's performance characteristics of the first generation chambered for rimfire on black powder in .45 Long Colt, with a 7.5-inch barrel:
- muzzle velocity, m / s - more than 300;
- sighting range, m - n / a;
- weight, kg - 1.048;
- length, mm - 318;
- bullet energy, J - 710-750.

Colt Peacemaker took part in the Spanish-American and Philippine-American wars, the Great Sioux War, and the US wars against the Cheyenne and other Indian tribes.

It should also be said that the Colt Peacemaker ... is actually in production to this day! In 1956, Colt resumed production of the second generation Peacemaker revolvers, which continued until 1974. During this time, 73 205 of these revolvers were produced.

In the early 1970s. The US Congress passed a law prohibiting the sale of firearms without special fuses - none of the single-action revolvers of the 19th century met this requirement. Colt made the necessary changes to the design and in 1976 resumed production of the third generation Peacemakers, which continued until 1982. In total, 20,000 units were produced during this period. In 1994, production of the Peacemakers was again resumed under the name Colt Single Action Army (Colt Cowboy), which continues to this day.

Colt Single Action Army. Modern chrome version with hunting knife included

The Colt 1911 is the most beloved and revered weapon of more than one generation of Americans. It is considered the symbol of the country. Everyone from ordinary housewives to police officers and bandits preferred it to other brands of weapons. Simple, reliable with excellent stopping power, it gives a sense of security and confidence. The cult of weapons in America has its own idol - "Colt 1911".

Story

The American company Colt in 1896 acquired the design of automatic self-loading pistols from several patents. Among the first samples, the Colt Auto Pistol M 1900 was created. It was made chambered in .38 caliber.

"Colt 1911" (see photo in the text) was developed on its basis for and received its official name: "Government model" - М1911 Government. The pistol was produced in 1911 and became its designation. Then he was adopted for the long-term armament of the American army and navy. With various modifications, improvements and changes, he stood in the armament of the country for almost eighty years.

Arming armies

"Colt" was and is in service with the armies and special services of many countries. For one reason or another, this weapon fell into the most different points the world.

Exploiting countries:

• The United States of America adopted the pistol back in 1911. It was officially filmed in 1985, but some military personnel, police and private security structures use it to this day.
• Estonia received 1,500 copies of Colts under the 1997 military aid program.
• England was provided with these pistols during the Second World War under the Lend-Lease program (the US state program for the supply of weapons to the Allies).
• Norway adopted it in 1913.
• The USSR, like England, received the "Colt" thanks to the Lend-Lease program in the forties of the war.
• Japan adopted the Colt into service with the Self-Defense Forces after the end of the war, in 1945.
• Haiti. The country's national police received a shipment of pistols from the United States in 1997.
• Salvador. In the eighties of the twentieth century, 225 weapons were supplied from America through military assistance.
• South Vietnam used Colts in service with its army until 1975.

Characteristic

Main technical characteristics of a pistol of the "Colt 1911" 45 caliber:

Models

Over the years, improved and modified modifications of the pistol were produced. They are presented in the table below:

Year of issue		Description
		Base sample
1920s	Colt M1911A1 .45	Changed the hammer shank, the shape of the safety lever (frame), the profile of the rear end of the handle.
		An analogue of the .22 caliber was produced for practice shooting.
	Colt .45 National Match	A sports pistol made of specially selected and carefully hand-fitted parts, with an aiming device.
	Colt .22 Service Ace	The recoil when firing was increased in order to accurately reproduce the imitation of a shot from the Colt M1911A1 .45.
	Colt .38 Super Match	An expensive model, improved custom build Colt .38 Super.
		Small-bore analogue of M-1191 with a magazine for 9 rounds.
		Ordering the army for lighter weapons. Colts were made of high-strength aluminum alloy, the barrel became shorter. There were modifications for cartridges. 38, 9 mm and 7.65 mm.
	Colt .45 Gold Cup National Match	Pistols improved quality assembly, with a ground trigger, with some changes in the return spring, ejector. Produced with a sighting device.
	Colt combat commander	The rapid wear and tear of pistols forced manufacturers to return to such a material as steel.
	Colt .45 Combat Elite	Made for training shooting, supplied with an aiming device. The handle was completely covered with diamond-cut rubber pads.
	Colt Officers ACP	A powerful and compact model designed for senior officers in the US Army. Barrel - 88.9 mm, magazine for 6 rounds.
	Colt .380 Mustang	A small model that has gained wide popularity as a home defense tool.
	Colt .380 Mustang Pocketlite	One variant of the Colt .380 Mustang, lighter due to the aluminum alloy, but with stronger recoil.
	Colt 10 mm Delta Elite	Model designed for 10 mm chuck.
	Colt double eagle	The first model with a trigger (shock trigger) double acting, hitting commercial markets.
	Colt .380 Mustang Plus II	Such a model has a shutter-casing and a barrel from the "Mustang", and the frame - from the "Governor" .380, the store began to hold 7 rounds.

Traumatic colt

All available traumatic weapons can be conditionally divided into two groups: either converted from combat, or made similar to combat models. The more famous the brand of the pistol or revolver, the more popular the traumatic option.

After the end of the war (World War II), the production of weapons intended for the self-defense of the population was organized in Germany. Firm "Erma-verke" (Erfurt) produced pocket counterparts of brands known at that time. One of the models outwardly was very similar to the American "Colt".

Nowadays, on its basis, a traumatic pistol was created - the Erma-459R model. It is called that - traumatic "Colt 1911" - among amateurs. But for specialists, this is far from the case. Too many differences, even external ones, do not allow him to give such a definition. The "stuffing" of the pistol is very far from the original and has nothing to do with it. In its pure form, there is no traumatic "Colt".

Pneumatic model

All weapons from the Gletcher trademark are of excellent quality. Weapon masters know and love their job. The steady demand for the company's products provides a guarantee for all types of pistols and revolvers for a period of 18 months (from the date of purchase) and excellently delivered service. It can be obtained anywhere in the world.

Air pistol "Colt 1911 Glacier" outwardly is almost impossible to distinguish from the combat original. The accuracy of the model is amazing, and the unique movable shutter system provides a very realistic shooting feeling. The rate of fire, high accuracy, combined with the durability of the models - these are the advantages for which the Gletcher brand weapon is valued.

Colt Glacier 1911, like the original, is easily and comfortably held in the hand, despite its massiveness. The pistol is made of high quality metal alloy, there are plastic covers on the handle. It contains a full-size magazine, and a cylinder is inserted there. Air pistol "Colt 1911" is equipped with an original system of two fuses. It can be worn in an army fashion when there is a cartridge in the chamber. An automatic safety lock on the frame will prevent accidental firing.

Gun characteristics:

• store for 19 charges;
• bullet speed (initial) - 100 meters per second;
• fuses: semi-automatic and automatic;
• USM - single;
• the bore is smooth;
• total length - 205 mm;
• barrel - 96 mm;
• weight - 900 grams;
• CO2 cylinder, volume - 12 grams (up to 70 shots);
• and brand - Taiwan, Gletcher.

Advantages and disadvantages of the pneumatic model

"Colt 1911" pneumatic has its advantages:

• repeats a combat pistol as accurately as possible;
• a movable shutter system (blowback) enhances the Colt's realistic effect;
• high range of aimed fire - confident 20 meters;
• shooting is possible with the use of a preliminary platoon (this is provided by the trigger type).

Disadvantages of the model:

• jamming during shooting is possible;
• if the valve moves too freely, balls can get into the gas engine;
• It is better to carry a pistol in a holster: if you suddenly bring the weapon out of your pocket, it can catch on your clothes.

Although the pistol is pneumatic, certain rules of use apply to it:

• you can shoot from it only in places equipped for this: at shooting ranges, in shooting ranges, at shooting and hunting stands or in an area that is surrounded by a fence and there is a guarantee that the bullet will not leave its limits when fired;
• it is possible to transport and carry a pneumatic colt in all settlements only in a sheathed condition.

The price for such pneumatics is serious, it can reach 300 US dollars.

Application

"Colt 1911" is still in service in some countries of the world. In separate units of troops special purpose did not give up the pistol, tested for reliability for more than one dozen years.

He is in steady demand among the civilian population, not only in America, but also in European countries. Gun lovers transform Colts to the level of a work of art. Tuning can be so original and unexpected, just right to exhibit in a museum.

Revolvers in the United States of America have always been used in great demand, dating back to the days of the "Wild West" and capsule Colts. Throughout the 20th century to the present, revolvers are carried and kept at home, both by police officers and ordinary citizens. Even in spite of all the progress made in the field of self-loading pistols, high combat and operational qualities of modern models, revolvers are still used both as a spare and as a main weapon. This article will focus on one of the most famous American compact revolvers, the famous Colt Detective Special, which was launched by Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in 1927.

Photos show the first model Colt Detective Special. The third from the top is a 1933 revolver with a Tyler T-grip adapter installed. The developers of this revolver took as a basis the Colt Police Positive Special, popular at that time with the police, which had a compact frame. Very few design changes were required to achieve these goals. The Detective Special is really small, lightweight and comfortable. The short barrel and rather short handle did not reveal the weapon while wearing it secretly, for example, under a jacket.

