Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special

The Original Charter Arms Bulldog

Dear Friends,

So, where do you start when talking about an excellent firearm, especially a fantastic firearm that is as efficient for its purpose as one can get? How about we first talk about the company the makes it and go from there.

Charter Arms is a firearms company that started in 1964. It was founded by gun designer Douglas McClenahan, who had previously worked for Colt, High Standard, and Sturm Ruger. His mission was to produce a quality handgun that was both reliable and affordable.

His first pistol was a .38 special, five-shot revolver called "The Undercover." And at just 16 ounces, the new gun was the smallest, lightest steel-framed revolver in the world with the fewest moving parts. A unique hammer block safety system gave gun owners what still is unparalleled protection against an unintentional discharge.

The Undercover's high quality, lightweight, and reasonable price impressed law enforcement professionals and civilian gun owners alike. It became the basis of Charter Arms' success. Its design was the platform on which Charter Arms produces its line of affordable and reliable firearms.

The Bulldog was a top-selling gun during the 1970s and 1980s in the United States. By the mid-1980s, more than half a million had been produced, and nearly 37,000 were being manufactured every year. But Charter Arms had to stop producing the Bulldog a few times since 1992.

That was the year that Charter Arms, the original Charter Arms, went bankrupt. And as with any business that tries to right itself and gets back on its feet because of financial problems, the Bulldog has been produced by four different companies since it was released.

The first descendant company of Charter Arms was called Charco. That company also filed bankruptcy, and the models produced during that time were said to be of less quality than when they were under the original Charter Arms. Then Charco became known as Charter 2000. And yes, that company also failed because of financial troubles.

But while Charter 2000 did fail, it should be noted that it did improve the Bulldog's design by engineering a one-piece barrel, front sight, ejector-shroud assembly. Then in June of 2007, a Bulldog with new features began to be produced by another company named Charter Arms operated by the Ecker Family.

Douglas McClenahan and his lifelong friend David Ecker became 50/50 partners in Charter Arms in 1967. And so today, the Ecker Family makes certain that Charter Arms revolvers are again produced with unquestionable American craftsmanship, quality, and affordability in a line that includes models made of stainless steel, with and without hammer spurs, and even with lasers, to name a few options. While the "Classic Bulldog" can be had with wood grips, I believe these days must come with rubber grips.

Charter Arms is today marketed by MKS Supply. As firearms marketers, MKS Supply is known for the quality of firearms they market, the services they provide, and the value they provide to the manufacturer. MKS Supply insists on marketing high-quality, reliable firearms as Charter Arms are, in fact, that. And yes, from what I've read about MKS Supply, they insist on guns that are easy to own and service. But most of all, they are known to insist on value.

By partnering with MKS Supply, Charter Arms has joined forces with a partner who has over two decades of gun marketing and merchandising experience. MKS Supply has established a proven, successful, nationwide distribution network that allows Charter Arms to concentrate on producing quality firearms while they focus on marketing. Yes, this sounds like a win-win situation which means Charter Arms can keep making the guns that we want.

Now, back to the Bulldog! 

The Charter Arms Bulldog is a 5-shot double-action revolver that was introduced in 1973. The Bulldog has been available in a .44 Special and even a .357 Magnum. But for me, I like the .44 Special. It is a boomer, and just the roar we make an assailant think twice.

Like most Charter Arms weapons, the Bulldog is still relatively inexpensive yet is a quality firearm what one would refer to as a "no-frills snub-nosed revolver." It can be easily concealed. Yes, very easily because of its relatively small size. And because it has a grove trench-style rear sight, it has no sharp edges to contend with when carrying the weapon in a holster or in a pocket, and there's nothing to snag on clothing either.

Its trigger pull, in both single and double-action modes, is pretty light. While there are some critics of the Bulldog because it's not a double-stacked Glock with 15 rounds, I believe that the Bulldog is great for self-defense. This is more true, especially when considering that usually no more than 3 shots are fired in a close combat situation. Which of course, most gunfights are just that.

As for the transfer bar, when the gun is fired, the hammer does not actually strike the firing pin. The transfer bar is raised as the trigger is pulled, placing it into a position between the firing pin and the hammer itself. The hammer strikes the transfer bar, which in turn strikes the firing pin, which discharges the weapon.

So if the trigger is not being pulled when the hammer falls, the transfer bar will not be in position, and the weapon will not discharge. And friends, that's why you can load all 5 rounds and not have to worry about leaving the hammer on an empty chamber as they used to have to do with Colt Peacemakers in the Old West. 

In the Old West, the hammer of a revolver of the time would be kept on an empty chamber so that it wouldn't fire accidentally when bumped or dropped. Wyatt Earp learned about that very thing. He actually experienced a dropped-gun accidental discharge, and it was reported in the January 12th, 1876 edition of the Wichita Beacon, which read: 

"Last Sunday night, while policeman Earp was sitting with two or three others in the back room of the Custom House Saloon, his revolver slipped from its holster and falling to the floor, the hammer which was resting on the cap is supposed to have struck the chair, causing a discharge of one of the barrels (sic). The ball passed through his coat, struck the north wall, then glanced off and passed out through the ceiling. It was a narrow escape, and the occurrence got up a lively stampede from the room. One of the demoralized was under the impression that someone had fired through the window from the outside."

With the transfer bar safety on the Charter Arms Bulldog, one never has to worry about carrying a live round under the hammer of your revolver. And by the way, Charter Arms was the first to come up with the transfer bar safety.

As for the accuracy of the Bulldog, I find that it is very accurate for a snub nose. I can hit center mass on a silhouette target at 30 feet with it. And frankly, I've been known to hit a beer can with it at 40 feet. So, all in all, I'm sure at the 3 feet to 7 feet that most defensive shooting is done, it will be very accurate to get the job done.

