RUGER NEW MODEL SINGLE-ACTION REVOLVER

The Birth of a Colt Single-Action Revolver Safety

- Ashley Hlebinsky

Firearms and safety have always gone hand in hand. Early depictions of shooting competitions clearly illustrate safe firing line procedures, and these matches often came with lengthy rules and guidelines. The mechanical safety has an equally long history as well. In the 1600s, before the development of the true flintlock, an action existed that not only utilized a flint, but also had an external safety feature called a dog. And while numerous safeties were applied to various firearms throughout time, a particular type of safety is rarely one-size-fits-all. In fact, safeties often must be tailor-made for a firearm, if one is incorporated at all. In 1873, Colt released one of the most iconic guns in American history.

The Colt Model 1873, or Single Action Army, was created and patented by noted firearms designers William Mason and Charles Brinkhoff Richards. It was originally conceived for government trials in 1872, where the Colt went head-to-head with its competitor, Smith & Wesson. It was adopted by the United States military and became popular in the civilian market. Colt produced 357,859 Colt single-action revolvers between 1873 and 1940.