Colt M1873 Artillery Model
Colt · Revolver · Out Of Production · 1873
Also known as: Colt SAA Artillery Model, Colt Altered Model
Overview
The Colt M1873 Artillery Model is the 5.5-inch-barrel variant of the Colt Single Action Army, created when the U.S. Army shortened and refurbished its 7.5-inch Cavalry Model revolvers around 1895-1903. Chambered in .45 Colt with a six-shot cylinder and single-action lockwork, the Artillery Model was issued during the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1048 g (37.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 280 mm (11.02") |
| Barrel Length | 139.7 mm (5.50") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 293 m/s (961 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 696 J (513 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .45 Colt · primary — also known as .45 Long Colt, 11.43x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Loading Gate Half Cock
- Features: Solid Frame, Fixed Sights, Gate Loading, Ejector Rod, Shortened Barrel
Base model
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1873 · as M1873
Conflicts
- Spanish-American War (1898)
- Philippine-American War (1899-1902)
Production
Estimated total produced: 17,000 · Production years: 1895-1903
Approximate number of 7.5-inch Cavalry revolvers reworked to the 5.5-inch Artillery configuration by Colt and Springfield Armory
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William Mason
Notes
Officially termed the 'Altered Model' by the War Department; nicknamed 'Artillery Model' because early reworked guns went to light artillery units. The only mechanical difference from the Cavalry Model is the 5.5-inch barrel (versus 7.5-inch). Refurbished guns characteristically have non-matching serial numbers across frame, barrel, and cylinder.
Background
Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders carried 5.5-inch Artillery Models into Cuba in 1898; the conversion was driven by complaints that the longer Cavalry revolvers were cumbersome and that the .38-caliber Colt M1892 lacked stopping power.