Attention Colt SAA historians

**44 AMP** · January 10, 2016, 11:55 AM

I am looking for the dates (year) of commercial introduction for the 5.5" and 4.75" barrel lengths for the Colt SAA revolver.

A curious friend wants to know, and despite his extensive library can't find that information. Dates of caliber introduction are there, but not dates about barrel length.

We know all the early SAAs were 7.5", and later Colt reworked some of them to 5.5" (for the Artillery). But when were the 5.5" and the 4.75" offered to the civilian market?

Thanks for the help!

James K · January 10, 2016, 12:28 PM

Wilson says 1875.

Jim

Hawg · January 10, 2016, 09:31 PM

I think the 4 3/4 was a custom order until 1879.

spacecoast · January 12, 2016, 12:48 PM

I recommend you ask over on the Colt Forum. Someone there will know, I'm sure.

January 10, 2016, 11:55 AM	#1
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,817	Attention Colt SAA historians I am looking for the dates (year) of commercial introduction for the 5.5" and 4.75" barrel lengths for the Colt SAA revolver. A curious friend wants to know, and despite his extensive library can't find that information. Dates of caliber introduction are there, but not dates about barrel length. We know all the early SAAs were 7.5", and later Colt reworked some of them to 5.5" (for the Artillery). But when were the 5.5" and the 4.75" offered to the civilian market? Thanks for the help! __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 10, 2016, 12:28 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Wilson says 1875. Jim

January 10, 2016, 09:31 PM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	I think the 4 3/4 was a custom order until 1879.

January 12, 2016, 12:48 PM	#4
spacecoast Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 2009 Location: Sunshine and Keystone States Posts: 4,461	I recommend you ask over on the Colt Forum. Someone there will know, I'm sure.