All Bulldog models have a cylinder of 5 shots. And because most ammunition for the Bulldog has a muzzle velocity between 705 and 1000 feet per second, it is a man stopper with almost any .44 Special ammunition. But for self-defense, I read where some like to use the Blazer 200-grain Gold Dot as a load choice for the Bulldog. The 200-grain load is potent and has strong penetration, and yet the recoil can easily be handled. 

Five models of the Bulldog have been produced with overall lengths of 7.2 inches and 6.7 inches with barrel lengths of either 2.5 inches or 2.2 inches.

So why choose a Charter Firearm Bulldog for self-defense?

Well, they are some of the smallest and lightest snub nose pistols around. But they are a one-piece frame. So that does make them stronger than screw-on side plate designs. Fewer critical moving parts for simplicity of design make for a trouble-free operation which we all want -- especially in an emergency situation.

There is also the positive of all the barrels at Charter Arms line of pistols are machined with eight groves instead of six for higher velocity, flatter trajectory, and better accuracy. All barrels shroud the ejector rod.

Of course, the completely blocked hammer safety system cannot fire unless the trigger is held in the full rear position. That makes it the safest revolver design in the world. In fact, Charter invented the hammer block transfer bar safety system used by almost every revolver manufacturer out there.

For me, I like the wide trigger and hammer spur. And of course, I really like the fact that Charter Arms are 100% American made, using 100% American parts, and the company is 100% American owned.

Since most threats take place at a range of 10 feet or less, you need an effective response. Charter firearms offer rugged, reliable, and affordable personal protection. And frankly, I can attest to its reliability and its durability.

There is no wonder why the .44 Bulldog is considered Charter Arms' trademark weapon. The Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special is known for its rugged reliability and stopping power. It is versatile in that it can be used for personal or home protection, camping and fishing, hiking, or atop a horse in the backcountry looking for cattle.

Now about my Bulldog! 

Yes, I own one. In fact, I've owned a Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special since 1979. Yes, almost 40 years now. It looks a lot like the one in the picture above with wooden grips. OK, so I'm really Old School. Oh well, you have to be who you are!

For me, my Bulldog has been a companion in the city and in the mountains, camping, out four-wheeling back in the day, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, out finding cattle, and even on road trips into some very unfriendly places. Heck, I even chased a bear off with my Bulldog.

When I bought mine, I was working in the security field, and I had just been asked to do bodyguard work. Yes, what today they call "executive protection" work. Most of the others who I worked with carried small 9mm pistols, and of course, small .38 snub-nose revolvers. Remember, that was 1979.

From what I hear today, those working "executive protection" are armed to the teeth -- all ready to face full-fledged fire-fights like what they see on television. While that might or might not be the case today, back then, we carried -- we only carried a couple of speedloaders or an extra two magazines to back up what we were packing just in case things did get crazy.

But all in all, we were simply not as armed as they are today. The idea back then was not to shoot it out and have a lot of gunplay where the person we're guarding might get hit. Our goal was to get our charge to safety, but that subject is for another day.

As for the company that hired me, they gave me a choice of using a few different service pistols that they had on hand or use one of my own. They offered me a Smith & Wesson Model 10 in .38 Special and a Model 28 in .357 magnum, aka the "Highway Patrolman" model.

While I loved both guns, I tried the Model 28 under a suit, and that big Smith & Wesson stuck out like a sore thumb. As for the S&W Model 10, I gave that great pistol a lot of thought since I've been familiar with it for many years.

I knew the S&W Model 10 Military & Police revolver had been around for a very long time, since 1898, and it is known for its simplicity and reliability. But frankly, I wanted something with more punch than a .38 Special.

As for my personal handgun at the time, I only had my .45 Colt Series 70. Yes, that's my 1911 that has been my never-fail handgun. That is the weapon that I was going to go with. And since I had received extensive training with a 1911 in the Marine Corps, I've always felt extremely confident in its reliability and knowing how to use it.

Friends, allow me to sidetrack for one moment and say that that's a big deal when carrying a weapon of any sort. Whether your choice is a Glock, a PPK, an MP Shield, a Ruger, a Berretta, a 1911 from various makers, a S&W Bodyguard, a Charter Arms Bulldog, or some other pistol, being familiar with your weapon means you will be more confident in knowing how to use it during an emergency. And frankly, familiarity with your choice is of the utmost importance at the moment you need it.

That sort of familiarity only comes with shooting your weapon a lot. If it's a semi-auto, then shooting it a lot will help you know how to transition magazines and load on the fly and resolve jams if that does occur. If shooting a revolver, shooting it a lot will help you learn to load and unload easier, use speedloaders easier, transitioning between an empty chamber and being hot again, and even manage trigger pull. And all of the familiarization comes with training and spending time on the range shooting your weapon of choice.

As for how I got my Bulldog? I was about to opt for using my 1911 when a friend told me about a smaller, easier to conceal revolver used by the U.S. Federal Air Marshals at the time. Yes, that was the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 Special.

My friend told me about how he used the Charter Arms Bulldog in .44 special on duty before leaving the agency as a former Federal Air Marshal. He talked about its stopping power and the fact that it was extremely lightweight. So since I was contemplating using my 1911 at that point, something smaller and lighter without sacrificing knock-down power was something that I was interested in.

I soon contacted a friend who owned a gun store, and he allowed me to test-fire a Bulldog in .44 Special for myself. To be fair, another friend wanted me to look into getting a Colt Python for the job, and I found it to be as bulky as the Model 28. And yes, I did look into getting a S&W Model 13 in .375 Magnum.

