The Colt Model 1877 Double Action Revolver,During the mid 19th century Colt was known for its line o

The Colt Model 1877 Double Action Revolver,During the mid 19th century Colt was known for its line of single action revolvers.  However in Europe many companies and gunmakers such as Adams, Tranter, Lefaucheux, and Gasser had introduced popular double action designs.  A double action is a system by which pulling the trigger cocks and fires the gun.  This is different from a single action in which the hammer must be cocked before each shot.In 1877 Colt introduced its first double action design.  The new Model 1877 was much like the earlier Model 1873 single action army, with the exception of a smaller frame, a redesigned grip, and of course a double action mechanism.  The M1877 came in three models, the “Lightning” which was chambered for .38 Long Colt, the “Thunderer”, which was chambered for .41 Colt, and the “Rainmaker” which was chambered for .32 Colt.While popular, the double action mechanism of the Colt M1877 was delicate and prone to breakage.  This gave it the nickname “the gunsmiths favorite” as they needed a lot of maintenance and repair.  It was not uncommon for users to simply wear out the double action mechanism, then continue to use the revolver as a single action afterwards.  Production of the Model 1877 continued until 1909, 166,849 were produced.  Famous users included Billy the Kid, John Wesley Hardin, and the famous English detective Jerome Caminada. -- source link

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