AS REAL AS IT GETS
Colt has proven its mettle from Hartford to Arizona, Berlin to Okinawa, at the OK Corral & on D-day and led assaults by the famous and infamous alike in the hands of Billy the Kid and General Patton.
THE HISTORY OF COLT
In 1831, Samuel Colt changed the trajectory of the early days of the United States by inventing the rotating cylinder that he would use to create the first repeating firearm, commonly referred to as the "Six Shooter".
THE HISTORY OF COLT
In 1831, Samuel Colt changed the trajectory of the early days of the United States by inventing the rotating cylinder that he would use to create the first repeating firearm, commonly referred to as the "Six Shooter".
An American Treasure
Col. Colt would become the wealthiest man in the US by mastering the assembly line manufacturing process (techniques studied and stolen by Henry Ford years later) and produce the most important firearms of the American West. Selling his revolvers to the Texas Rangers, US Army, frontiersmen and gangsters alike.
Steeped in Military history
Supplying the standard issue side arm for every major conflict the US engaged in from the Mexican-American War to Desert Storm.
"GOD MADE MAN, SAM COLT MADE THEM EQUAL"
It is very hard to imagine American history without Sam Colt.
1831
Revolutionary design
Colonel Colt invents the rotating handgun cylinder while studying navigation at sea. He was fixated on how a ship's wheel rotates and could be locked into a single position. Before his invention, a musket was reloaded after every shot, costing valuable time and lives lost on the battlefield.
1836
Patent #138
After carving a prototype out of wood, Colt saved enough money to bring his idea to life and prove his concept using local gunsmiths. In 1836, Colt applied for a patent for his rotating cylinder which allows 6 shots before reloading forever altering self-defense and warfare.
1847
The Colt Walker
Colt creates the "Colt Walker" for the Texas Rangers this was the most powerful pistol in the world for 88 years. The design of the "Colt Walker" was a collaboration with Texas Ranger Sam Walker and the man himself. Heavier and very powerful the "Colt Walker" was the most powerful commercially manufactured repeating pistol until 1935 when the .357 Magnum was introduced.
1855
The Colt Armory
After perfecting his invention, Colt receives an unprecedented contract from the US government and as a result, is flooded with orders. By 1855, Samuel Colt constructed the worlds largest arms manufacturing facility in Hartford, CT. The blue dome (added in 1864) was recognizable for miles and remains a reminder of Colt's achievements.
1871
The Peacemaker
In 1871, Colt created the Peacemaker, a mega-pistol used by heroes, revolutionaries and outlaws alike. The US Army used the Peacemaker as its standard service revolver for 20 years, and was the carried by Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders as they took San Juan Hill. Known as the “Gun That Won the West” it leveled the playing field from Hartford to San Francisco.
1911-1991
Made in America, For America
The first M911 pistol contract sold to the US Government. The iconic pistol was the standard issue side arm in every conflict the US has engaged in until 1991
Iconic Customers - Heroes, Outlaws & Gangsters
The famous Texas Ranger captain and officer of the Republic of Texas, Walker served in several armed conflicts and was instrumental in co-creating the pistol that bares his name. Walker's partnership with Colt marked a significant advancement in firearm technology.
Throughout his military career, General Patton dared great deeds, and inspired the troops serving under his command to achieve far beyond even their own expectations. He always had his trusty Colt 45's holstered on his hip.
Billy the Kid was a notorious American outlaw of the Old West. Billy favored the Colt Single Action Army revolver, a symbol of his Wild West exploits and a formidable tool in his criminal endeavors.
Legend of the West Buffalo Bill Cody, was a frontier scout and showman. Famous for his Wild West shows, he showcased marksmanship with his Colt Single Action Army revolver. Cody's charismatic performances and skilled marksmanship contributed to his iconic status in history.
Bonnie Parker, along with Clyde Barrow, formed the infamous criminal duo "Bonnie and Clyde" during the Great Depression. Notorious for their violent crime spree, she became a symbol of rebellion. Two of her Colt pistols just sold at auction for $504,000.
Teddy Roosevelt, a larger-than-life U.S. President and leader of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, carried a Colt Single Action Army revolver. His courage and strategic prowess, coupled with the Colt, became emblematic of his fearless leadership.
Butch Cassidy, the infamous American outlaw, led the Wild Bunch gang in the Old West. Known for his charismatic charm and cunning heists, Cassidy favored the Colt 45 revolver. This iconic firearm accompanied him through his daring exploits from here to Bolivia.
The M1911
Military Provenance
The Colt M1911 is an iconic semi-automatic pistol with a rich history. Introduced in 1911, it became the standard-issue sidearm for the United States military and remained so for over seven decades. Its adoption followed rigorous testing, including the famed Thompson-LaGarde tests, where it outperformed competitors.
The M1911 gained legendary status during both World Wars, proving its reliability and power.
Beyond the military, the M1911 became a cultural symbol, synonymous with American firepower. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless design and historical significance of this firearm.
Patent 138
On February 25, 1836, Samuel Colt received a patent for a "revolving gun" US patent number 138. His improvement in fire-arm design allowed multiple shots to be fired without reloading.
Sweetheart Grips
During WWII, soldiers were known to take precious family photos (and pin up girls) and put them under plexiglass grips on the 1911 pistols. These were called "Sweetheart Grips" the image above is a fine example.
Shoulder holster
There were two models of shoulder holster during WWII for the M1911. First, the M3 which was replaced in 1944 by the M7. Both holsters were issued in russet leather (in 1956 they changed to black).
Authentically American for 187 years