Sam Colt or John Browning?

[desi2358]

Sammy wasn't involved with the Colt 1873 SAA. He died in 1862.

True, but I think people are going off the fact that the 1873 grip is pretty much identical to the 1851 Navy grip. Which Sam Colt was involved with. But they are ignoring the fact that he had several grip designs produced while he was alive, the 1849 Pocket, the various Dragoons, the 1860 Army as well as the Root pattern revolvers (designed by his chief engineer Elisha Root). And the designers at the plant chose the 1851 grip over the 1860 Army which they had used for their earlier 1872 Open top cartridge model so it would appear it was actually the preference of some unknown engineer that lead to the final grip design of the 1873.

The reality is neither he nor Browning can be proven to have actually designed the grips of either of these fine guns. Brownings prototypes (and the early Colt autos developed from them) tend to have a much different grip angle than the final 1911 and 1911A1 patterns. Just as Colt had all the different sizes and shapes of grips on the percussion models that preceded the 1873.

It does make for fun discussion though!

 

[PALADIN85020]

The early Browning Colts did have a different grip angle. This is a Model 1903 Hammer.

John

 

[SnidelyWhiplash]

The 1911 as a final product was a collaboration between John Browning, Colt and the US Army including the Ordnance Department, Infantry and Cavalry Boards. They all had input into what became the 1911.

 

[merl67]

The early Browning Colts did have a different grip angle. This is a Model 1903 Hammer.

John

Agreed, but they still point, and shoot well for me I have a Colt 1900 38acp that i shoot occasionally, and it comfortably hit where i aim...

 

[44wheelman]

Oops, redundant post.

 

[brucev]

First center-fire pistol I ever bought was a Colt Ser. 70 in .45 ACP. Used it for insurance while walking night security in New Orleans (ca. 1979-1982). Later got a 4 inch S&W M-19 which I much preferred. Owned a number of Ruger Single-Six's but only recently got a Ruger SA centerfire ... 6 1/2 inch Old Model .357 Mag. It is currently sitting on the arm of the couch as I type this reply. Just about ideal in every possible way. Thoroughly enjoy it. Great for any load imaginable. Gorgeous. Handles extremely well. In the Ruger flap holster ... ideal for rambling out and about in the woods/fields. Which to I prefer? Well, if I have to pick one, I like the 1911, but I prefer revolvers, so I'll cast my vote for the Colt type SA. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[LimaCharlie]

I was introduced to a single-action revolver with 22 short ammo around 1952. The Navy introduced me to the 1911 in 1963. I never had an issue with either. I always preferred Saint John Moses Browning's M2 (Ma Deuce) 50 BMG.

 

[JohnHL]

A big thanks to everyone who took the time to comment or opine on my light-hearted post.

I was impressed by the erudition and scholarship displayed by respondents, but not surprised, as I have been so impressed countless times in the nearly one decade I have enjoyed the membership.

I was a little surprised at the paucity of support (no pun intended) for the grip on the SAA.

As compared to the enthusiastic outpouring of support for the model 1911 grip.

Marshall Matt Dillon never knew what he was missing!

John