Now let me just say that I was amazed at how light the Bulldog was compared to a S&W Model 36 Chief's Special snub, a Colt Detective Special snub, or, say, a S&W Model 13 is one of my favorite pistols ever made. I was genuinely surprised that even with the bigger .44 Special rounds loaded in the Bulldog, just how remarkably light it was compared to those great guns that I compared it to. In those days, quite a few bodyguards carried snubs like the S&W Model 36 Chief's Special and Colt's Detective Special.

After checking out its ballistics, its stopping power, and then actually shooting it there at my friend's gun store, I was so impressed with the way it handled that I bought it right then and there. It was a buy that I've never regretted. For me, I would trust my life to my Bulldog. And friends, that's saying a lot!

I'm sure you can hear my enthusiasm regarding the Bulldog. And frankly, it's all for a good reason. Friends, a .44 Special in a pistol with only a 2.5" barrel makes the Bulldog one of the largest caliber small revolvers for safe, reliable, effective concealed carry. I don't know of a small package that carries that much punch as the Bulldog when it comes to being a man stopper. And frankly, that's why I won't sell mine.

Yes, that's just the way I see it.

Tom Correa

10 Best Concealed Carry Handguns

Hello Friends,

For a long time now, many of you have written asking me my choices for the 10 Best Conceal Carry Handguns. Well, here is my list.

For those of use who believe that any gunfight over 5 rounds is a full fledged Firefight, and since statistics show that an average of only 3 rounds within 5 to 7 feet are ever fired in a Self-Defense situation, these may be the ultimate backup and concealed carry handguns.

Keeping in mind their purpose, Personal Protection, when ranking them, I considered ease of use, concealability, weight, power, and cost. I also took into consideration whether the handgun would be good for men and women, or really only men and maybe not for the average woman.

While I am a believer in knock-down power, it has been my experience that having any gun is better than having no gun in a life and death situation. Because I've seen small calibers deter an assault as well as large calibers when the goal is to make the threat go away, these handguns fit the bill for both men and women.

#1 - Smith and Wesson Model 642 Airweight

 

The Smith & Wesson J-Frame has become the most popular small frame personal defense revolver on the market. With decades of reliable performance to its credit, the J-frame line offers models capable of firing .22 LR, .22 Magnum, .38 S&W Special, and the more powerful .357 Magnum loads.

Smith & Wesson offers these revolvers from its production line, M&P, Pro Series, and Classics lines in three different hammer designs: internal, exposed and shrouded. And yes, the S&W 642 Airweight in .38 Spl+P is everything you could ask for in a concealed carry weapon.

The 642 is one of the most popular personal defense and conceal and carry weapons for a reason — it is light (15 oz.), powerful, accurate, safe, and extremely reliable.

Please don't let the .38 Spl deter you from buying one of these pistols. Fact is, the .38 Special was the standard service cartridge of most Police Departments in the United States from the 1920s into the early 1990s.

Noted for its fine accuracy and manageable recoil, it remains the most popular revolver cartridge in the world more than a century after its introduction. And yes, for women who want something that they can handle confidently -- this no frills, extreme uncomplicated Old School .38 is the way to go.

The S&W Model 642 Airweight is very hard to beat and reasonably priced. Besides, S&W is known for their quality.

#2 - Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD 38 

The S&W BODYGUARD series is the first in personal protection with integrated lasers. Yes, the laser is part of the difference between the S&W Model 642 and the S&W BODYGUARD 38.

The BODYGUARD 38 is uniquely engineered as the most state-of-the-art, concealable and accurate personal protection possible. The BODYGUARD 38 has a stainless steel barrel, one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame, ambidextrous cylinder release, ergonomic one-piece rubber grip, a smooth trigger pull, a stainless steel cylinder (PVD coated), and integrated INSIGHT laser.

Unlike the S&W Model 642 with its cylinder release in the left side as is most double action revolvers, the S&W BODYGUARD has a  push-button ambidextrous top-mount cylinder release. Besides being unique, I was genuinely surprised when I found the release very easy to use and get used to.

Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD personal protection handguns are designed and engineered specifically to include the latest in laser sighting technology for optimal accuracy.

INSIGHT Laser is a world leader in the design, development and manufacture of tactical lasers. The INSIGHT laser has 3 Modes: Constant-On, Pulse, Off. Plus 5 minute auto-off timer. Its battery life is 3 hours continuous on. And yes, the laser is user adjustable for windage and elevation with no disassembly required.

This .38 S&W Special fired +P rounds, has a capacity of 5 rounds, has a barrel length of 1.9".

It is a Double Action revolver, with a 1 lb. trigger pull, an Internal Hammer, with synthetic grips.  

Its overall length is 6.6" and weights 14.3 oz, which means its size and lightweight, and simple to use and featuring integrated laser sights, is the perfect piece of security for men and women who don't want something large and harder to conceal.

#3 - Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 CS Tactical Pistol 

Concealable put certainly not as concealable as the S&W BODYGUARD is the Rock Island Armory series of M1911-A1 compact pistols. Now, while that is true, do not think that this handgun is the some as a full size M1911A1 because it is not.

Unlike Sigs or Clocks, these handguns are in fact single stacked and very slim pistol grips just as Mr. Browning designed the 1911 more than 100 years ago.

The pistol shown above is the Rock Island Armory M1911-A1 CS Tactical Compact Pistol in .45 ACP features a 3.5-inch bull barrel, parkerized finish, rubber grips, front dovetail ramp sight, rear snag free sight, series 70 type firing system, guide rod, combat hammer, skeletonized with a single action trigger. With an overall length of 7 inches and an "unloaded" weight of 34.56 oz, this handgun is 3 times the weight of the S&W BODYGUARD.

Add its 7+1 round capacity magazine, and we are probably not looking at a handgun suited for a women. Yes, while I love this handgun, that's just my opinion. For those of us who have to go Old School, like me, and want to pack a .45 ACP, this is one nice pistol.

When I bought mine, I opted for the CS or Standard Compact model. And yes, I can report that it shot perfectly right out of the box. So for those of us who like a .45 ACP, a 1911, and a slim grip and overall pistol profile vs the bulky Glocks, this piece is perfect for concealed carry. And yes, the price is right.

#4 - Charter Arms Bulldog

OK, here's another Old School concealed carry for you. While not as small as the S&W revolvers above, this handgun is small, very lightweight, and more powerful than a .38 Special. In fact, no other revolver this small and light has this much power.
Known for its rugged reliability and stopping power, Charter Arm’s Bulldog in .44 Special is a versatile revolver for personal or home protection.

They come with a variety of options such as their target, blue, internal hammers, and different calibers. The one above is shown in Stainless Steel, but they also come in Standard Blue. With a barrel length of 2.5”, this .44 Special is one of the larger revolvers to qualify for concealed carry.

This safe, reliable revolver is powerful enough for serious home protection, but has the size and functionality for effective concealed carry. If you are looking for a safe, reliable revolver powerful enough for serious home protection, but with the size and functionality for effective concealed carry, Charter Arms’ .44 Special is an outstanding double-duty choice for the job.

We should note that U.S. Air Marshals once carried the Charter Arms Bulldog on flights during the 1970s. If I recall, the logic at the time was a big heavy bullet, fired from a lightweight reliable handgun, was the way to go in a close combat encounter. Which, of course, sounds like most confrontations where a firearm is needed.

#5 - Smith &Wesson M&P SHIELD

Smith & Wesson's M&P SHIELD comes in both 9mm and .40 S&W. It is a slim, concealable, lightweight, striker-fired polymer pistol.

With a 3.1-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 6.1 inches and an unloaded weight of 20 ounces. The pistol is easily concealed with its slim one-inch profile and optimized 18-degree grip angle. For fast tracking and smooth target acquisition, the M&P SHIELD is standard with a 5.3-inch sight radius and has been enhanced with a short, consistent trigger pull measuring 6.5 pounds.

Featuring a quick and audible reset made possible by the striker-fired action, the M&P SHIELD allows multiple rounds to be placed on target both consistently and accurately. 

The .40 that I fired was as accurate as can be right out of the box. It's a really sweet little protection piece that is very slim and extremely concealable. As for shooting it, while the .40 is "more gun" than the 9mm, it was easy to handle and functioned like a dream. In fact, I believe even a smaller sized women would find this comfortable to shot.  

#6 - Smith & Wesson M&P BODYGUARD 380 Semi-Auto

Combining popular M&P characteristics with existing BODYGUARD features, the new M&P BG380 offers consumers a uniquely engineered, lightweight self-defense pistol. It is compact, sleek and ergonomic. The M&P BG380 pistol also benefits from new fish scale serrations on the rear of the slide for ease of use and like other M&P pistols, ships complete with two magazines.

The new M&P BG380 is standard with a 2 ¾ inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 ¼ inches and an unloaded weight of only 11.85 ounces. Yes, about 12 ounces. Additional standard features include a rapid second-strike capability, thumb safety, take-down lever and stainless steel drift adjustable sights.

Chambered for .380 ACP, the lightweight sub-compact pistol features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, maximum corrosion resistant coated stainless steel slide and barrel.

#7 - Colt .380 Mustang XSP

Colt .380 Mustang XSP is a small, lightweight and boast enhanced durability, reliability and accuracy, making it an ideal handgun for personal protection. With a loaded magazine, this handgun weighs less than one pound. Measured at 5.5 inches long and have a 2.75-inch barrel.

The minimal weight and length of this guns, combined with the short single action trigger, grip design, frame designs and firing pin safety block make these firearms ideal for concealed carry.

#8 - Ruger LCP 380

Ruger LCP 380 is compact at 6 inches in overall length with a 3.12-inch barrel, 4.5 inches in height and a narrow, pocket-friendly 0.90 inches in width. It weighs 17.2 ounces empty. The LCP 380 provides a 7+1 capacity, a manual safety, a loaded-chamber indicator and white-dot sights.

Folks, like many of the others, this is one of those very light just put it in your coat pocket small pistols that bad guys hate to find out that you're carrying. And yes, those who I know, who have one, rave about them because of the concealability, light weight, and reliability.

#9 - Colt New Agent

If a concealable pistols that packs a full size punch is what you are looking for, the Colt New Agent is it. The Colt New Agent is offered in the potent .45 ACP cartridge, yet at 22.5 ounces and a three inch stainless steel bushingless barrel. If you want light weight and a .45 ACP for a everyday carry, this is the ideal pistol for concealed carry. 

The design incorporates a lowered and flared ejection port to provide the user with excellent accuracy and outstanding reliability. 

OK, it has no sights other than a unique trench style groove sight. This design makes this compact .45 ACP a pistol that is snag free on the draw. In addition to this trench style sight, the Single Action New Agent is now available for the first time with Crimson Trace® laser grips emblazoned with the Colt logo. And by the way, the one that I fired shot nice right out of the box.

So, now you ask, which would I buy, the Rock Island Armory M1911 A1 CS Tactical Pistol or the Colt New Agent? The Colt New Agent is lighter and is snag resistant. But frankly, the one I looked at was over $1000. 

I like the lightweight and smooth slide. Yes, I really do. But for the price, I can buy almost two Rock Island 1911A1 CS tactical pistols. So for the average person who lives trying to make ends meet but wants a great concealed carry .45 ACP, then the Rock Island is the way to go.   

#10 - Ruger LCR

The Ruger LCR is a compact .38 Spl revolver built by Strum Ruger. The LCR acronym stands for "Lightweight Compact Revolver".

It incorporates several novel features such as a polymer grip and trigger housing, monolithic receiver, and constant force trigger.

