Colt Model of 1873, Custer’s Avengers Range

[bill-in-texas]

I spoke to Mr. John Kopec, yesterday regarding my latest gun purchase. I began by saying I believe my M1873 falls within the known range of Colts issued to the 7th Cavalry, reorganized 3 months after the slaughter at Little Big Horn in July, 1876, and known as Custer’s Avengers. I may be imagining this but, even over the phone, he seemed to sit up a little more when I told him the serial number. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited, too. This is my first Colt M1873 and will be hard to top.

I’ll be sending this off to Mr. Kopec, soon for his expert evaluation and authentication.

-Bill

Barrel Shortened to 4 3/4”



“J” for Sub-Inspector W. W. Johnson Employed for a Short Time



Matching Serial Numbers on Key Components





Look Closely at Top of Backstrap for Sub-Inspector’s Mark





One-Piece Stocks Appear Original

 

[Baxter6551]

Boy …. If that gun could talk … can you imagine ?

 

[lestert357]

Very interesting Bill! Did you check the barrel serial number under the ejector housing to verify a match?

 

[Miracle Man]

Boy …. If that gun could talk … can you imagine ?

I would pay to hear it's tales.

Wow just too sweet.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Very interesting Bill! Did you check the barrel serial number under the ejector housing to verify a match?

Terry,

I have not. I’ve decided to give John Kopec the honors.
I suspect it matches.

-Bill

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

Many of these military revolvers had their barrels either replaced or shortened during the 1890s by Springfield Armory or under contract by Colt. I hope yours is one that had its barrel shortened so as to be original to the gun even if modified.

 

[lestert357]

I suspect it matches.

-Bill

Bill, with the script (or italic) barrel address I would say there is a good chance you are correct.

I see in John Kopec’s book that your gun shipped on 1/4/1875.

Please let us know what John has to say about your gun.

 

[AJ]

It will be interesting to see what he says...

 

[Buford57]

Many of these military revolvers had their barrels either replaced or shortened during the 1890s by Springfield Armory or under contract by Colt. I hope yours is one that had its barrel shortened so as to be original to the gun even if modified.

I understood that those shortened by the Armory and Colt received 5 1/2 inch barrels. Could be wrong (unlike Mr. Kopec).

 

[mauser9]

Awesome piece of history. Thanks for sharing and hope it is what you think

 

[bill-in-texas]

Awesome piece of history. Thanks for sharing and hope it is what you think

Thank you, and thanks to everybody.

-Bill

 

[jpage]

Breathtaking. Does the barrel appear to be shortened properly (Springfield Armory) or hack-sawed ? 4 clicks ?

 

[handejector]

I understood that those shortened by the Armory and Colt received 5 1/2 inch barrels. Could be wrong (unlike Mr. Kopec).

You are correct.

 

[handejector]

Boy …. If that gun could talk … can you imagine ?

I'd buy the drinks to keep him talkin.....

 

[bill-in-texas]

Breathtaking. Does the barrel appear to be shortened properly (Springfield Armory) or hack-sawed ? 4 clicks?

Yessir. 4 clicks.
No, not hacksaw’d.

My understanding is that the short (4 3/4”) barrel was not an arsenal modification. It was popular among civilians and cattlemen, though.

-Bill

Muzzle is Square-Cut & Crowned

 

[bill-in-texas]

It’s a Survivor!

…I see in John Kopec’s book that your gun shipped on 1/4/1875...

Wow! So, Terry, it recently completed 148 years!
That’s amazing. Thank you for that information, sir.
This one’s a survivor that appears, to me at least, to have spent some time in a field (or, on a battlefield?) on its right side.

I’ll post again once it comes back from John Kopec.

-Bill

 

[Dvus]

Awesome gun Bill! I have number 17704, and it had also been cut to 4 3/4". Someone "re-stretched" the barrel by welding another section in place from another vintage barrel and re-cut the barrel address. They did a remarkable job of it as the rifling matches up perfectly. I have shot it with black powder loads and it shoots to point of aim. The barrel and cylinder numbers match the frame on mine. It's good to see these old war horses out of the stables.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Thanks!
I’m gaining an education of this period of American history and an appreciation for the survivors of expeditions and Indian wars.
I anticipate it’ll be a couple of weeks before my example returns from John Kopec. It will be interesting to see what he says.
-Bill

A Few More, Taken Outdoors



Unidentified “P” on Right Stock



Detail Showing “V” Notch Rear Sight
& Small “J” at Top of Backstrap



Mimics a Nickel Hue in Natural Light