The Single Action Army "P" Model

Mr Talbot explained that this particular model, manufactured for the US Cavalry in 1873, was produced over the years with a number of variations and so was unofficially given numerous names.

There was a Police model, an Indian Scout model and a Cavalry model, each named for their prospective users.

The model supplied to the US forces quelling the Philippines insurrection , was referred to as the Artillery model Colt, because it stopped aggressors in their tracks like a cannon.

 

Then there were Judson's Buntline Specials named after a journalist who had them custom built, including presentation cases, as gifts for her to curry favour with celebrities and politicians.

The Bisley model had the frame altered for target shooting and was named because of the success achieved with it at the Bisley Competitions in England.

According to Mr Talbot, most of these names were bandied about by the Colt salesmen and agents to build the revolver's reputation in their sales pitches to prospects. In fact, the Frontier was the first model to have the name engraved on the barrel as an official factory designation.

 

By 1890, even though the Wild West had been truly tamed
and the Indians contained in reservations, the single action
Army "P"model had built a reputation to become commonly
identified as the Peacemaker.