At 13.5 oz (380 g), the LCR is nearly 50% lighter than the stainless steel SP-101, and about an ounce lighter than the S&W BODYGUARD. The frame is aluminum alloy and synthetic glass-filled polymer finished in matte black with Synergistic Hard Coat.

The LCR operates in double action only (DAO) as the hammer is concealed within the frame handle's fire control housing of the gun and cannot be cocked prior to firing.

In order to create a crisp and light trigger pull that is non-stacking, it features a friction reducing cam, a feature seldom found on double action revolvers which by nature of their mechanism normally have a very heavy trigger pull.

So there is my list of handguns that I believe are the best conceal carry guns available for us today.  

While there are folks who may wonder why I haven't included a Sig or a Glock, and will disagree in as far as my ranking goes, these are the handguns that I feel would fit the bill better than others on the market at the present. Which, by the way, are the best bang for your buck!  

Short of a full out assault on your person by hoards of crazies all armed to the teeth, I believe this and an extra speed-loader for a revolver or extra magazine for a semi-auto is all any one of us would need to deter the bad guys out there in real world situation.

Tom Correa

Smith & Wesson - A Tough Success Story - Part 4

Well, my e-mail says that you want part four of my series on Smith & Wesson. I'm sorry it's taken so long.

In part four on Smith & Wesson, I'll discuss the importance of Smith & Wesson in the American Gun Industry, talk about how this great company is staying afloat, and I'll also try to answer a few e-mail questions - including one special e-mail that you might find very interesting.

As we know, Smith & Wesson is one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety/security products.

The company also provides a lot more. It is a fact that Smith & Wesson provides shooter protection, knives, apparel, footwear, and other accessory lines.

Smith & Wesson is based in Springfield, Massachusetts with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest running firearms training facility for law enforcement, military and security professionals.

So Let's Start By Looking At The Numbers!

Recently, on June 28th, 2012, Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation's shares jumped in after-hours trading after the legendary firearm maker said its fourth-quarter net income soared on strong sales, particularly of its polymer pistols and modern sporting rifles, and it gave forecasts that beat all expectations.

Its shares soared more than 15 percent after hours on the news.

The company earned $12.5 Million for the quarter that ended April 30. That's up over a Million dollars from the same quarter last year.

Analysts polled by FactSet anticipated earnings from continuing operations of 17 cents per share on revenue of $128.6 Million. Smith & Wesson's total quarterly revenue grew 28 percent to $129.8 million from $101.7 Million.

During the year, Smith & Wesson, based in Springfield, Mass., paid down $30 million of debt and increased its manufacturing capabilities. It said that that growth helped it lay a solid foundation for the new fiscal year.

For fiscal 2012, the company reported net income of $16.1 million, or 25 cents per share, compared with a loss of $82.8 million, or $1.30 per share, last year. From continuing operations, it earned 41 cents per share, compared with 13 cents per share last year. Its revenue rose to $412 million from $342.2 million last year.

On June 29, 2012, Nasdaq stocks posted its large percentage increases. Among the 10 biggest percentage gainers on Nasdaq at the close of trading that day was Smith & Wesson which rose 20.5 percent to $8.31.

For the 2013 fiscal year, it forecast earnings between 60 cents per share and 65 cents per share on revenue between $485 million and $505 million. Analysts are expecting the company to earn 50 cents on revenue of $466 million.

The reason: Americans are buying more guns than ever.
 
Friends, this is a big deal. The reason is that Smith & Wesson looks to be making a come back!
 
This figures might dazzle investors. They might impress brokers and bankers. They should also make you feel good, because these figures point to a jump in sales.
 
Just a month before these numbers came out, two prominent gun makers came out with "Buy" ratings because sales show that more Americans than ever before are opening up to the idea of owning a gun.

Fact is that gun sales have been booming this year. In March, Sturm Ruger said that it received orders for more than one million units, forcing it to stop accepting new orders. Ruger said it will start taking orders again but that was supposed to be last month.

The reason for the huge demand is that many believe, and yes, fear is rising that President Barack Obama will be re-elected.

Millions of Americans are worried that Obama will institute extremely restrictive gun laws.

Since becoming President, he has routinely by-passed the legislative branch of our government - Congress - by using his ability to put out Executive Orders to make sweeping changes that wouldn't have otherwise been able to get by the American people.

President Obama has signed 130 Executive Orders to date during his Administration.

When president Obama couldn't get his so-called Dream Act legislation passed through Congress. The legislation that was basically an Amnesty Program for Illegal Aliens, Obama used his privilege to write an Executive Order put it into place.

Now, many in the House and the Senate say President Obama's Executive Order on Immigration "has actually made the problem worse."

Americans fear what Obama will do next, and gun control is a topic he said he will address in his second term in office. Because more and more fear Obama because of his ideology and behavior, Americans are buying what they think will be outlawed or be restricted to only law enforcement in the future.

Fear of Obama, and a Growing Acceptance!

Besides the fear of Obama being re-elected, there is a growing social acceptance of firearms that is also driving up sales.

Citing Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks, most say that interest in buying guns for either protection or leisure is growing in regions aren't traditional gun buyers.

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ:SWHC) target has been increased by Benchmark Co. following the adjusted point of sale FBI background checks increased 24.5% in June.

The company has provided an FY13 guidance which the firm states is “extremely strong.” The firm believes that commercial firearm sales will be strong throughout the next year causing it to keep its Buy rating.

And yes, the number of background checks rose the most in the Northeast, West and Midwest in 2011, according to the FBI data. The South was the slowest growing region in 2011, a change from 2008 when the South led the country in background check growth.

There is something else, there seems to be a change in attitude about gun ownership. So for Americans who are interested in staying vigilant of our 2nd Amendment Rights, and of course great gun makers like Smith & Wesson, new gun buyers will probably keep going up even after the election this November.

