The Highest Calibre Revolver: The Birth of a Legendary Cartridge

In the late 19th century, the United States Army was in search of a reliable and effective revolver cartridge to equip its soldiers. The Colt Single Action Army revolver was a popular choice, but it required a specific caliber to function optimally. Enter the 45 S&W Schofield, a shorter cartridge that could also work in the Colt. However, this created a logistical problem for the Army as their S&W Schofield revolvers could not chamber the longer cartridge.

In response, the Smith & Wesson M1875 Army Schofield Revolver was approved as an alternate, further complicating matters for the military. This led to the development of new cartridges, including the 50 caliber Model 1871 Remington single shot pistol and various cap-and-ball revolvers converted to take metallic cartridges.

One such cartridge that gained popularity during this period was the 44 Colt, with a diameter of .452-.454 inches. However, it was eliminated from consideration due to its outside lubricated design, which would pick up dirt and grit during handling. In contrast, the rebated heel type bullet design of its predecessor, the 45 Colt, featured an inside lubricated cartridge.

The 45 Colt was a joint development between Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company and the Union Metallic Cartridge Company. It was originally designed as a black-powder revolver round for the Colt Single Action Army revolver and dates back to 1872. The cartridge is rimmed, straight-walled, and measures 11.43×33mmR.

In 1873, the 45 Colt was accepted for purchase by the U.S. Army and went on to serve as an official US military handgun cartridge for 14 years. Today, the term 'Colt' is often associated with various pistols and revolvers, including the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver that fired this legendary cartridge.

In conclusion, the development of the highest calibre revolver, the 45 Colt, marked a significant milestone in the history of firearms. Its creation was a collaborative effort between two industry giants and its widespread adoption by the U.S. Army cemented its place as one of the most iconic cartridges of all time.

Highest calibre revolver