Colt Model 1878 Frontier
Colt's Manufacturing Company · Pistol · Discontinued · 1878
Also known as: Frontier, Double Action Army, Double Action Frontier, Model 1902 Philippine, Model 1902 Alaskan
Overview
The Colt Model 1878, commonly called the Frontier or Double Action Army, was Colt's first large-frame double-action revolver. Chambered most notably in .45 Colt and a wide array of other cartridges, it shared its cylinder-forward parts with the Single Action Army and used a bird's-head grip. The US Army purchased a militarized variant, the Model 1902 Philippine (also called the Alaskan), with an enlarged trigger guard, longer trigger and lanyard ring.
Specifications
| Overall Length | 248 mm (9.76") |
| Barrel Length | 121 mm (4.76") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 274 m/s (899 fps) |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .45 Colt · primary — also known as .45 Long Colt, .45 LC
- .44-40 Winchester — also known as .44-40 WCF, .44 WCF
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Gate Loaded Cylinder
- Features: First Colt Large Frame Double Action, Birds Head Grip, Gate Loaded, Saa Parts Interchange, No Cylinder Stop Bolt
Variants
- Colt Model 1902 Philippine — Military
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1902 · as Model 1902 (Philippine/Alaskan)
- Texas Rangers
Conflicts
- Philippine-American War (1899-1902)
- American Indian Wars (1878-1890)
Production
Estimated total produced: 51,210 · Production years: 1878-1905
About 4,600 were the US Army Model 1902 Philippine/Alaskan contract; final shipments occurred in 1907.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: William Mason
Discontinued: 1905
Notes
The Model 1878 had no conventional cylinder stop or bolt and relied on a weak mainspring and a fragile locking-bolt spring, giving it a heavy double-action pull and a reputation for misfires and breakage. Offered in numerous chamberings from .22 rimfire up to .476 Eley.
Background
Its weak mainspring and fragile locking-bolt spring made the Model 1878 misfire and break so often that gunsmiths dreaded it, and unlike the Single Action Army it could not be fanned because the trigger had to fully reset between shots. Buffalo Bill Cody nonetheless special-ordered a pair with extra-long 9-inch barrels in 1888.