The reason that Smith & Wesson is doing well is due to it's diligence to produce fine firearms.

This is an important part of this article, so let me explain what I've done lately.

To get a feel of how sales is going for Smith & Wesson, and of course customer satisfaction, I visited a number of gun stores from Modesto to San Francisco Bay Area, from Sacramento to Reno.

Once there, I looked at what Smith & Wesson has to offer as a "Buyer" - a consumer. I asked all sorts of questions pertaining to cost effectiveness, quality and workmanship, dependability and ease of use - all in relation to itself in years gone by, as well as to in relation to other makers.

Out of all of those who I spoke with, only one store owner was concerned about the quality of the new M&P15 line of tactical rifles. Other than him, all raved about the quality of all of the guns coming out of Smith & Wesson these days.

As for the M&P15, to me with my background in the Marine Corps and security, the M&P 15 is a civilian M4. And yes, that's a good thing!

As I said in part three, the Smith & Wesson's popular line of M&P15 semi-auto tactical rifles is a ready-to-go design. It is accurate, easy to operate and tear down, very good adjustable rear sights, and has a good price that is not to over the top. To me, I liked the quality and workmanship.

So yes, I really do like the M&P15. I also like the M&P40 semi-auto pistol because it is a very nice extremely comfortable in the hand firearm. Smith & Wesson puts out real quality.

Quality: That's the bottom line!

From what I seen, people are concerned about quality almost as much as they are concerned about price. In these hard times, people don't have a lot of what was once called "disposable income" - a term that has never made any sense to me.

If Smith &Wesson sacrifice on Quality Assurance or Quality Control, cut corners, or simply steer more of their funds to other products instead of their firearm product line, then the company will again be in financial trouble.

Research and development (R&D) is great. It is what helps a company come out with new and better products, but if any company spends more of its available capital on R&D and less on its Quality Assurance programs - then that company will find that it has taken the very thing that keeps its company alive and squandered it.

R&D makes a company money down the road, Quality Assurance/ Quality Control gets a company down the road.

If sales drop for Smith & Wesson, it will be because of poor workmanship, poor quality, or an unpopular unacceptable inferior product. It can happen if Quality Assurance and Control is not the company's priorities.

Now, before ending this series on Smith & Wesson, I have to answer one particular email that took me to task about something that I wrote in another article. The reader thinks it simply was "not nice" of me to say what I did about part of Smith & Wesson's latest line of revolvers.

In one of my RANDOM SHOTS articles, I made mention that I was looking into a pistol for Concealed Carry  - and yes, I made the comment that I find some of the guns in the Smith & Wesson's latest line of revolvers these days - well, ugly.

I state, "I have owned a few Smith's in my time. I've always liked the way they handle, the feel of the pistol, their reliability. I've always liked their balance, and the look, the basic aesthetics of their line of pistols. Their guns were always nice and simple, and they didn't look like toys. They looked like firearms, guns, pistols.

Like many others, I wanted to buy another gun lately so I went to a Gun Shop and took a look at what I had already found on the Internet. Some in their new line of revolvers are ugly. Please understand that's just my opinion, but Smith & Wesson is putting out some really ugly guns.

OK, so I like traditional looks. And yes, I know that some of their change is being made "to improve" on their guns. But seriously friends, I really believe that aesthetics are important.

As I look at their line of handguns these days, and taking into consideration their extremely high prices, I'm probably going to go with another manufacturer like say Ruger or maybe even Charter Arms." 

Well, as for the price of a Smith & Wessons these days? I found them to be very comparable to other top makers of similar quality like say Ruger. Obviously, Smith & Wesson or Ruger are not the "economically" priced guns that Charter Arms puts out - and no, I really don't know what their quality is like these days.

But I've owned a Charter Arms Bulldog since the early 80's, so if they are anything like they were before then it was very good. I'm hoping to find out soon enough as I'm looking into doing an article on Charter Arms soon.

As for "ugly"? 

I stand by what I wrote in that I don't like what some Smith & Wesson's look like these days.   

Where Ruger was always sort of bulky, but put together like tank, Smith & Wesson was always streamlined with classic good looks. 

I know first hand that Smith & Wesson puts out a really reliable, well balanced, hard to beat line of firearms. I'm just saying that some like the ones above simply aren't as aesthetically pleasing. They are strange looking guns.

But that hasn't stopped me from loving Smith & Wesssons!

In fact, recently on my recommendation, my brother purchased a Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .38 caliber revolver.

It is a very nice revolver. Since he has only limited experience with handguns, I figure that the small very nicely built Smith & Wesson Bodyguard with its laser sights in .38 would be a perfect gun for him for personal protection.

This gun is an instant classic!

No I've never been crazy about lasers, but this has a great integrated lasers setup. It's very concealable, very lightweight, and extremely simple to use.

This revolver has a stainless steel barrel, a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame for strength, a ambidextrous cylinder release, a very comfortable "ergonomic" one-piece rubber grip, a very nice very smooth trigger pull, with an internal hammer and smooth fixed sights that won't snag on clothing.

The day my brother picked it up, he brought it over to my range on my property. We went through almost 100 rounds target shooting. All I can say is that it preformed super! It has very good accuracy with out the laser, and once the laser is activated life is just that much more easy.

And yes, it looks like there my be one or two in my future because, besides me, my wife even likes it.

And that brings me to my last point, more and more women are wanting to learn how to shoot and carry a handgun for personal protection. They don't want complicated. They was ease of use, dependability, reliability. The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard in .38 is all of that!

This is the perfect little shooter for my wife or anyone else who is a novice with guns and needs to use one.