"Snub-nosed" revolver under a jacket

Always in demand, this type of personal weapon did not give up its positions even after the appearance of well-proven self-loading pistols, such as the Colt M1911 and Browning High Power. At the same time, revolvers chambered for 38 Special were very popular, and continue to use today. And this at a time when excellent models were already produced for the 357 Magnum cartridges superior to the 38th caliber in terms of the stopping effect of the bullet. Everything is explained by the main advantages of 38-caliber revolvers, which are the low cost of weapons and ammunition, as well as soft recoil without a strong toss when fired.

At the beginning and middle of the last century, before the switch to modern self-loading pistols, United States police officers were armed with models with a long barrel, mainly 102 mm, and carried them as their main weapon. Nowadays, they are replaced by compact revolvers with 51mm barrels, which are carried as a spare weapon, often still preferring the easy-to-fire 38-caliber models. Compact revolvers have always been very popular with civilians. And although in the mid-1970s. The demand for revolvers declined with the massive proliferation of multiple-charge 9mm pistols, and compact revolvers continued to sell well. And now, in spite of everything, they are becoming more and more popular.

A page from the 1931 weapons catalog with a description of the first model Detective Special revolver

Nicholas Allen (William Hall) with the Detective Special in the 1937 gangster drama Escape from the Night

Manufactured from 1933 to 1947. Detective Special revolvers, such as the one in this photo, belong to the second model (second model). In 1933, the handle received rounded ends. This particular feature is the main distinguishing feature of the second model. Colt calls these handles "round butt". However, revolvers with old cheeks were produced until the mid-1950s.

But back to the Detective Special. The gunsmiths at Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company developed this revolver specifically for concealed carry in self-defense and used as a service weapon for plainclothes and FBI agents. After it went on sale, the Detective Special began to acquire private detectives and police officers for their own use. as well as ordinary citizens. Compact short-barreled revolvers are very convenient to carry discreetly, and if necessary, they allow you to instantly open fire without the need to turn off any fuses. The weapon itself is extremely reliable, easy to use and unpretentious. just a very short barrel, informally called "snubbies" or "snubnosed", that is, "snub", because of the characteristic design of the barrel and front sight.

The main goals for the creation of the Detective Special were invisibility and ease during constant hidden wearing while maintaining, as far as possible, the fighting qualities of a mid-size police revolver. Its developers took as a basis the Colt Police Positive Special, popular at that time with the police, which had a compact frame. Very few design changes were required to achieve these goals. The Detective Special is really small, lightweight and comfortable. The short barrel and rather short handle did not reveal the weapon while wearing it secretly, for example, under a jacket. This was greatly facilitated by the suitable holster, in tandem with which the "snub-nosed" revolver became really not burdensome for the owner and invisible to others. Like most other compact revolvers of the time, it used the 38 Special cartridge.

Hollywood stars of the 1930s and 1940s: James Cagney (Eddie) with a Detective Special revolver and Humphrey Bogart (George) talking in a warehouse in the famous 1939 gangster drama The Roaring Twenties.

The "roaring 20s" were passing by. It was the time of the Great Depression and "Prohibition", a time of chaos, when the dispute was resolved with bullets, and machine gun fires more and more often violated the silence of the streets. Returning to Chicago at the end of the First World War, George and Eddie begin to amass their fortunes, trading in smuggled liquor and organizing a large gang. Their criminal business thrives until it comes to betrayal. It turns out that putting everyone around you is much easier than agreeing ...

Colt Detective Special second model in Fitz Special style with trigger spoke and front trigger guard removed. In the photo on the right, the Colt Agent revolver with the same changes, plus with a shortened extractor rod.

In addition to the obvious need for a compact personal weapon, one of the ideas that became key to the creation of the Detective Special, according to some versions, are the revolvers of John Henry Fitzgerald (J. H. FitzGerald). The renowned "gun artist", a shooter who has displayed Colt products at trade shows, is best known for his work converting standard full-size revolvers such as the Colt New Service and Colt Police Positive into compact snubbies with unique features. The changes introduced mainly consisted of shortening the barrel length to 2 inches (51 mm), shortening the grip and rounding its sharp corners, removing the trigger spoke, as well as removing the front part of the trigger guard. As a result, the revolver became very simple and easy to carry, both in a holster and in a pocket. The absence of the trigger needle eliminated the danger of snagging it on clothing when removing the revolver. The open front trigger guard provided the easiest access to the trigger, allowing faster firing. These revolvers were called "Fitz Special". Before starting production of the Detective Special, Fitzgerald was already working with its prototype, a 38-caliber Police Positive Special revolver.

Technical classics

Now let's take a look at the design of the Colt Detective Special. For loading weapons or reloading the drum tilts to the left. The drum rotates clockwise. When fired, it is blocked by the interaction of the protrusion of the drum retainer with small longitudinal grooves on the surface of the drum. To reduce weight, the drum is traditionally made with six large recesses that run horizontally along its surface between the chambers. The drum latch is located in the longitudinal groove of the removable wall on the left side of the rear part of the frame, behind the drum. The drum is locked in the frame with a rod lock, which, through a hole in the rear wall of the frame window, enters the central hole of the extractor located in the center of the drum. To tilt the drum, you need to pull its latch back by its protrusion with your thumb. The removal of spent cartridges or cartridges from the drum chambers is carried out by a hand-operated extractor.

1 - barrel assembly 2 - drum retainer 3 - drum retainer screw 4 - drum retainer spring 5 - drum elevator 6 - elevator bushing 7 elevator holder 8 elevator lock screw 9 elevator lock spring 10 - drum 11 - extractor rod 12 - extractor rod head 13 - extractor spring 14 - firing pin 15 - firing pin 16 - frame 17 - trigger 18 - trigger pin 19 - trigger earring 20 - trigger earring pin 21 - trigger stop 22 - trigger stop pin 23 - trigger stop spring 24 - stop 25 - latch drum 26 - drum latch axis 27 - drum latch spring 28 - insert spring drum latch 29 - combat spring 30 - extractor ratchet 31 - pusher lever 32 - pusher lever pin 33 - breech ("mirror") 34 - safety rod 35 - safety lever pull rods 36 - removable wall (frame cheek) 37 - frame cheek screws 38, 39 - handle cheeks 40 - cheek pin 41 - cheek screw 42 - cheek nut 43 - trigger 44 - trigger pin

Early revolvers are distinguished by a cross-notched and non-notched extractor axis head, but the presence or absence of a notch or a different head shape cannot be one of the determining factors for assigning a revolver to a particular model. Early versions were equipped with cylindrical barrels that did not hide the axis of the extractor. The front sight, which was carried out separately, was connected to the barrel by high-temperature soldering. Beginning in 1972, the Detective Special received barrels made from a solid steel billet together with a front sight and a massive extractor axle cover as a single piece. The barrel was attached to the frame of the revolver with a thread. Firing mechanism hammer type, double action, with an open trigger. The striker is located in the trigger. A double leaf spring acts on the trigger. According to the data received from the manufacturer, the trigger force when firing self-cocking is a maximum of 6 kg, and in the single-action mode - a maximum of 2 kg. Measurements of the descent force in a revolver produced in 1960 in a single action mode showed 1.8 kg., Self-cocking - 4 kg. The trigger travel is smooth and smooth, rather short.

This photo shows a revolver of the third model, produced from 1947 to 1966, the main distinguishing feature of which is a front sight with a beveled upper rear part, which replaced the semicircular "half moon". The surfaces were treated with mirror polishing followed by applying black bluing instead of satin and blue bluing. Exactly the same revolver, as shown in the photo along with an antique pocket watch, at one time could belong to a private detective or a policeman "in civilian clothes", protecting its owner in dangerous situations, remaining always ready for immediate use and at the same time invisible to others ... Other items in the photo were also often companions of the owners of the "snub-nosed" Colt.

Actor Ben Velden (Cobb) shoots "Goose" Zucco with his Colt Detective Special.

Noir-style drama A City to Conquer, filmed in 1940, tells the story of former boxing champion Danny Kenny, who is about to invest all his savings in his brother's dream of writing a symphonic ode to his native New York. However, a 15-round fight for the coveted title turns out to be fatal for him.

John Ridgley, as Eddie Mars, with the Colt Detective Special, and Humphrey Bogart as private detective Philip Marlowe in Howard Hawkes' 1946 film Deep Sleep. One of the best film noir, based on the novel by Raymond Chandler.

General Sternwood turns to Marlowe for help to catch the blackmailer of his youngest daughter Carmen. The general's eldest daughter, Vivian, offers the detective her help, but it is not clear which side she is on. Marlowe cannot find the truth and carry out the assignment in any way, since all the suspects are killed one by one.

The weapon is protected from accidental shots when falling. When the trigger is in the forward position, a safety rod is located between it and the frame, preventing the trigger from moving forward. To fire a shot, you either just need to pull the trigger, completely "selecting" its course, or manually cock the trigger, and then pull the trigger. In the first case, in self-cocking mode, the trigger moves back under the influence of the trigger protrusion. By preliminary cocking, in single action mode, the hammer is retracted until the sear "jumps" behind its combat platoon. When the shooter pulls the trigger or cocks the hammer, the link moves down. At the moment of triggering, the safety rod will be in the lower position, not preventing it from initiating the primer.

