The Famous Game-Changing Guns of All Time

If you’re an avid watcher of Hollywood films, you must have encountered these game-changing firearms. Aside from their reputation as the guns that won the West, they are among the most famous handguns ever.

The Colt M1873 Single Action Army revolver, also known as the Peacemaker, and the Winchester Model 1873 are staples of Hollywood films. These two firearms have appeared in virtually every cowboy and western movie. Here’s why these firearms have such a reputation.

The Introduction of the Guns That Won the West

The year 1873 saw the introduction of two firearms that became the most popular in firearms history. Although other firearms were available then, the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 gave them a run for their money.

Whether the manufacturers anticipated such a success remains a mystery. However, introducing both firearms marked the beginning of a new era for firearm manufacturers and enthusiasts. 

What Set the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Apart From the Others?

Besides being new models, their metallic design sets them apart. The Colt M1873 and the Winchester Model 1873 were among the first chambered for center-fire metallic cartridges.

The new design replaced the old percussion cap model, introducing a novel approach. This feature made these two bad boys stand out from the array of available arms at the time, making them a favorite for many firearm enthusiasts.

What Were the Old Generation Revolvers Using?

Unlike the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873, the previous generation revolvers used the percussion cap method. In this method, pulling the trigger dropped the hammer on a percussion cap of mercury fulminate. Consequently, this ignited a paper cartridge containing black powder and a bullet.

The force of the black powder explosion propelled the bullet down the gun barrel. However, the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 cartridges enclosed a primer, black powder, and bullet in a single brass cartridge.

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Why Did People Prefer the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 Firearms

Aside from their distinct features, “the guns that won the west” sped up loading considerably. In addition, they made ammunition much more water-resistant.

They also eliminated using a built-in ramming lever to ram home the bullet and black powder to the rear of the cylinder. Consequently, people preferred the old single-action revolver models to the new ones.

They Had the Ability to “Fan Fire”

Another exciting feature of the Colt M1873 was the ability to “fan fire” the revolver. By holding down the trigger and slapping the hammer with the opposite hand, users could make the revolver fire with each slap until the cylinder was empty.

Although not particularly practical, the method added to the revolver’s popularity. However, its popularity soared after action stars used it in postwar Hollywood movies.

They Were Also Famous in the United States Army

Purpose-built for the U.S. Cavalry, the Peacemaker initially had a 7-and-a-half-inch barrel. In addition, the manufacturers designed the hard-hitting chambered for use .45 Colt round for accuracy at longer ranges.

Hence, the U.S. Army adopted the new handgun in July 1873, naming it the M1873. They were the trusted companions of the Texas Rangers, Texas cattlemen, cowboys, and the U.S. Cavalry from 1873 through the 1940s.

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They Had Civilian Versions

Following the success of the purpose-built Colt M1873, Colt introduced the revolver into the civilian market. Upon entering the civilian market, the M1873 earned the nickname “Peacemaker.” In 1878, manufacturers introduced Colt M1873 in Winchester 1873 lever action rifle’s increasingly popular .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20 calibers, the same calibers.

Consequently, this spared anyone who owned both firearms from carrying two different calibers of ammunition.

Were They Expensive?

According to reports, the 1873s were affordable, selling for less than $20. Consequently, everyone, from lawmen and outlaws to everyday cowhands and shepherds to headline entertainers, was soon snapping up both manufacturers’ Model 1873s.

As a result, the M1873 dominated the nineteenth century. In addition, everyone, including the U.S. Army, white settlers, and even Native American tribes, used the M1873s extensively across the western frontier.

The 1873s Had Massive Promotions 

Aside from their features and effectiveness, the Colt and Winchester 1873 models stood out for their PR. The 1873s were famous for their slick marketing, including testimonials from famed Westerners of the era.

Winchester and Colt each advertised their guns through motivated Western dealers. In addition, WildWest showman Buffalo Bill Cody and writer Ned Buntline tirelessly hyped the Winchester Model 1873 l and the Colt M1873.

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The Firearms Made History

While it’s a given that the Colt and Winchester 1873s were a wonder, they were also history-making firearms. According to reports, Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, who apprehended Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934, carried a Colt Peacemaker he dubbed “Old Lucky” for most of his career.

In addition, Bill Tilghman, the famed Oklahoma U.S. marshal, also carried a Winchester ’73 and a Peacemaker. And so did notorious outlaws Billy the Kid and Pearl Hart.

How Many 1873s Did Colt and Winchester Produce?

According to reports, Winchester produced about 720,000 Winchester Model 1873 rifles from 1873 through 1923. Similarly, Colt also rolled out more than 357,000 pieces of the Colt M1873 first-generation Single Action Army revolvers through 1940.

Due to both firearms’ success and widespread acclaim, the companies claimed the title “The Gun That Won the West” for their respective Model 1873s. 

Are they Still in Production Today?

Yes, they are. Modern-day replicas of the Colt M1873 and Winchester Model 1873 firearms remain popular among present-day cowboy action shooters. However, collectors highly prize older nineteenth-century Model 1873s and Peacemakers.

Although extremely dated and obsolete, Colt still produces new copies of the Single Action Army for the modern market. Also, both firearms have been in almost continuous production for over three centuries and have earned their reputation.

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