I can't wait to purchase one for my wife as soon as I can. The problem with that is that Smith & Wesson is putting out their guns as fast as they can to meet the demand. Even Bass Pro Shop, who I visited recently along with others, said that they are back-ordered trying to get that model in.

And that's the point, Smith & Wesson is doing fine. If they are an indication as to how other American gun makers are doing, then our gun industry may be on the rebound from years of lawsuits and government intrusion.

It is great to see an American gun maker making guns in America - and doing pretty well at that.

Smith & Wesson - A Tough Success Story - Part 1

Smith & Wesson - A Tough Success Story - Part 2

Smith & Wesson - A Tough Success Story - Part 3

Story by Tom Correa

Random Shots - Obama's $4 Million Vacation!

First Shot!

It was a sorry end to 2011 for a group of about 250 San Francisco juveniles heading to the slopes.

Yup, the Police in Nevada busted 250 of the underage skiers for marijuana possession when the group’s buses stopped for gas during their skiing vacation to Utah. The Police Officers on scene are said to have found marijuana in the luggage of almost all the kids.

But wait, the problem that the law has at times is simply not enough jails!  Why? Well, the officers let them all off only with a warning - because the local jail could accommodate only 20 and they simply didn't have enough room for the rest. 

But that's OK, I'm sure some of the Officers enjoyed watching those dopers cry a river of tears as they dumped their stash of illegal grass. Unless of course they could all produce prescription slips for medical weed - which is doubtful.

Second Shot!

So what are we supposed to think about an taxpayer funded abortion group that has assets of over One Billion Dollars? 

No kidding, Planned Parenthood tops $1 Billion in assets! And friends, 46% of group's income comes from you and I - the Taxpayers.

It was reported that the nation’s largest abortion provider topped $1 Billion in total net assets in 2009-2010, its first time reaching that mark, according to Planned Parenthood’s latest annual report. Imagine that!

So why are American Taxpayers funding them? I blame the Liberal Left which finds it hard to kill a convicted murderer on Death Row, but finds it easy to kill unborn babies. 

All 5 of the top GOP Presidential Candidates have signed a pledge to defund Planned Parenthood. Any one of them will get my vote come November!

Next Shot!

Talk about Taxpayer's funding things that are not a government service, how about the $4 Million price tag on Obama's vacation? That's right,  $4,000,000.00 for a holiday vacation to Hawaii on us!

Wow, that seems like a lot of money for a vacation. And yes, I once wondered about the cost as well. In fact I wondered so much about it that I asked a friend of mine who was once involved in setting up those sorts of trips.

I was told that people have a habit of forgetting "The Stuff." Yes, every time the president goes somewhere, it's not only Air Force One that goes along for the ride. No, not hardly. "The Stuff" goes with him.

Fact is that along with Air Force One are two Air Force giant transport aircrafts.  Both are tasked with taking along the president's limo, as well as all of the other vehicles in the president's motorcade -  including security vehicles and an ambulance. And don't forget his helicopter, Marine One. It goes along as well.

And although president Obama is one of the wealthiest men to ever be president, with a net worth of about 10.5 Million Dollars, he rents all of the places where he, his family, his staff, his guest who are his usually his biggest donors, his personal physician, and his security detail will be staying.

The good news is that President Obama has supposed ended his $4 Million dollar Taxpayer Paid vacation in Hawaii and is getting back to work.  Of course that means that he's need at a golf course or on the campaign trail where he'll be needed to attend fund-raisers so that he can raise millions of dollars from Liberals who want the federal government to pay for everything.

Some reports have suggested that he has worked while he's been away. Other reports have him swimming and having just one big party. I personally don't know if he's been working or not. But I know this, I sometimes think that our country is safer if he does nothing at all.

I read somewhere that the president is looking for a new campaign slogan for his 2012 reelection run. His problem seems to be that that whole "Hope & Change" thing is still alive in the minds of many Americans everywhere who are now searching for hope and want to change presidents. 

The problem for Obama is that now the a lot of folks have a great picture of who he is and what he has down to America.  Now many are saying we need hope and change and it's time to get rid of Obama.

Yes America, many know the answer to the question "What would be a big change for this country?" The answer is clearly, a new president. And as one bumper sticker put it, "Any One But Obama."

Maybe then we will find out if all of the new compelling evidence from multiple experts that the birth certificate released by Barack Obama is a fraud is really true?

Fourth Shot!

But besides the issue with the Birth Certificate fraud, I've read about a few folks at the Gibson Guitar Corporation who would rest a little easier if Obama was out of the White House.

Yes, the same Obama appointed Attorney General who is believed to have authorized the gun running of arms into Mexico, has been busy in all sorts of ways.  Fact is that the Federal Government actually sent armed agents to conduct two raids of the Gibson Guitar factory. Yes, twice since Obama has become president.

So what Gibson Guitars has to do with Homeland Security is beyond me, but armed agents from the Justice and Homeland Security Departments did in fact raid the offices and factories of the legendary Gibson Guitar company in Nashville and Memphis last August for the second time since President Obama took office.

Imagine the scene, agents wearing bulletproof vests rush in, then round up everyone up and take them outside. After that they seized almost 100 guitars and boxes of raw materials. This according to Gibson Chief Executive Officer Henry Juszkiewicz.

The raid was designed to find illegally imported wood!  Yes, everyone in America knows the problem plaguing our nation's streets from the evils of illegally imported wood! Imagine that!

Supposedly the raids have cost Gibson Guitar Corp an estimated 2-to-3 Million Dollars in defense and legal costs. Non-refundable of course!

In the previous raid two and a half years ago, again over wood from Madagascar, the company was never charged but they still had to get legal help.

Each time, it's the same thing! The full force of the United States Department of Agriculture is put into action. That's right, the USDA!