After each shot, when the firing pin strikes the cartridge primer, the hammer bounces back slightly. That is, the trigger mechanism has a hammer rebound, thanks to which the hammer will no longer move forward after a rebound under external influence, since it is impeded by the safety thrust. But this security system has one drawback. When the hammer is cocked, the thrust is in the down position, and if it breaks off the sear in any way, an accidental shot will be fired. But this is highly unlikely. No one carries a revolver equipped with a double-action firing mechanism constantly with the hammer cocked, and besides, owners with a long history of circulation have not had such cases. Sights are not adjustable, they consist of a front sight made as part of the barrel and a rear sight, which is a longitudinal groove in the upper part of the frame.

Philip Marlowe gets Model 2 Detective Special out of hiding place in his car

Many owners, already from the beginning of the production of revolvers of the first model, note that when firing even medium-power cartridges and loaded with non-heavy bullets, rear part the trigger guard crashes into the middle finger of the arrow holding the weapon. Of course, uncomfortable shooting did not suit anyone. Soon a simple and effective solution to this problem was found - a part called the Grip Adapter, which roughly translates to "grip adapter". This part is a curved insert that fits into the upper part of the space between the front surface of the handle and the trigger guard. The Grip Adapter, also called the Tyler T-grip, was later widely adopted and used in conjunction with revolvers from other manufacturers. Over time, the idea of ​​the adapter was used to create new wide grip cheeks.

From 1927 to 1995 The Detective Special was made only of high quality gun-grade steel. In the best traditions of the Colt "s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company, surface treatment was also made with high quality. For pre-war models, the surfaces were treated with satin (a type of grinding), due to which the steel acquired a" polished "," satin "look, after which a beautiful blue In addition, nickel plating was used. In post-war models, the surfaces were treated with mirror polishing followed by applying black bluing. As for the accuracy, when shooting from a stop at 14 meters, the diameter of the best group of hits was 45 mm, at 6 meters - 20 mm. a group of hits with a maximum diameter of 50 mm was received from the hands at 14 meters when firing with a pre-cocked hammer, and 70 mm - when firing self-cocking.

"Models": features and differences

The Detective Special was produced in several versions, differing in some design features, characteristic for different production periods, materials and types of surface treatments. There are several most common classifications and divisions of these versions. Various sources call them “releases”, “variants” or “models”. The erroneous division into four "releases" or "versions" is quite widespread, which is very general and does not correspond to reality. The most accurate, recognized by collectors, is the classification according to eight "models" of the Detective Special.

Revolvers manufactured from 1927 to 1933 belong to the first model. The main difference is the sharp front and rear ends of the lower part of the handle. On the side surfaces of the upper parts of the cheeks, medallions were placed with the image of the company symbol - a rearing stallion. In addition, the revolver is equipped with a half moon front sight, a cross-notch on the rear projection of the drum retainer, the hammer spoke and the front surface of the trigger, as well as a short extractor shaft with a cross-notch head. Cross-notching on the catch, hammer and trigger was done on the pre-war Detective Special and is partially present on various parts of later models. After World War II, over the course of several years, the cross-notch on the trigger spoke was replaced with a parallel one, and the drum retainer was no longer notched. The revolver was made of high quality gun steel and was carried out with high quality workmanship and surface treatment. In both the first and subsequent models, the finest blue bluing and nickel plating was used until 1986.

Manufactured from 1933 to 1947. Detective Special revolvers belong to the second model. In 1933, the handle received rounded ends. This particular feature is the main distinguishing feature of the second model. Colt calls these handles "round butt". However, revolvers with old cheeks were produced until the mid-1950s. The revolvers of this model were also made for 32 New Police and 38 New Police cartridges. The length of the barrel was 51 mm, and the total length of the weapon was 171 mm. In addition to the standard Detective Special with a 51mm barrel, a small number of modifications were produced with a 76mm barrel length. Revolvers of the first and second series are most highly sought after by collectors, especially when the weapon itself, coating and grip cheeks are in excellent condition. Currently, these weapons can be purchased in the US for between $ 300 and $ 600 as standard. The amount depends on the technical condition of the revolver and the coating. Various exclusive options can cost up to $ 2,000 or more.

The photo shows a third model Detective Special made in 1947, along with two boxes of 38 Special rounds. Revolvers of different years of manufacture and belonging to different models, however, may have separate signs other models. Identification of a particular instance is carried out primarily by the year of manufacture and the main difference between any model.

Revolvers manufactured from 1947 to 1966 differ in the front sight with a bevel of the upper rear part, which replaced the semicircular "halfmoon", and are classified as the third model (third model). The surfaces were treated with mirror polishing followed by applying black bluing instead of satin and blue bluing. In 1954-1955. began to make revolvers with plastic grip cheeks, which, nevertheless, did not supplant wooden ones. The fourth model was produced from 1966 to 1972. Its main feature is the shortened handle, introduced since 1966. However, by installing long wooden cheeks that covered the lower part of the handle, it was possible to increase its length. Of course, if it was necessary.

The main feature of the Detective Special in the fourth model, like this 1969 revolver, is the shortened grip introduced since 1966. However, by installing long wooden cheeks that covered the lower part of the handle, it was possible to increase its length if necessary.

Detective Special Model 4

The fifth model was produced from 1972 to 1987. The weapon received an extractor axle cover that hides and protects it from damage from almost all sides. The shape of the front sight was significantly changed, the sloping top edge of which starts from the junction of the barrel with the frame, and the leading edge coincides with the edge of the muzzle of the barrel. The handle cheeks began to be made fully wrapping, that is, they covered the steel handle from the back, sides, front and bottom. In the fifth model, it is possible to use powerful + P cartridges with a shot up to 3000 shots, after which it is necessary to check the technical condition of the weapon. The surfaces were treated with bluing or nickel plating. In the early 1980s. the manufacturer introduced a new electroless nickel plating called "Coltguard", which is often confused with stainless steel.

Pictured is a nickel-plated Detective Special of the fifth model, produced from 1972 to 1987. In this model, the weapon received a cover for the extractor axis, which hides and protects it from damage from almost all sides. The shape of the front sight was significantly changed, the sloping top edge of which starts from the junction of the barrel with the frame, and the leading edge coincides with the edge of the muzzle of the barrel.

The fifth model is the Detective Special version with phosphating surface treatment, produced in 1984-1985. These revolvers were named Commando Special, to distinguish them from the Commando version of the Colt Official Police revolver from the Second World War. Production of the fifth model was discontinued in 1987 due to the manufacturer's famous conflict with the union and a four-year strike. It was a difficult time for the company, coupled with falling sales of its products. As a result of the crisis, the release of many models of personal weapons for the civilian market was discontinued. However, it should be noted that despite all the difficulties, Colt was reorganized and currently two divisions are operating - Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC, which produces weapons for the civilian market, and Colt Defense, which operates in the arms market for law enforcement agencies and the armed forces.

Production of the Detective Special was only resumed in 1993 and lasted for two years. The revolvers were only available in weapons-grade steel with a satin blue blued finish and were fitted with Pachmayr plastic wraparound handles with Colt's signature medallions on both sides. In 1995 the SF-VI model was introduced. The abbreviation stands for "Small Frame six shot". This option is commonly referred to as the sixth model. From the old Detective Special, the revolver that replaced them differs in a shortened front sight and a slightly different head of the extractor axis, without a groove, as well as an increased protrusion of the drum retainer with a vertical notch on its front surface. This revolver was originally designed to be able to fire the powerful + P rounds.

The SF-VI revolver, also referred to as the sixth model by collectors, was introduced by Colt in 1995. From the old Detective Special, the SF-VI that replaced them differs in a shortened front sight and a slightly different head of the extractor axis, without a groove, as well as an increased protrusion of the drum retainer with a vertical notch on its front surface.

In 1949, Raoul Walsh's quirky gangster action Noir-style thriller White Fever, starring Steve Cochran as Big Ed (right) is armed with a Detective Special. The gangster on the left has the Colt New Service full-size revolver, popular at the time.

James Cagney plays psychopathic gangster Cody Jarrett, accompanied and guided by his mom, Margaret Whicherly. Cody still ends up in jail, but the gang continues to work free. Soon, Cody escapes with the other inmates, unaware that one of them is an undercover police officer.

For the most part, the SF-VI is a hybrid of the Detective Special revolvers and some of the features of the Mk III revolver. One of the main design differences between the SF-VI and earlier Detective Special variants is the hammer housed in the frame, not in the trigger. The hammer can act on the hammer, transferring its energy to it, only through the safety transmission rod that rises when the hammer is cocked. Only in this case, the striker firing pin initiates the cartridge primer. At the same time, the SF-VI was still supplied with a two-blade plate mainspring, and not a helical one, like the rest of the company's revolvers. Early release SF-VIs had the lowest trigger pull in self-cocking mode of any Colt revolver ever produced. Too little effort was the cause of reliability problems. However, the manufacturer soon reacted by replacing the trigger springs in the respective instances. Overall, the SF-VIs have excellent escapement characteristics, with excellent ride quality, surpassing the pre-war Detective Special in this parameter.

