Help me out. My old daddy had a long barrel SAA many (50+) yrs ago. It was nickel and worn. I remember something about "Indian Scout", like it was a type given to scouts..
Anything to this?
Thanks, jim

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Halfway and one more step

I have read that indian scouts and police were given nickle revolvers and also have seen pictures with them holding them. I suspect it was for two reasons, maybe to keep them from rusting as probley it was thought that the indians wouldnt or couldnt maintain them as well plus probley the shiny guns were a big inducement to them.

I checked my SAA books and found nothing then did a Google search. Historic Ainsworth Inspected Nickel Plated Indian Scout U.S. Colt Cavalry Model Single Action Army Revolver Very impressive.

Argumentative.
I believe it is a myth because John Kopec believes it is a myth. He explains it in his monumental book- A Study of the Colt Single Action Army Revolver 3rd Ed, page 251.

Kopec has done more research and study of Colt SAs than any person ever has, IMO.

The long exposure necessary for photos at that time made virtually all metal objects appear to be plated. Note that the rifle as well as the two scout revolvers appear to be nickeled in the pic below.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

In no way would I question Handejector's knowledge, but in view of a closed high end auction using the term Indian Scout for a nickle plated SAA model similar to your description it could be that was a term used to describe any nickel plated long barrel SAA at a point in time.

I'd ask, did your father shoot the gun or was it just there? If he would use it did he use smokeless powder cartridges? Colt did not rate the SAA for smokeless powder until about 1900.

A Ruger Bisley is referred to as a Bisley because of a feature set, not because it is a Bisley.

I have the old book,"Guns of the american west" stored somewhere, but I recall a picture in it that showed the indian police men who killed sitting bull after the incident. It definitely showed him/them holding I think a colt 7 1/2" nickle single action. This very subject was on the colt site last year. It was claimed that 1,300 nickle remingtons in 1883 was issued to indian police. Indian Police fell under the Secretary of the Interior, as a part of the Office of Indian Affairs. In rethinking this, I am not sure the guy is showing a colt or a remington. I will have to find my old book but I think more strongly it was a colt. Some of you must own that book too. I would post my colt thread referance where it is explained in more depth but I was recently reminded that posting competing gun sites is a strong no no.

The myth has been around a long time.
Yes, it has been written in books.
Yes, it has been used in auction descriptions.
That does not make it true.
Read Kopec's explanation.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I don't know anything about SAA's given to Indian scouts. But I've read books written by old timers who state that a large number of handguns in the old days were nickel plated. Mostly for weather protection. Since in those days with a lot of jobs it could be quite a while before you got a chance to clean and re-lube. Seems to make sense.

Whatever the real origin, that old Colt never made it back north of the Rio Grande as far as I know. Maybe calmex will stumble across it one day.

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Halfway and one more step

I remember reading somewhere that it wasn't the SAA but the 1875 (maybe 1890) Remingtons that were plated and given to some reservation police.

It's Sunday and I'm too lazy to check on it. Take it for what it's worth.

Deadbeat. (It's snowing here).

Could be. (I dont know about the Indian Police thing) But manufacturers records certainly indicate the Remington Army revolvers were not great commercial successes so they were ripe for being handed out. Remington had a contract with Egypt to produce 1875 Remington Army revolvers. They made @ 10,000 for them but did not ship them because Egypt was a little slow paying for all those rifles. Total production was 14,837.

The 1888 Rem New Model Army had a total production run of <500 with many being nickled.

The 1890 New Model Army was only in production for 3 years (1891-1894). Total production 2,020 and again, many were nickeled.

Babbelings of an old man, who is in the house way too much due to inclement weather, and is clinging to his books. (I had been clinging tomy guns, but the wife was starting to look at me funny)

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

Sorry it was stronger then myself. I had to place this picture. Pleace forgive me.

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Indeed an intresting chapter in Kopec book. Just read it.

IIRC (?) Indian Police were issued Nickel Remington Revolvers.

"Deadbeat. (It's snowing here)."


Midst of cutting up scrap wood from a kitchen remodel. Been snowing here everyday for two weeks but it's also been getting into the 40s and 50s, so we get 4-10 inches, then it starts to rain. One inch this morning and that's all we have for snowing all weekend. Supposed to hit 50 by Wed.

WEIRD weather!

Got up this morning and it was 8 degrees with @1 1/2" of sleet on the ground. We are supposed to take the campers out weekend after next. Something is going to have to change. I'm about ready to take hostages. (but not the wife, no siree!)

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner