In the summer of 2020, a surge in firearm acquisitions swept across the nation. This significant rise in privately owned guns was propelled by apprehensions about societal unrest and was heavily influenced by the messaging from the NRA. Among the firearms that gained popularity during this period was the .45 Colt cartridge, a revolver ammunition that has since become an iconic emblem of American gun culture, first introduced back in 1872. Engineered specifically for the renowned Colt Single Action Army revolver, this cartridge has been a beloved choice among firearm aficionados and collectors for more than a century and a half.
Known by many as the “Peacemaker,” the Colt Single Action Army had the distinction of being the official sidearm of the U.S. Army from 1873 to 1892. Associations with the winning of the American West and its adoption by legendary men like General George S. Patton certainly cemented its place in history. Colt still produces the Single Action Army today, offering it in a variety of barrel lengths and with an MSRP of $1,799.
Another prominent revolver for the .45 Colt is the Colt New Service, a double-action firearm in production from 1898 to 1949. Enthusiasts of such guns call it “built like a tank,” and users consider this pistol one of the most versatile weapons intended for military, protective, and hunting applications. The New Service will always hold a special place in the heart of every Colt enthusiast.
More recently, the .45 Colt has found a home in the Colt Anaconda, a double-action revolver introduced in 1990. John Taffin of American Handgunner Magazine said it was “the largest, and probably the best, .45 Colt DA ever produced by Colt.”
Other identified manufacturers have adopted the .45 Colt, and Smith & Wesson’s N-frame revolvers and Ruger’s Redhawk proved very high in the scores from professionals like Taffin for performance and reliability with this venerable cartridge.
The enduring appeal of the .45 Colt is a testament to the enduring popularity of classic American firearms. With such fears of social unrest rampant in 2020, a good number turned to this iconic cartridge in search of protection but also a tie with the rugged history and heritage of the American West. In these times of uncertainty, the .45 Colt lent some reassurance and continuity back to thoughts of resilience and the kind of spirit that forged our nation.
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