In very small numbers, a version with a 102-mm barrel was produced. The revolver was made of stainless steel with surface treatment polished, either to a low roughness or to a mirror finish. Also available in limited edition, sandblasted matt finish. The weapon was equipped with plastic fully wrapped grip cheeks with a recess for the little finger. SF-VI production was phased out in 1996. In the same year, the company released another version of the Detective Special in a limited edition - the Special Lady revolver, equipped only with a self-cocking firing mechanism (DAO - double action only) and a trigger without a spoke. The Special Lady was made of stainless steel with a high-gloss polished surface. On the left side of the barrel of these revolvers is the inscription "Colt Special Lady". This option is not included in the general model line. The Special Lady is now highly regarded by collectors due to its rarity.

Colt DS-II with 76mm and 51mm barrels are designed to fire the powerful + P rounds. The DS-II never became a successful replacement for the previously highly popular "snub-nosed" Colt. Buyers focused on compact revolvers from this legendary manufacturer, in most cases, wanted to get a model closer to the classic Detective Special.

The main feature of the Magnum Carry revolver was the use of the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge, which has a reputation as one of the most effective cartridges for personal short-barreled weapons due to its high stopping effect of the bullet. The revolver itself, announced by Colt in 1998, is based on the design and construction of the DS-II. Its frame was reinforced due to the increased power of the used ammunition, and for the convenience of holding and better controllability of the weapon when firing, Magnum Carry was equipped with ergonomic volumetric grip cheeks.

In 1997, the next version of the Detective Special was presented at the Shot Show, which received the designation DS-II, which is usually referred to as the seventh model. The weapon is basically the same as the previous SF-VI, but has slightly more trigger pull. Like the SF-VI, the DS-II revolver is also adapted for firing + P cartridges. It was produced with barrels 51 mm long and, much less often, 76 mm. The surface treatment of the steel parts of the weapon included bluing and chrome plating, as well as polishing in the stainless steel version. The DS-II was discontinued in 1998. This model was not popular, since buyers focused on compact Colt revolvers, in most cases, wanted to get a model closer to the classic Detective Special.

In 1998, a new Magnum Carry revolver was announced, based on the DS-II construction and design. The Magnum Carry was launched in 1999. This revolver belongs to the eighth model. It was chambered for the powerful 357 Magnum cartridge, as a result of which the frame of the revolver was reinforced at the top in order to increase durability when using a more powerful cartridge. For the convenience of holding and better controllability of the weapon when firing, Magnum Carry was equipped with voluminous wooden grip cheeks with recesses for the fingers. The weapon was made of stainless steel with a polished surface treatment, in a matte version, or with a mirror shine. Its production was discontinued in the same 1999, like the rest of the company's revolvers, including the famous Colt Python. In total, from 1927 to 1995. no more than 450,000 Detective Special revolvers were produced. In addition to the listed models, the Cobra revolvers, with a light frame based on aluminum, and Agent, with a light frame and a shortened grip were created and produced on the basis of the Colt Detective Special design. However, they are not included in this classification.

In 1950, based on the design of the Colt Detective Special, Cobra revolvers with a light frame based on aluminum were created and produced. The Cobra revolvers used the same 38 and 32 caliber cartridges for shooting as in the Detective Special. These weapons have left their mark on American history. From an early version of the Colt Cobra, on November 24, 1963, Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald at the police station, who was detained on suspicion of the murder of US President John F. Kennedy.

Shown here is a nickel-plated Colt Cobra revolver that looks great when paired with the custom light wood grip cheeks fitted by the owner of the weapon. Weighing only about 425g, the Kolt Cobra is great for concealed carry, especially when paired with the right holster. This convenient and reliable six-shooter remains popular and in demand in the United States civilian arms market.

The Colt Agent revolver, the production of which was started in 1962, just like the Cobra has a frame made of a light alloy based on aluminum, but unlike it, the Agent handle is shorter, which is made for the sake of compactness and stealth when wearing. Basic distinctive feature This model has a lower cost compared to Cobra and Detective Special, reduced mainly due to the use of a less expensive matte coating in production.

Due to the difficulties in identifying models, given the so-called "transitional options" that have features of various models, for collectors Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC published a list of serial numbers in accordance with the years of manufacture. Also, the year of manufacture of the revolver by its serial number can be found in Colt's archives department by phone More information can be obtained by written request with a description of the revolver, including serial number, barrel length, type of coating, as well as a photo of the weapon itself.

Deadly lead

It is necessary to briefly mention the recommendations regarding the use of cartridges of different capacities. In Detective Special revolvers produced from 1927 to 1972, that is, the first, second, third and fourth models, in order to avoid damage to the weapon, it is not recommended to use + P cartridges, which have an increased maximum pressure in the barrel bore when fired, which in such cartridges exceeds the standard values ​​by about 10%. Weapons of the specified period are not intended for use with these cartridges and firing them can lead to the destruction of the revolver. Starting from the fifth model, + P cartridges can be used, but it is recommended to shoot them as rarely as possible, and it is necessary to regularly, at intervals of every 3000 shots, conduct an examination of the technical condition of the weapon for possible damage and the development of a service life. For shooting training, for any model, it is recommended to use only standard pressure ammunition, and when worn - effective powerful + P cartridges.

38 Special ammo with Hollow Point, Full Metal Jacket, and Semi Wadcutter

Speaking of the + P cartridges, two options of all the weapons on the market today deserve special attention. These are FBI load and New York load cartridges. The FBI load, also referred to as the 38 Special FBI load LSWCHP + P (Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Point), got its name from being adopted by the FBI in 1972. This happened almost immediately after the start of its production by Winchester. This cartridge was also adopted by police departments in almost all states, including the department of Miami and Chicago, where it is still used today. The cartridge is loaded with a powder charge increased power, referring to the maximum pressure to + P, and a shellless expansive 10.2 g bullet. Such a bullet works well, opening up on impact even if the weapon has a short 51-mm barrel. Today FBI load is produced by Winchester and Remington.

The New York load, or Speer NYPD load, was developed by order of the New York City Police Department, which contacted Speer, as most of the employees used compact revolvers chambered for the 38 Special as a spare weapon, as well as off duty. Under the leadership of Ernst Dyram, a cartridge was designed, equipped with an expansive 8.7 g Gold Dot bullet with a large expressive void and having a shell, unlike the FBI load LSWCHP + P, as well as a powerful powder charge giving it a high initial velocity. In the civilian market, the analogue of this cartridge is sold as 38 Special + P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel. The use of a lighter bullet gives less recoil force than the "FBI Cartridge", and its modern design provides reliable deployment to a significant diameter. The practice and statistics of numerous cases of using this cartridge has shown the high efficiency of the stopping action of its bullet, both when firing from service revolvers with a 102-mm barrel length, and from snubbies with 51-mm barrels.

Cartridge. 38 Special + P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel, better known as New York load - "New York cartridge"

Of these two cartridges, the Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel is the most preferred for short-barreled revolvers, primarily due to the lower recoil and toss of the weapon when fired, which ultimately increases the accuracy of high-speed shooting. With them, you can shoot doublets very closely. Another advantage of the Speer cartridge is the bullet sheath, which better holds the bullet in the sleeve. This prevents the bullet from coming out of the case when firing powerful cartridges from light revolvers, jamming the drum. As a result, the 38 Special + P Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel can be considered the best choice for snubbies today.

Private detectives, bootleggers, FBI agents, cops, films and myths ...

And again, back to the revolver. Since the late 1920s. and prior to the boom of 9mm self-loading pistols among police officers and ordinary citizens in the 1970s, the Detective Special was very popular as an excellent choice as a concealed carry weapon. It has been the FBI's standard weapon for decades, as have many other federal agents, police department detectives, private detectives, and anyone else who regularly carried a weapon underneath a coat or jacket instead of wearing it openly in a standard holster. FBI agents received extensive training in the use of snubbies and the use of short-barreled revolvers to reliably and quickly engage enemies at short range. These workouts were developed in the 1930s. famous shooter Ed McGivern (Ed McGivern).

The photo shows the Detective Special model 3 with ivory grip cheeks and a case made of walnut... At arms auctions, specimens with highly artistic engraving are not uncommon, the price of which, as a rule, starts from 1,500 USD.

In addition to plainclothes police, FBI agents, private detectives and gun lovers, the Detective Special, due to its popularity, can be seen in many movies, including charismatic noir films. The Colt Detective Special was one of the first compact short-barrel 38 caliber revolvers to be considered classics today, and is the most famous of them all. He starred as weapons of private detectives and police officers in films of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, starring such legendary actors as Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne and Jack Webb. Classic films from the Detective Special are: The Death Kiss (1932); Bullets or Ballots (1936); Escape by Night (1937); Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938); The Roaring Twenties (1939); City for Conquest (1940); The Big Sleep (1946); The Hat Box Mystery (1947); Fear in the Night (1947); White Heat (1949); A Bullet For Joey (1955); Pretty Boy Floyd (1960); Sudden Impact (1983); Once Upon a Time in America (1984); The Untouchables (1987); Black Rain (1989); L.A. Confidential (1997); The Mexican (2001); The Matador (2005); Public Enemies (2009).

David Aaronson, nicknamed "Noodles" (actor Robert De Niro) is looking for an escaped gangster with his Colt Detective Special. Sergio Leone's famous crime drama Once Upon a Time in America, filmed in 1984.

The popularity with the police and on the screens only contributed to the increasing growth of sales in the civilian market of weapons. This revolver was perceived mainly as a covertly carried police weapon, the so-called "a cop gun", and often many who wore the Detective Special were perceived as "plainclothes" police officers. Colt Detective Special revolvers were also called "belly guns", that is, a weapon worn without a holster in the belt, near the belly. "Belly guns" also means shooting at close range in self-defense, without aiming when the weapon is held at the waist. As a rule, a compact revolver was meant here. Until the end of the 1960s. The Colt Detective Special was the most popular short-barreled revolver in the United States.

One unique Detective Special is worth mentioning separately in this story. Sometimes the weapon as a whole and its individual specimens become part of one or another myth. "Vampire Exterminator Gun" - engraved revolver "fifth model", produced from 1972 to 1987, made in a single copy, just fit into the myth of the vampires. The weapon was decorated and silver plated by Colt's master engraver Leonard Francolini in 1975. Volumetric engraving depicts bats and dragons. Even the traditional Colt rearing stallion, which is the company's symbol and trademark, has a very unusual design - the stallion rises from the coffin ... The handle is equipped with smooth ebony cheeks with two small silver inserts in the lower part of the left cheek of the handle. They depict bats and, like the notches on the buttstock of a sniper rifle that has been used "in business", indicate the number of victories won over the enemy with the help of this weapon. On the surface of the muzzle of the barrel, smoothly turning into the front sight and the casing of the extractor axis, the image of the Christian cross is made. The very name of the revolver roughly translates as "exterminator of vampires", and for "eradicating", in addition to the revolver itself, it comes with a set of useful devices for this purpose.

The Vampire Exterminator Gun is a very impressive model 5 Colt Detective Special revolver, made in a single copy. This unique weapon is adorned with a superb vampire-themed 3D engraving by Leonard Francolini in 1975. One of the decorative elements - silver inserts in the lower part of the left cheek of the handle, depict bats and, like the notches on the buttstock of a sniper rifle that has been used "in business", indicate the number of victories won over the enemy with the help of this weapon.

The weapon is housed in a box made of ebony by master Jeffrey Brundidge of Missouri. The upholstery is made in a French style of dark scarlet corduroy fabric reminiscent of blood. It has a recess for the revolver itself, as well as for a silver bottle with the inscription "holy water" and a ramrod with an ebony handle. This handle can also be used for a wooden lance. The "kit" also includes a mirror, made in the form of a coffin lid, designed to recognize the enemy, since according to legend, the vampire is not reflected in the mirror and is afraid of him. A small compartment holds six rounds of .38 Special, placed in a cross, whose silver bullets are made in the shape of the head of the famous Count Dracula. The box also contains two shot bullets with traces of rifling in the barrel. It can be assumed that it was with these bullets that the two victories indicated on the handle were won. Unfortunately, enough high-quality photographs of such a unique weapon have not survived. The Vampire Exterminator Gun was sold at Butterfield & Butterfield in San Francisco, California. Regardless of whether vampires exist or not, who they really are and how they are treated, without a doubt, this revolver is one of the most mysterious and beautiful creations of modern gunsmiths.

Competitors and opposition to the "amazing nines"

Speaking about the popularity of the Detective Special, we should also mention its rivals in the arms market. The Smith & Wesson company, which has always been the most serious competitor to Colt, did not even try to create and launch the production of such a six-shot compact revolver. Instead, starting in 1950, Smith & Wesson focused on five-shooters with slightly narrower widths. It was the famous Model 36 Chief's Special, and later the Model 60, in stainless steel. The Chief's Special was presented at the International Association of Chiefs of Police - IACP conference held in Colorado Springs in October 1950. For marketing reasons, the manufacturer gave this model the name Chief's Special, which loosely means “Special for the chief.” This weapon was positioned as a spare, worn by the police in addition to the main service full-size revolver or pistol. Chief's Special quickly began to recruit popularity due to its excellent combination of compactness, lightness, shooting accuracy, high quality, reliability and, ultimately, a strong manufacturer's brand. Soon, on the basis of this model, many different versions of it were created, differing mainly in the material of manufacture and the design of the firing mechanism.

The Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief's Special five-shot revolver has been the main competitor of the Colt Detective Special since 1950. This revolver has an excellent combination of compactness, lightness, accuracy, high quality, and of course reliability. options.

The Chief's Special who entered the gun shops quickly found their buyer and became one of the most popular revolvers in the 1950s - 1960s.The modern compact Smith & Wesson revolvers created on their basis are the most popular representatives of such weapons among civilians, as By and large, with the smaller dimensions, the Smith & Wesson Chief's Special was inferior to the Colt Detective Special only in the drum capacity smaller by one cartridge. At the same time, the Detective Special was still a welcome acquisition for concealed carry and a revolver with an excellent reputation, but its production volumes were significantly less. 1950-1969 786,544 Chief "s Special revolvers were produced, and approximately 41,400 units per year. In the period from 1927 to 1970. Only 350,000 Detective Special revolvers were produced, and in the year, during this period, approximately 8,140 copies were produced.

A typical representative of the "amazing nines" is the Sig Sauer P226 self-loading pistol with a magazine capacity of 15 rounds, a double-action firing mechanism, without manually operated safety locks and equipped with a safe trigger from the cocking lever. This weapon has an excellent reputation among both civilians and police officers in the United States and Europe. The P226 is considered one of the best 9mm steel-framed pistols, which in the era of widespread use of polymers in weapons can already be attributed to the classics.

But even with such a conservative American love of revolvers, progress has led to a decline in demand for snubbies. In the 1970s. Police departments began to purchase more and more multiple-charge pistols in 9mm caliber with a double-action trigger mechanism. Such pistols began to quickly gain popularity in the civilian arms market. In the US, they began to be called "wonder nines", that is, "amazing nines." These are self-loading pistols chambered for 9mm Parabellum with a large magazine capacity, double action / single action triggers (DA / SA), equipped with reliable fuses, including automatic ones, as well as, often, with light alloy or polymer frames. ... "Wonder nines" soon replaced revolvers from police holsters, and became more and more in demand among ordinary citizens who wanted to get effective modern weapons with great firepower.

The Detective Special, like all revolvers, was significantly inferior to multiple-shot pistols in firepower, as well as in the accuracy of high-speed fire. The latter circumstance is dictated, as a rule, by a longer stroke and trigger force, since in most pistols the hammer or striker is automatically cocked during the retreat of the shutter-casing. But, as time has shown, not everything is so clear with the advantages of pistols. A complete rejection of revolvers, especially compact ones, never happened. As perfect as self-loading pistols such as the Glock, Sig Sauer, Beretta, Heckler und Koch, Walther, Smith & Wesson, Kel-Tec or Kahr become, self-defense firearms buyers still often opt for revolvers. And for this, the consumers of compact personal weapons, who have a huge choice today, have good reasons. Superiority in firepower is justified in full-size models worn as primary weapons. If we are talking about compacts for hidden carrying, then the difference of three or four cartridges is not so fundamental. In a quick firefight at a minimum distance, six rounds are enough.

Allegedly, prolonged reloading of revolvers refers only to myths, since a number of devices for accelerating loading have long been created and successfully used. These are the so-called "speedloaders", which are grips that hold the edges of the casings for six or five rounds, depending on the purpose for use with a particular revolver model. After the cartridges are placed in the chambers of the drum, they are released and the drum returns to the frame. In practice, this is done very quickly. The speed of reloading revolvers using loading accelerators is not inferior to pistols with their magazines. As for the accuracy when conducting high-speed shooting, here again everything is decided by the distance to the target. Compact personal weapons of concealed carry do not require super high accuracy, which makes pistols and revolvers equal in this aspect.

In addition, the revolver has an indisputable advantage over pistols in terms of the requirements for the used cartridges. Especially the bullet shape. If some expansive bullets sometimes cause delays in firing pistols due to sticking, then it makes no difference for the drum chamber what configuration the bullet head has. The same applies to the mass of bullets. Revolvers are not picky about the quality of cartridges either. Plus, the owner can always determine the presence of cartridges in the drum by visual inspection or tactilely, without the need to manipulate the details of the weapon or involve a second hand. You can also determine if the hammer is cocked. Delays in firing revolvers are, in most cases, caused by a misfire due to a poor-quality cartridge primer. It is elementary to eliminate such a delay in the revolver - by pressing the trigger again, almost instantly and guaranteed to produce a shot. No pistol will provide this capability when delayed. Trying to re-initiate the primer of a defective cartridge in pistols is not recommended due to the high probability of repeated primer failure.

Many people still prefer to carry handguns equipped with manually operated safety switches, with a huge selection of fine modern models with reliable automatic ones. Safety flags, even with regular training, make it much more difficult to handle weapons, especially in extreme situations... Not to mention the inexperienced owners. In a revolver, you do not need to waste precious time looking for a small part and manipulating it, since the safety catch is simply not needed there. It is enough just to remove the weapon from the holster, aim and shoot. Of course, at the same time, "snub-nosed" revolvers cannot be compared with modern compact 9-mm pistols in the overall width of the weapon in view of the limitations dictated by the design itself, or rather the drum. But this problem is solved simply - by individual careful selection of a suitable holster, which will provide both invisibility and convenience for a particular owner with constant hidden wearing.

"Grandfather's revolver" remains in service

For those to whom the Detective Special was intended, it still remains an excellent weapon - reliable, comfortable, accurate in shooting and easy to use. Considering the ever-increasing popularity of concealed carry of compact weapons in the United States, and more recently in Europe, the old, but reliable and reputable Colt Detective Special is a serious alternative to many modern models of pistols from leading manufacturers. Especially for those who want to constantly have a loaded weapon with them, while, as far as possible, trouble-free, safe, simplest and most accurate.

Eliot Ness (actor Kevin Costner) takes aim with a Detective Special at one of Capone's gangsters in the 1987 film The Untouchables.

The film by Brian De Palma is set in the 1930s, during Prohibition, the Great Depression, and the dawn of the mafia, which plunged its fingers deep into Chigago's power structures mired in corruption. To fight organized crime and one of the most influential mafiosi Alphonse Capone, the FBI creates special unit, later nicknamed "The Untouchables" by journalists. It was headed by a young but promising agent Eliot Ness, an exemplary family man, ready to give his life in the name of the triumph of the law.

The blued Colt Detective Special model 5 shown in these photos allows you to fire powerful + P rounds without the risk of destroying the weapon. But after reaching a shot of 3000 shots, it is necessary to check the technical condition of the weapon.

For most of the 20th century, American policemen preferred to carry short-barreled 38s as a backup weapon during off-duty and as their main, discreetly worn outside of service. But what is the situation today, in the era of the use of high technologies of the space age in the production of weapons, and numerous achievements in the field of ergonomics, reduction in size and weight when using sufficiently powerful cartridges? Of course, there are some changes, but not dramatic ones. Many older lawyers in the Chicago and New York police departments, for example, still carry with them old 38-gauge snubbies that they inherited from their father or grandfather. It's the same outside of service.

When choosing a weapon, a lot depends on personal preference, someone prefers modern ultra light models, such as the lightweight and compact five-shot Smith & Wesson M&P 340 with an aluminum-scandium frame, a hidden trigger and equipped only with a self-cocking trigger, which has a very smooth ride. and a little trigger pull. Some use the old and proven Smith & Wesson Model 36 Chief "s Special, also with a five-round drum, but with a solid steel frame. Or the modern steel Smith & Wesson Model 640 or Model 649. However, many choose six shooters. , wanting to have a reliable and durable weapon with a long resource.In this case, the choice often stops on one of the good old Colt Detective Special options.A great revolver, high quality, reliable, accurate, comfortable, great looking and with an excellent reputation earned over more than 80 years loyal service to its owners.In the United States, it is commonly referred to as "grandfather's revolver", as in Russia the revolver Nagant.

One of the best representatives of modern compact revolvers is the Smith & Wesson M&P 340. The weapon has an aluminum-scandium frame, a hidden trigger and is equipped only with a self-cocking firing mechanism with excellent smoothness and low trigger force. The M&P 340 is extremely lightweight and compact. This five-shot revolver chambered for the powerful 357 Magnum cartridge is convenient and comfortable to carry at all times, not burdensome and easy to handle for its owner. Of course, such a lightweight revolver weighing only 414 g has a strong recoil, but it is not intended for sport shooting, as it is primarily a self-defense weapon. This instance is equipped with rubber grip cheeks with a built-in laser designator.

Currently, one of the most popular and best-selling compact five-shot revolvers with a short barrel is the Smith & Wesson Model 640. Many call it the best pocket revolver ever produced, due to the excellent combination of such qualities as compactness, ease of use, reliability, accuracy. and convenience. The modern S&W Model 640 builds on the construction and design of a number of the company's earlier revolvers. The main feature of this model is the hidden trigger, which eliminates the likelihood that the trigger needle will catch on clothing when removing the weapon, especially when carried in a pocket. In 1952, the Smith-Wesson gunsmiths took as a basis the concept of combining only a self-cocking trigger with a hidden trigger location and an automatic handle safety device of the old Safety Hammerless and combined it with a compact frame, a durable and fairly small-sized drum for five rounds, as well as a short "snub-nosed" barrel Named the Centennial, this weapon used the popular 38 Special cartridge. Today, the Centennial's most sought-after descendant is the S&W Model 640 revolver with a stainless steel frame and no automatic grip safety, which uses the powerful cartridges. 357 Magnum.

The bodyguard revolver from Smith & Wesson with its hidden trigger and unusual frame shape was originally introduced as a Bodyguard Airweight with a light alloy frame in 1955. Like the snub-nosed Colt, this model used 38 Special rounds. The weapon combined the advantages of the Chief's Special and Centennial models. The hammer, hidden by the side protrusions of the frame, did not cling to clothing when removed, but at the same time the spoke of the trigger protrudes beyond the frame, due to which the shooter has the ability to manually cock the hammer to make an accurate shot in the mode Since 1957, the model has been numbered 38. The steel frame version, designated Model 49 Bodyguard, was introduced in 1959. The Model 649 was introduced in 1985. This gun received a stainless steel frame. In 1997, the Model 49 was discontinued in favor of the 649 revolver, which uses 357 Magnum cartridges and is currently in production.

In the process of selecting a revolver or pistol important role plays precision. Of course, one should not expect high shooting accuracy from the Detective Special at a distance of 23 meters, as in full-size revolvers with a barrel length of 102 mm, as well as equipped with a micrometric whole. But it was never intended for this. This is a self-defense weapon for close combat, in which the maximum distance is 5 - 6 meters, and most often less than 2 meters. In addition, many shooters believe that if the barrel is short, then the accuracy of shooting is low, but this is not entirely true. It all depends on the quality of workmanship, fit of parts, the convenience of the handle and the correct choice of cartridges. Not to mention the correct "grip" and "handling" of the trigger depending on the shooter himself. In the presence of all these components, even a compact revolver with a short barrel shoots with high precision, but, of course, not claiming sports performance. However, anyone can achieve excellent results with their Detective Special at 6, 9 or 14 meters. For example, one of the owners, when firing from a stop at a distance of 23 meters in a single action mode, received a minimum dispersion diameter of only 38 mm! This is very high accuracy for 51mm guns. In addition, according to the majority of owners of various Detective Special variants, they generally surpass the same Smith & Wesson Chief's Special in accuracy and are among the most accurate snubbies.

This photo shows the fifth model revolver with non-standard grip cheeks. The Detective Special has good balance and is easy to control when shooting. Recoil does not "dry" the hand and does not tire the shooter as it happens with modern revolvers with light alloy frames, and even more so with powerful cartridges. 357 Magnum. The Detective Special is simply easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable to shoot.

Colt Detective Special of the fifth model (fifth model), produced from 1972 to 1987, are distinguished by the extractor shaft casing, the shape of the front sight with a shallow top edge and the wrap-around grip cheeks.

The grip with wraparound cheeks is very comfortable to hold, and the trigger works excellently - the trigger travel is smooth, light and not very long. The Detective Special has good balance and is easy to control when shooting. It is distinguished not only by its high accuracy during unhurried shooting, but also by the accuracy of "instinctive" offhand shooting. One of the best qualities and a very significant advantage of revolvers chambered for. 38 Special is a very small toss when fired. Thanks to this, it is comfortable to shoot from it and very heaped series are obtained during high-speed shooting. At the same time, the recoil does not "dry" the hand and does not tire the shooter as it happens with modern revolvers with light alloy frames, and even more so with powerful cartridges. 357 Magnum.

The six-shooter Detective Special, with its steel frame and rather massive barrel, is more stable when firing than the latest revolvers with aluminum-scandium frames. The Detective Special is simply easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable to shoot. In terms of bullet performance and stopping power, the .38 Special today, like the rest of the short barreled ammunition, has achieved very good performance thanks to the new expansive bullets. Currently, US citizens licensed to carry weapons often prefer 38-caliber snubbies to modern 9mm self-loading pistols. These include the famous "snub-nosed" Colt. And with the growing popularity of concealed carry of compact weapons, old but high quality, reliable and accurate Detective Special revolvers still continue to protect their owners with six rounds in their drum.

It is called the oldest and most famous revolver in the world. According to experts, for more than 100 years, neither its design nor appearance has undergone any changes and a person who decides to purchase the Peacemaker Colt today will be the owner of a revolver that is no different from that used by the most famous sheriff in American history, Wyatt Earp.

