Colt 1878 Frontier
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Revolver · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: Colt Model 1878, Colt Double Action Army, Frontier Six Shooter, Colt M1878
Overview
The Colt 1878 Frontier is a six-shot, double-action revolver introduced by Colt in 1878. Chambered most notably in .45 Colt, it was Colt's first large-frame double-action revolver and the company's principal double-action offering until the 1889 Navy. It shared its cylinder-forward components with the single-action Colt Single Action Army and used a birdshead grip, a side-loading gate, and an ejector rod. Often called the 'Double Action Army' or 'Frontier', it was produced until 1907.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1134 g (40.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Barrel Length | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 265 m/s (869 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 569 J (420 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Left Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 Colt · primary — also known as .45 Long Colt, .45 LC, 11.43x33mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Revolver Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Fluted Cylinder, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Fixed Sights, Birdshead Grip
Service history
Operators
- Texas Rangers
- Philippine Constabulary
Conflicts
- Philippine-American War (1899-1902)
Production
Estimated total produced: 51,000 · Production years: 1878-1907
Highest recorded serial number around 51,210; production ended December 10, 1907.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William Mason
Discontinued: 1907
Notes
Available in a wide range of barrel lengths from 2.5 to 12 inches and numerous chamberings including .32-20, .38-40, .44-40, .45 Colt, and several British calibers. A long-barreled, smooth-handle variant known as the Model 1902 Alaskan/Philippine model was supplied to U.S. forces during the Philippine-American War.
Background
The Model 1878 was the only major American double-action revolver from 1878 until the .38-caliber Colt Model 1889 Navy, filling a critical market gap during the late 19th century. Notable owners included Buffalo Bill Cody and Pawnee Bill.