Evolution

[williamlayton]

Well pards, I was doin some cogitation, and confused myownself. Well I actually gave myself a headache arguing with myownself.
We all know that Mr. Colt and the TEXAS RANGERS were instrumental in the development of the peacemaker ( not to discount the influence of Roy Rogers, John Wayne and those boys ), but the first were not in a .45 caliber.
What, in order, if we can come to some consensus, was the linage of the Colts  to the .45 .
I'm thinking the .32 was first but I can't figger out the rest of the linage.
Blessings

[Holiday]

William, Sam Colt's first revolver was the .36 caliber Patterson Revolver, a five shooter. It was named for Patterson, NewJersey? or NewYork?, where the plant was. Next was the Colt Walker,.44 cal., I believe, devolped with the help of a Texas Ranger and named for him. Next were the Dragoon pistols, 1st, 2nd and 3rd models. All were .44 caliber. Next followed a few "pocket" pistols based on the Dragoons, these were .32 or .36 caliber. Then came the Colt Navy model 1851, .36 caliber. The Army liked it as well, but wanted a bigger caliber, so the 1860 Army was developed. The 1861 was the same pistol as the 1860, but in .36. The 1862 was a five shooter pocket pistol. After the War, several folks were converting percussion pistols to cartride. Many used the 1860 frame. Not to be out done, Colt developed the 1872 Open Top. Similar to the 1860, this was not a conversion although it did appear similer. It was just a pistol to keep the publics interest while the final work on the 1873 Peacemaker was developed. It was chambered in .44 Colt. The next year, the venerable Single Action Army, Model 1873 was introduced. The caliber. .45 Colt, was brought about as an answer to the Smith and Wesson .45 American used in their Model three revolver, being looked at by the Army. If I missed anything, folks, please jump in and point it out!

[IntrepidWizard]

Pretty good holiday,the Patterson did come in different calibers however.People forget that the Walker and Dragoon's were the Magnums of the world up to 1935,1873 was a big year in pistols,new centerfire cartridges and rifles.

[williamlayton]

Well there, I knowed I was wrong all along. Sure glad I got some friends around what knows sumthin.
Thanx for the help Doc. Your a daisy.
Blessings

[Shorty]

Intrepid got it right.  Until the .357 Mag. came out, no pistol cartridge beat the .45 Colt (black powder load) as a factory load.   :eek:

[Holiday]

I learned something, too. I didn't know the Patterson came in differant calibers. Thanks!

[williamlayton]

I was arguing wit myownself bout this. I seem to remember that the first caliber presented to the Rangers was in a .32, with no trigger guard. Mr Patterson made a trip up to Mr. Colt and explained--Mr Colt, sir, I sure do admire your new gun, sir. However, Mr. colt, sir, it shore do need a couple of things changed to fit the needs of my boys.
First, Mr Colt, sir, it needs to be in a larger caliber an we need to have a trigger guard, so as tha boys doan shoot off any vital parts when they stuff it in their pants. No scabbards at this time fellers, that part comes on down the road.
Well I was thinkin that the next was in a .36 then came the .38 then a .40,44, an finally a .45. BUT then what the hay do I know.
Now we is talkin bout the Colt boys, I aint sure bout anything concerning them Remingtons and such.
Blessings

[IntrepidWizard]

I think there were some Pattesons in 28 and 31 Calibers also but no 45 Pasttersons.

[Old Fogy]

http://www.building-tux.com/dsmjd/tech/coltperc.htm

[williamlayton]

Now that is what I'm talkin bout. A man what knows his business, or, at least knows where to find tha business.
Great.
Thanx &
Blessings