No, but it was shortly after the 7 1/2". The army liked the 7 1/2" for the cavalry but wanted something handier for all around carry. Colt started offering the 5 1/2" and 4 3/4" shortly thereafter. Many cavalry guns were shortened by the army armorers when they came back in for service. The 5 1/2" barrel was called the artillery model. 44 Man