POTD: Colt SAA Flattop Target .32 S&W

Welcome to immediately’s Photo of the Day!  This nickel-finished Colt Single Motion Military Flattop Goal represents one of many rarest configurations in SAA historical past. Manufacturing unit information affirm solely six black powder SAA revolvers have been ever produced on this actual specification: .32 S&W caliber, 5½-inch barrel, nickel end, and flattop goal body. All six have been shipped collectively to E.C. Meacham Arms Firm in St. Louis on December 8, 1888. The Flattop Goal variant was Colt’s reply to the rising demand for precision capturing sports activities within the Eighties. By eradicating the rear sight groove from the usual SAA body and milling it flat, Colt created a platform for adjustable goal sights that dramatically improved accuracy potential. The .32 S&W chambering (additionally marketed as .32 S&W Gallery or .32-44) was particularly designed for indoor capturing galleries and goal work. Colt historians Wilkerson and Hoyt theorized these six revolvers have been seemingly destined for a single capturing gallery in St. Louis—a standard follow in the course of the peak of America’s goal capturing craze. Indoor galleries have been fashionable leisure venues the place patrons may check their marksmanship expertise, and purpose-built goal revolvers like this one offered the accuracy obligatory for worthwhile operations.

The revolver options the one-line Hartford handle on the barrel, three-line patent dates on the body’s left aspect, and “32 CAL” marking on the set off guard. The checkered exhausting rubber grips bear the embossed Rampant Colt and American Eagle, whereas matching serial numbers on body, set off guard, and backstrap affirm its authenticity. This instance features a interval Fred Biffar floral-tooled leather-based holster and a full field of authentic Winchester .32-44 Gallery cartridges, creating an entire capturing gallery ensemble from the golden age of American marksmanship.

“Colt Single Motion Military Flattop Goal .32 S&W Revolver.” Rock Island Public sale Firm, https://www.rockislandauction.com/element/4094/3075/colt-single-action-army-flattop-target-32-sw-revolver. Accessed 26 Might 2025.

Sam.S

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Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Outdated soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed creator, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.