Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army
Remington Arms · Revolver · Discontinued · 1875
Also known as: Remington New Model Army, Remington 1875 SAA
Overview
The Remington Model 1875 Single Action Army was Remington's first solid-frame metallic-cartridge revolver, introduced as a direct competitor to the Colt Single Action Army (Peacemaker). Built around a six-shot fixed cylinder with a loading gate and ejector rod, it retained a distinctive web of metal beneath the barrel reminiscent of Remington's earlier percussion revolvers. Chambered most commonly in .45 Colt and later .44-40 Winchester, roughly 25,000 to 30,000 were produced between 1875 and 1889.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1220 g (43.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Barrel Length | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 274 m/s (899 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 632 J (466 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 91 m (100 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| 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, .44-40
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Six Shot Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Notch
- Features: Fixed Cylinder, Loading Gate, Ejector Rod, Fluted Cylinder, Lanyard Ring, Walnut Grips
Service history
Operators
- United States Indian Police · adopted 1875
- Mexican Rurales
Conflicts
- American Indian Wars (1875-1890)
Production
Estimated total produced: 28,000 · Production years: 1875-1889
Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 units produced; chambered in .45 Colt, .44 Remington, and .44-40 Winchester
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1889
Notes
Standard barrel length was 7.5 inches (190 mm), with 5.75-inch and 8-inch variants also produced. The revolver arrived two years after the Colt Peacemaker had already secured U.S. Army contracts, limiting its commercial success despite a robust frame design.
Background
Outlaw Frank James, brother of Jesse James, reportedly favored the Remington 1875, allegedly remarking that he chose it because the balance was perfect and it 'never failed' him.