Original Colt 1873 Single Action Army revolver, cavalry model (circa 1876)
As you know, "God created people unequal, but Colonel Colt equalized their chances." These words referred to this legendary model of the American revolver Colt Peacemaker or Colt M1873 Single Action Army - this was the name he was given at birth. in the American arms market in the era of bandits, whose names have forever remained in the history of the development of the Wild West, and fearless sheriffs, who were often the only significant force in cities. This revolver was most popular among the cavalrymen of the southern part of the country. The Confederates preferred to use its analogue, the Gunnison Independence.
Indian revolts broke out throughout the country; herders, outwardly resembling bandits, repulsed the attacks of bandits, suspiciously similar to the remnants of military detachments and the company of bankrupt farmers. Every now and then people heard rumors about gold or silver deposits found somewhere, and then whole families were removed from their homes in search of a better fate. In the world of the Wild West, skills in using a firearm were urgently needed by almost everyone and it was hardly possible to find an adult man or even a teenager who did not know how to shoot.
Often, even ladies could boast of the ability to shoot quickly and accurately: as you know, being determines consciousness and life can force a person to learn the most unusual things... The value of the Peacemaker Colt for miners, whose life often depended on the speed of reaction and the rate of fire of the revolver, was so great that they often paid for it in gold “by weight”.
The reason for the popularity of this revolver in the Wild West was the amazing cheapness of ammunition: the cost of purchasing primers and gunpowder was low, and the bullets could be cast independently. As a rule, there were five rounds in the Colt drum: the socket under the trigger was often left empty in order to protect against accidental revolver firing while riding a horse. Cartridges for the "Peacemaker" could be bought in almost any arms shop (there was such a shop in every self-respecting settlement).
The Peacemaker Colt was equipped with a semi-automatic trigger that required a noticeable amount of force to fire, which is why it was never a female weapon: it took male power to shoot accurately. He was considered the revolver of cowboys and sheriffs. It was simple in design, but extremely reliable. The rate of fire of Colonel Colt's revolver significantly exceeded the rate of fire of outdated primer models, which is why the superiority of the new revolvers was obvious. In addition, the Peacemaker's large, soft-tipped lead bullet was stuck in damaged tissues and bones, thus using all the energy it received for destruction. The wound inflicted by such a bullet was truly impressive: no "neat holes", but at the same time a very serious stopping effect. A person who was wounded in the leg could be sure that he would never be able to walk without the help of crutches.
Skirmishes, in which there was an M1873 Colt on one side and no such weapon on the other, as a rule, ended extremely quickly. According to one version, this is why the new revolver received the nickname "Peacemaker".
According to another version, this Colt was named "Peacemaker" because it became the most widespread weapon of sheriffs: with its help, many famous representatives"Law and order" resolved numerous conflicts on their territory.

What is this revolver?

In 1872, Rollin White's patent for a revolving drum drilled through to use unitary cartridges, owned by Smith & Wesson, expired and excluded the creation of full-fledged revolvers chambered for a unitary cartridge without first paying a certain amount of money to this company. By this time, Colt, the main competitor of S & W in the part of revolvers, already had a ready conversion of its split-frame capsule revolvers for central engagement cartridges. The Colt M1872 Open Top revolvers, designed by Charles Richards, which appeared in 1872, however, did not gain much popularity. But the next model, which had a one-piece frame, and also designed for centerfire cartridges with black powder .45 caliber, was adopted by the US Army in 1873. The new revolver, designated the Colt M1873 Single Action Army, first entered service with the US Cavalry with a 7.5-inch (191 mm) barrel. A little later, an artillery model appeared with a shorter barrel (5.5 inches - 140 mm). For the civilian market, revolvers were also produced with an even shorter barrel, 4.75 inches (120mm) in length. Army revolvers were caliber .45Colt (sometimes also referred to as .45 Long Colt or .45LC). Civilian revolvers were originally also produced for cartridges. 44-40 and 32-20. Already in the 20th century, the calibers. 38 Special, .357 Magnum and 44 Special were added to them. From 1873 to 1893, the US Army purchased about 37,000 Colt SAA revolvers. The release of revolvers for the civilian market continued until the entry of the United States into World War II in 1941.

Modern replica of the Colt 1873 Single Action Army revolver, 4¾-inch barrel (civilian model). Manufactured by EMF.

Colt 1873 Single Action Army Buntline Special variant with 12 '' barrel.
In the early 1950s, a boom of "Westerns" began in the United States - television and films dedicated to the era of the conquest of the Wild West (the last third of the 19th century). Naturally, weapons of that period, including the Colt 1873, are gaining significant popularity. In 1956, Colt resumed production of Colt M1873 Single Action Army revolvers, which continued until 1974, when the production of "Peacekeepers" was suspended due to wear and tear of equipment. In 1976, the production of these revolvers at the Colt firm resumed again, and, with interruptions, continues to this day. in addition to the Colt company, more or less exact copies of these legendary samples were and are being produced by a variety of companies such as EMF, Navy Arms, Freedom Arms and many others, both in the USA and in Europe (mainly in Italy).
Technical description.
USM: single action
Caliber: .45 Colt, .44-40 WCF, .32-20 WCF and others including 22LR, .38Spl, .357Magnum, 44Spl (commercial models)
Capacity 6 rounds
Barrel length 4¾ "(120mm, civilian model), 5½" (140mm, artillery model), 7½ "(191mm, cavalry model)
Length 279mm (5½ "barrel); 318mm (7½" barrel)
Weight 1048g empty (7½ "barrel)
The Colt M1873 Single Action Army revolver is a single action weapon with a solid frame around the drum. The lower rear part of the frame (handle and trigger guard) is made as a separate part and is attached to the upper part with screws. The trigger mechanism is hammer, with a lamellar mainspring. The hammer has a safety half-cocking. The loading and unloading of the revolver is carried out only when the trigger is set to half cocking, through a side-opening door on the right side of the frame. The spent cartridges are removed by pressing the head of the spring-loaded extractor rod located below and to the right of the barrel. This pushes the sleeve out of the drum back through the open door. the drum can be removed from the revolver for inspection and cleaning, for which first the screw fixing the drum axis is unscrewed, and then the axis is pushed forward from the frame.

* Images are clickable.

About the main differences between the Colt pistols Model 1911 A1 and Model 1911 material here:

Colt 1911A1 pistols of the civilian series, or as they are more often called, have the same distinctive features. The most basic feature by which you can accurately distinguish the Colt 1911A1 from the Colt 1911 is the curved (arched) mainspring body, which protrudes at the bottom of the rear of the handle.

There are no less varieties of pistols model 1911A1 of the civilian series than weapons of military production. In this article we will try to show and describe only the most basic of them.

Colt 1911A1 pistols of the civilian series, in contrast to army weapons, have a different marking. Civilian weapons have a “C” (Commercial) added before the serial number. In addition, weapons designed for commercial sales, on the surface of the frame above the serial number there is the text: "GOVERNMENT MODEL".

Serial numbers of the Colt pistols Government (governmental) model 1911A1 begin approximately after the number 137500.

Early or transitional models 1911A1 Government Model Transition Serial recognizable by the bright blue burnishing and smooth polished surface of the parts.

The Colt Government 1911A1 pistols of serial pre-war production are also polished and blued, but bluing is not bright blue, but has a graphite tint.

The grip cheeks of the pre-war pistols () are made of walnut wood and covered with a fine diamond-shaped notch.

The usual markings for serial pistols on the left side of the bolt are two lines of text: “COLT'S PT. F. A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. / PAT'D APR. 20.1897 SEPT. 9 1902 DEC. 19.1905. FEB. 14.1911. AUG.19.1913 ". The top line marking font is almost one and a half times larger than the bottom line font.

The markings on the right side of the shutter are the text: "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBER 45", in which the font of the first word is twice the font of the rest of the marking. After the text on the right side of the bolt, the Colt brand is depicted, in the form of a rearing foal. Serial number “C187111” has the text “GOVERNMENT MODEL” above it.

The pre-war production of civilian pistols continued until 1943. In 1941, pistols were manufactured with serial numbers C199300-C208800, in 1942 with serial numbers C208800-C215018. During the Second World War, the production of commercial M1911A1 pistols was discontinued. The Colt enterprise was completely focused on the fulfillment of a military order and manufactured army weapons.

Some of the civilian pistols were converted for military purposes. The weapon was covered with a matte phosphated protective coating. The cheeks of the handles were made of plastic. These pistols on the bolts still bear the characteristic markings of commercial models, but in addition to it, an army brand is applied to the frame of the weapon, on the left side under the slide stop lever. Also, the military designation "M1911A1 U.S.ARMY" is printed on the right side of the frame.

At the location of the serial number of the commercial-military pistols Colt 1911A1 () civil numbers and stamps are hammered, over which the marking of the pistols of the military series "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" and the serial number of army pistols without the letter "C" are applied.

In the early post-war Colt Government 1911A1 pistols (Early Post-War Colt Model 1911A1 Government), the marking on the left side of the bolt has changed. Now it has become shorter and contains only one line “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. ". The font of this inscription has also changed. The markings on the right side of the bolt and the frame are the same as on the commercial pistols of the pre-war series. The surfaces of the metal parts are polished and blued. The grip cheeks are made of plastic.

Serial post-war pistols Colt 1911A1 civilian series () repeatedly changed the marking. Consider only a pistol from the 50s of production, in which the serial number is located in the usual place, but the letter "C" is not in front of the number, but after it is "252238-C". The marking on the right side of the gate is a single line of text: “COLTS MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. ". On the left side of the bolt there is a text in two lines: "GOVERNMENT AUTOMATIC / MODEL CALIBER 45", in the center of which is written "COLT". Between the markings and the notch on the surface of the bolt, a rearing foal is depicted. Colt's trademark in a circle also appeared in the middle of the plastic cheeks of the grip.

It may be somewhat incorrect to mention the Colt caliber .38 pistol as one of the varieties of Colt Government 1911A1 pistols. It is rather an independent weapon, it is usually not even called, but most often just Colt Super .38. However, the design of the pistol is completely similar to the 1911A1 model, and in the future, the HistoryPistols.ru website is unlikely to ever pay attention to this weapon. The production of the Colt Super .38 pistol began in 1929. The ammunition used in the weapon is the Super .38 cartridge, which is almost identical to the 38 ACP cartridge.

The use of a different cartridge required changes in the design of the pistol. The size of the shutter mirror and the hole for extracting spent cartridge cases has been changed. The ejector moved closer to the center and the shape of its tooth changed in accordance with the shape of the bottom of the cartridge case. 38 Super. Engineers weakened the force of the return spring, the diameter of the barrel guide sleeve decreased. The magazine of the Colt Super .38 pistol holds 9 rounds. For the correct orientation of the cartridges in the magazine, grooves are made on its side surfaces, narrowing the width of the inside of the magazine. All other parts of the pistol are interchangeable with Colt .45 caliber pistols.

The marking of the Colt Super .38 pistol clearly indicates the type of ammunition used. On the surface of the right side of the bolt there is a marking “COLT SUPER .38 / AUTOMATIC”, on the surface of the magazine “COLT SUPER .38 / AUTO”. The weapon has its own serial number range starting from 1 without using letters (except for 70 years).

From 1919 to 1942, almost half of all manufactured commercial Colt 1911-1911A1 pistols were oriented to the international market. Overseas customers included many countries in South America, where the Colt Government Model 1911 - Model 1911A1 have proven themselves very well. Mexico purchased 5,400 pistols between 1922 and 1941. The first 1,790 pistols were the Colt M1911 models. Colt pistols 1911 A1 Mexican contract ( Colt Government 1911A1 "Mexican Contract") have a recognizable marking. Quite often, on the surface of the right side of the slide of these pistols, the coat of arms of Mexico is depicted with the text placed around it: "ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS".

In addition, on the right side of the slide of Colt 1911A1 pistols of the Mexican contract under the inscription "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBER 45" the text "EJERCITO MEXICANO" (Mexican army) or "EJERCITO NACIONAL" (national army) is applied.

In the mid-1930s, Alejandro Obregon, a Mexican designer, patented the 11.46mm Mexican Obregon Semi Automatic Pistol pistol (US patent 2115041, 04/02/1935). The Obregon pistol outwardly resembles the Colt 1911A1, although it has serious design differences, including a different locking mechanism. In total, about one thousand Obregon pistols were manufactured at the FABRICA NACIONAL DE ARMAS MEXICO in Mexico City for the Mexican army and police.

Brazil was the second most purchased Colt Government Model 1911A1 pistol in South America. In 1932, the Brazilian army ordered the first 1,000 pistols. This batch of weapons arrived with serial numbers ranging from C154000 to C164000. In the period from 1937 to 1941, another 14,500 Colt pistols of the Brazilian contract ( Colt Government Model 1911A1 Brazilian Contract) with serial numbers C188000 to C209000 were purchased for the country's armed forces.

These pistols on the right side of the bolt are individually marked, which was the coat of arms of Brazil and the text "EXERCITO BRASILERO / 1937", as well as a number ranging from 1 to 14500 inscribed after the marking text. Brazil, in addition to the military order, also purchased about 180 Colt 1911A1 pistols for the needs of the police. Around 1961, Brazil began producing a rough copy of the M1911 A1 at the Fabrica de Itajuba facility.

Argentina is the largest buyer of Colt pistols among the countries of South America. Between 1914 and 1941, Argentina acquired 21,616 Colt 1911-1911A1 pistols. These orders included 11,420 pistols for the army, 2,290 for the navy, 6,183 for the federal police, and 1,723 for other uses.

In 1927, the Argentine government placed an order for the purchase of 10,000 models of Colt 1911 A1 pistols intended to equip its army. These pistols differ from the conventional serial commercial Colt pistols. Their bolts bear the coat of arms of Argentina, as well as the text on the right side of the bolt: “EJERCITO ARGENTINO. / COLT CAL. 45 MOD. 1927 ". Colt pistols of the Argentine contract are sometimes called Colt Model 1927 (Argentine Contract Colt Model 1927).

In accordance with the requirements of the Argentine government, these pistols are numbered with serial numbers in their own range from 1 to 10,000. Early pistols had serial numbers on the top of the bolt and the top of the chamber. Later, serial numbers began to be applied to the bolt on the right side and right side of the pistol frame.

Around 1926, the Argentine Navy placed three consecutive orders for a total of 306 Model 1911 A1 pistols. The pistols of the first two batches (156 pieces) were marked "MARINA ARGENTINA" on the right side of the bolt, and the text "M-II" in front of a specific serial number on the right side of the frame. A third batch of 150 pistols were marked "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA / ARMADA NACIONAL" on the right side of the slide.

From 1935 to 1938, an additional 1,024 Government 1911A1 Colt pistols were ordered by Argentina for its naval forces. These pistols are marked "MARINA ARGENTINA" (Argentine Navy) on the side surface of the right side of the bolt.

In 1941, another 500 pistols were purchased. Most of them were marked: "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA / ARMADA NACIONAL - 1941". The coat of arms of Argentina on this weapon is printed on the top of the bolt. On pistols sometimes you can find another text of the marking "REPUBLICA ARGENTINA / MARINA DE GUERRA - 1941". In addition, a small number of Colt 1911A1 Navy pistols entered the Argentine Navy in the early years after World War II, after the United States transferred two of its cruisers, Phoenix and Boise, along with all the small arms on board. These pistols were later marked with the Argentine coat of arms and the text "ARMADA NACIONAL".

In addition to government procurement, several private firearms importers ordered the Government 1911A1 Colt and resold to various Argentine police units. In addition to the usual markings of a commercial model, on the right side of the bolts of these pistols, the image of the Argentinean coat of arms and one of the variants of the text: “POLICIA DE LA CAPITAL”, “POLICIA FEDERAL”, “POLICIA DE ROSARIO”, “POLICIA DE TUCUMAN” is applied.

In the thirties of the 20th century, the Argentines received a license to make their own pistols. The weapon, called Argentine Sistema Colt, was manufactured by Fabrica Militar de Armas Portatiles from the Argentine city of Rosario. On the left side of the slide of these pistols, the text "F.M.A.P" or "D.G.F.M. (F.M.A.P) ". The right side of the bolt features the Argentinean coat of arms and the markings with the text “C.F.S. A80736 / SIST. COLT CAL. 11.25mm. MOD. 1927 ". Apart from the bolt, the serial number is printed on the top of the chamber and on the right side of the frame.

Colt Government pistols Model 1911A1 were also delivered to England. These weapons were marked with British acceptance marks. The photo shows an example of a pistol with British brands, the upper part of the bolt of which is painted red. The British marked with red paint parts of weapons that use non-UK-standard ammunition. From England, Colt pistols often ended up in other countries. The pistol shown in the photo was issued to a Norwegian naval officer who, after training in England, fought in the ranks of the Norwegian resistance.

Quite an interesting story of the Norwegian Colts of the canceled Shanghai order ( Shanghai colt government model). Approximately 200 pistols of the civilian model 1911A1 series were ordered from Colt by the French authorities to arm the Shanghai Municipal Police. On the right side of the frame of these pistols above the trigger guard, the mark was originally marked: "Concession Francaise Shanghai". The order was executed, but they did not have time to send the pistols, as the Japanese invaded Shanghai. For this reason, the markings on the right side of the frame of these pistols were scored with the text “S PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. USA ”, and the text itself was placed upside down.

Pistols of the Shanghai order are equipped with special magazines, which are equipped with inspection holes both in the side and in the rear wall. The Norwegian Colt holster on the valve surface bears the KGL NORSKE MARINE mark (Norwegian Navy). These pistols were sent to arm Norwegian sailors during the Second World War. Some Norwegian sailors with these pistols on converted whaling ships served in convoys carrying military supplies. Other officers and sailors, after training in Scotland, parachuted over Norway to join the resistance forces.

Commercial pistols Colt Government Model 1911A1 were completed with spare magazines, wipes and instructions for weapons, which were packed in cardboard factory boxes.

The Colt Government 1911A1 pistols of the civilian series were used no less than other models as a presentation or gift weapon. Traditionally, engraving was used to decorate them, ivory or mother-of-pearl handle cheeks were used.

Often precious metals are used to inlay weapons. Among other things, Kolt's branded medallions were made from it, which were inlaid in the cheeks of the handles. Pistols with factory engraving and native factory design are of particular value among collectors.

The collectible value of Colt Government Model 1911A1 pistols mainly depends on the safety. Ordinary pistols are estimated at an average of 1000-2000 dollars. Slightly higher, in the range of 1500-3000 dollars, are estimated pistols of the Argentine and Brazilian contracts. The price of rare Government 1911A1 Colt pistols, including pistols from the Mexican contract, sometimes reaches 4000-6000 dollars.