I Have This Old Gun: Elmer Keith’s Single Action Army

** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
elmer.jpg

At first glance, it would be easy to misconstrue this well-used first-generation Colt Single Action Army (SAA) as just another buggered-up sixgun that some early 20th century “gun nut” (as they often called themselves) experimented on. After all, during those post-World War I years, the SAA was basically looked upon as a relic from the Wild West that had become trampled in the stampede of modern double-action revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. 

Nonetheless, certain shooters still appreciated the old Model P’s rugged action and ergonomically shaped grip. It was just such an individual who altered this 7½"-barreled version made in 1917 and chambered in .44 Russian/.44 Spl. The owner was clearly an innovative experimenter, for he had a gunsmith mill out the SAA’s grooved topstrap, and in its place affix a long-base Smith & Wesson adjustable rear sight. The shooter also replaced the front sight with a sleeved, thick blade inlaid with three silver bands for various elevations when used with the rear sight’s white-outlined square notch. The Colt’s original hammer was replaced with an offset, lowered-spur “Cockeyed Hammer” from the no-longer-existing King Gun Sight Co. of San Francisco, Calif. Likewise, the trigger was replaced with a wide, hand-checkered version. And being well ahead of its time, this SAA features a professionally altered “short stroke” hammer throw, a feature that is only now showing up on many Cowboy Action Shooting single-action replicas.

Normally, a 60-percent gun such as this, as interesting as it may be, but with a faulty action that doesn’t stay on half-cock, would bring $2,500 to $3,500, the two-piece carved ivory stocks notwithstanding. But the crudely engraved name on the right side of the frame and scratched “EMK” initials inside each stock elevate this gun to a higher status, for this is the late Elmer Keith’s “King short action job” Single Action Army, as depicted on page 103 of his book Sixguns, and which helped pave the way to the .44 Mag. Formerly on display as part of the Keith museum at Cabela’s in Boise, Idaho, the family had Keith’s guns auctioned off on March 15, 2015, by James D. Julia Auctioneers of Fairfield, Maine. This gun, fully documented by Keith’s writings and his son Ted, was estimated to sell for $3,000 to $5,000, but ended up fetching $12,000. Such is the monetary importance of a gun with provenance.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.