Colt's · Revolver

Colt 1878 Frontier

Name: Colt 1878 Frontier
Brand: Colt's

Revolving · .45 Colt · introduced 1878

Also known as Colt Model 1878, Colt Double Action Army, Frontier Six Shooter

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About the Colt 1878 Frontier

The Colt 1878 Frontier is a six-shot, double-action revolver introduced by Colt in 1878. Chambered most notably in .45 Colt, it was Colt's first large-frame double-action revolver and the company's principal double-action offering until the 1889 Navy. It shared its cylinder-forward components with the single-action Colt Single Action Army and used a birdshead grip, a side-loading gate, and an ejector rod. Often called the 'Double Action Army' or 'Frontier', it was produced until 1907.

The Model 1878 was the only major American double-action revolver from 1878 until the .38-caliber Colt Model 1889 Navy, filling a critical market gap during the late 19th century. Notable owners included Buffalo Bill Cody and Pawnee Bill.

Colt 1878 Frontier specifications

General

Type: Revolver
Action: Revolving
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Double action
Calibres: .45 Colt
Magazine capacity: 6 rounds
Magazine: Revolving cylinder

Dimensions

Barrel length: 190 mm (7.5 in)
Overall length: 318 mm (12.5 in)
Weight (empty): 1.13 kg (2.50 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Left hand
Grooves: 6

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Walnut
Finish: blued

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 265 m/s (869 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 569 J (420 ft·lb)
Effective range: 45 m

History

Introduced: 1878
Discontinued: 1907
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US
Designer: William Mason

Features

Fluted cylinder
Loading gate
Ejector rod
Fixed sights
Birdshead grip

Safety

Half cock notch

Available in a wide range of barrel lengths from 2.5 to 12 inches and numerous chamberings including .32-20, .38-40, .44-40, .45 Colt, and several British calibers. A long-barreled, smooth-handle variant known as the Model 1902 Alaskan/Philippine model was supplied to U.S. forces during the Philippine-American War.