“single action army”

The .44 Smith & Wesson Special has had a virtual cult-like following for most of its 100-plus-year existence and became a favorite of many western lawmen and self-defense practitioners.

Normally, 19th century firearm replicas never come close to achieving the value of the originals they emulate. One of the few exceptions is the Single Action Army replicas built by the United States Fire Arms Mfg. Co.

Based off the .45 Colt with twice the velocity, for the past six decades the .454 Casull cartridge has gained popularity for its power and has grown into a plentiful chambering option for magnum revolver enthusiasts. 

Though largely forgotten and scarce today, the Colt 1871-72 "Open Top" revolvers represented an evolution in design for Colt, and ultimately paved the way for the Colt to transition from the cap-and-ball era to the cartridge era of the Single Action Army.

On this week’s “Gun of the Week” video preview, American Rifleman staff take to the range for a closer look at Uberti USA’s special edition "Teddy" revolver, a replica of Colt's New Model 1873 SAA. 

From the Single Action Army to various other revolvers and lever-action rifles, the .45 Colt cartridge has more than a century of history and is still a favorite of many enthusiasts today.

It is said that the Winchester Model 1873 lever-action rifle is one of the guns that "Won the West." The same could also be said for its cartridge which still lives on to this day, the .44-40 Winchester, the history of which is explored here. 

A pair of flintlock holster pistols that were once presented to Alexander Hamilton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, sold at auction this past month, along with other noteworthy arms.

The Heritage Manufacturing Inc. Rough Rider rimfire line of revolvers can be customized and changed without a gunsmith, allowing owners to do their own alterations to it with parts from Heritage.