Colt Single-Action Revolvers (Weapon, 52)

If you're looking for a nice, round history of Single Action Colt revolvers dating back to the mid 19th century, this should prove an interesting and engaging read. It covers in satisfactory detail the historic, technical, and marketing aspects of these storied revolvers, up to and including their unique place of honor in our modern cultural understanding of the wild west and gunslinger eras.I wasn't expecting this to be such an engaging and often informative read, but was very pleased with it. It's not a tremendously long text, nor would I consider it to be the final or ultimate authority on its subjects. But it perfectly satisfied my curiousity as to the history and technicality of these firearms using firsthand historical accounts, well-described technical breakdowns, and plenty of photographs of the subject matter to help the reader visualize throughout.I highly recommend this and look forward to reading more entries in this series (I've already purchased the 1911 version and will begin reading it next).

The Colt Peacemaker, a single-action revolver, is the iconic firearm of the American West, along with the Winchester repeating rifle. The truth is a bit more complex. Samuel Colt was an innovator in the firearms business, with a head for manufacturing and a knack for publicity. He came along just as designs for revolvers were hitting the practical stage, and he took full advantage..."Colt Single-Action Revolvers" is an Osprey Weapon Series book, authored by Martin Pegler, with illustrations by Mark Stacey and Alan Gilliland. The introduction notes Samuel Colt's superb timing, getting into the arms business as the Mexican War, the Civil War, and the Indian Wars fueled a ready market for repeating firearms. Succeeding chapters chronicle the development and use of revolvers in various calibers, along with the improving manufacturing process. The concluding chapter analyses the effects of mass production, but this is really a tribute to the enduring appeal of a simple but effective firearm, one used by bad men and law men in truth and in legend. The very readable narrative is nicely supported by a collection of period photographs and modern illustrations and diagrams. Highly recommended as a concise introduction to a fascinating topic.

I usually stay away from the weapon series as I find that my understanding of firearms is usually sadly lacking and therefore I am not always quite sure of what the author is saying. That being said the Colt revolver is such an iconic weapon, that I had to get this book. I own a replica of the Colt 1860 cap and ball revolver and find it a fascinating weapon. Reading about its development and that of the peacemaker was very interesting. Well illustrated with drawings and pictures of the Colt revolvers that enhances the text that you are reading. The only problem I had was that in one of the illustration, the artist depicts a defender of the Alamo using a Colt. I just find this hard to believe and could not come up with any other sources showing the firearm present at the Alamo. It would seem that the timeline and cost of the Colt in 1836 dollars would preclude the weapon from being owned by a defender. Of course I am probably wrong.

A highly interesting, concise, and well written study of the earliest Colt revolvers that will still inform the well informed without intimidating the general reader. The book is well researched and contains little known information about early, experimental revolvers that preceded the Colt, and of the overall state of the firearms industry in the mid nineteenth century, including patent issues and the development of metallic cartridges. Included too are brief descriptions of competing early revolvers by other makers. The author also goes into considerable detail to describe Colt's modernist manufacturing and marketing practices, as well as the operational use of his products. A definite must for anyone even remotely interested in the subject matter. Those with just a general interest in American Frontier history will also enjoy this title, as well as the author's fine Osprey book on the Winchester Rifle. As the old saying goes: "The Lord created men, but Sam Colt made them equal". Hence, the 1873 Peacemaker's nickname, "The Equalizer".

thank you

VERY GOOD.

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Part of a concise, brief but useful and entertaining Weapons Series of Books. Provides a good "overview" of the weapon.

A well presented and well written account of an iconic series of weapons. It not only includes a substantial account of the development of the revolver but also what other designs were around at the time by Remington, Starr and Kerr in the USA and the Adams in the UK. Also detailed is the revolutionary manufacturing methods that were introduced by Samuel Colt making him possibly the father of modern manufacturing. There are three very good colour plates depicting furious battle scenes involving Colt revolvers included in the text along with many photos and line drawings of assorted models. However, as stated by another reviewer, I have my doubts regarding the use of Paterson Colts by the Texas Rangers at the Alamo in 1836. Possibly a couple were deployed by individuals but Colt had only just started production of the Paterson Colt in 1836 and it is unlikely that any made it to Texas until the end of its war with Mexico. The use of the Colt by the Texas Rangers did not really begin until 1840 in operations against Comanche Indians under Captain Jack Hays. However, I would always be happy to be proved wrong? Good book otherwise.

This is an excellent book. It told me all I wanted to know and is clearly written by someone who knows his subject.

Your service as always first rate, delighted with the book, thank you.

A good introduction to the Colt SA

Hard to beat this little volume for the information it provides.