The agents in August were investigating possible violations of the Lacey Act.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website: The Lacey Act combats trafficking in “illegal” wildlife, fish, and plants. The 2008 Farm Bill (the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008), effective May 22, 2008, amended the Lacey Act by expanding its protection to a broader range of plants and plant products. The Lacey Act now, among other things, makes it unlawful, beginning December 15, 2008, to import certain plants and plant products without an import declaration.

But these weren't Inspectors from the US Department of Agriculture, this was big government gone wild using a group of agents from Homeland Security of all things. The Homeland Security agents seized 6,000 fingerboards made of rosewood from India. 

Now another Federal agency steps in, this time supposedly it's the United States Fish and Wildlife Service!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service claimed that the wood was exported "unfinished!" Yes, "unfinished!" And for those not in the know, that is a violation an Indian law that made it subject to the Lacey Act.

But wait, our Fish agents were wrong! In fact, India’s Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade wrote in a letter to the Obama Administration that the fingerboard is "a finished product and not wood in primary form." 

And what else? Well, he went on to educate the Obama Administration by advising them that India allows free export of such products. 

I honestly think it's a really sad situation where an agency of government can't simply sent someone over to a business and ask a question or two about the products they're using.  Why is it that there are people out there bent on treating everyone like they're criminals?

This gots-ya shit has got to stop!    

There is no reason at all, for any of us who are legal citizens, to fear the Federal Government.  And surely we should not be afraid that the Federal Government is about to rush into our homes or businesses and conduct an armed raid.

In my opinion that's how Waco started. Over zealous agents, too willing to use their latest expensively equiped SWAT team to get to do police work. 

That sort of action is what the Nazis did in Germany during the 1930's and during World War II.  It is horrible to think that our Federal Government can act like Nazis whenever the desire and the boredom overtakes them.

Homeland Security agents should be attending to the business of protecting "We The People" from Islamic maniacs bent on appeasing Mohammad by killing more innocent people, and Leftist groups intent on our destruction, not trying to find the goods on Guitar makers!

If we have "agents" they don't have anything to do in the way of securing America, then maybe they aren't needed anymore! If they can find the time to go bust guitar makers for what kind of wood they're using, then it's obvious that those guys in Homeland Security most think the real credible threats to this country is just not worth looking into.

So now, with some help from the Indian government, we can only hope that the Obama administration will leave Gibson Guitar Corporation alone to build something in America.

And for the last random shot of the new year, it's about Smith&Wesson firearms.

Smith&Wesson is the largest manufacturer of handguns in the United States. The corporate headquarters is in Springfield, Massachusetts. They were founded in 1852, and today Smith & Wesson makes revolvers, semi-auto pistols, and tactical rifles. 

I have owned a few Smith's in my time. I've always liked the way they handle, the feel of the pistol, their reliability. I've always liked their balance, and the look, the basic aesthetics of their line of pistols.  Their guns were always nice and simple, and they didn't look like toys. They looked like firearms, guns, pistols.

Like many others, I wanted to buy another gun lately so I went to a Gun Shop and took a look at what I had already found on the Internet. Their new line of revolvers are ugly.  Please understand that's just my opinion, but Smith & Wesson is putting out some really ugly guns.

OK, so I like traditional looks. And yes, I know that some of their change is being made "to improve" on their guns.  But seriously friends, I really believe that aesthetics are important.

As I look at their line of handguns these days, and taking into consideration their extremely high prices, I'm probably going to go with another manufacturer like say Ruger or maybe even Charter Arms.

I know that Ruger puts out tough hard working guns. And as for Charter Arms, well like Ruger and Smith&Wesson, I know first hand that they put out a really reliable, well balanced, hard to beat, aesthetically pleasing line of pistols, accept without the insane prices.

I've owned a Charter Arms Bulldog since the early 80's.  It is rugged and lite, and it's great for taking along fishing, or at your side atop a horse in the back country. And these days, I go armed!

Until next time! Happy New Year!


Story by Tom Correa

A True American Icon - Sam Colt

They say that "God made all men, but Sam Colt made them equal."

To start at the beginning, Samuel Colt was born in Hartford, Connecticut on July 19th, 1814. He was the son of a farmer who had moved his family to Hartford. Sam's mother was Sarah Colt Caldwell. She died when Samuel was six years old. His father Christopher Colt remarried two years later. His second wive's name was Olive Sergeant.

It's said that the Colt family was a large family which included eight siblings, five boys and three girls in all. Two of the sisters died in childhood and Sam's other sister Sarah Ann committed suicide later in life. According to everything that I've read on Sam Colt, his brothers were a huge part of his professional life.

In 1841, his brother John Colt killed a creditor with a hatchet. The New York City jury found him guilty of the murder, but John committed suicide on the day of execution.

Sam's father "hired out" Sam as an indentured servant on a farm in Glastonbury at the age of 11. There Sam did labor's work, but he also had the opportunity to attend school. It was there at Glastonbury that he was also introduced to the "Compendium of Knowledge."

It was a scientific encyclopedia of the time. The encyclopedia contained articles that fascinated him. His attention was drawn to reading about Robert Fulton and gunpowder. Of course, Robert Fulton was an American Engineer and Inventor who developed the first commercially successful Steamboat.

In fact, in 1800, Robert Fulton was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte to design the Nautilus which was the first practical Submarine in history in history. It is said that while Sam read about Fulton that, "he discovered that Robert Fulton and several other inventors had accomplished things deemed impossible — until they were done." That in itself, the thought that things were considered impossible until someone made it possible motivated him.

Later, after hearing soldiers talk about the success of double barreled rifles and the impossibility of a reliable gun that could shoot five or six times, a young Sam Colt "decided he would be an inventor and create the 'impossible' gun".

In 1829, Sam Colt began working in his father's textile plant in Ware, