The modern firearm market is full of guns that are the product of military trials. The government decides they want a new gun, and companies work to get the contract. To the surprise of many, this is not a new concept. In fact, the iconic Colt Single Action Army came to be for the same reason. Fast-forward 151 years, and we go from military trials to ballistic art with the Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty.

Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty

The Colt Single Action Army was designed for the U.S. government’s 1872 service revolver trials. It was adopted as the U.S. Army’s standard-issued revolver from 1873 to 1892. The SAA is also known as the Model P, Peacemaker, or M1873. This gun has been the genesis of countless other firearms. It is the quintessential gun of the Wild West. It also launched a sea of reproductions.

One that stands out, however, is the Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty model. This good-looking wheel gun is an authentic steel frame reproduction. The Liberty Model has a white PVC grip and a 4.75″ barrel with a blued finish. This gun is beautifully laser engraved on the barrel, cylinder, and trigger area. Chambered in .45 Long Colt, it is the essence of a cool cowboy gun.

1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty Classic Design – Modern Features

Along with its classic features, the gun also has some modern tech. It features a contemporary design transfer bar ignition system. With this, the hammer does not contain the firing pin. Instead, a spring-loaded firing pin is housed inside the frame. With this Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty design, the hammer can’t touch the firing pin when it is at rest. You must cock the hammer, which raises the transfer bar.

The gun is a fixed-cylinder design. This means that the cylinder is fixed in the gun and does not swing out of the frame like other revolvers. Loading and unloading are done via a swing-down loading gate on the right side of the gun. Manufactured by Pietta in Italy, these guns are built to last. They have taken the time to case harden both the hammer and trigger.

.45 Long Colt Power

While it is obviously beautiful, it is designed to shoot. The .45LC round packs a punch and is easier to shoot than most people think. The gun manages the recoil well, and a practiced shooter can quickly shoot a three-inch group at 75 feet with the Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty model.

I am personally an old West nerd and have loved guns from that period. I also enjoy pistols that are designed to match that time, and Traditions has done a good job. If you want to enter the cowboy gun world but want something that is an equal portion of art, take a long look at the Traditions 1873 Single Action 45LC Liberty.

For more information visit: https://www.traditionsfirearms.com/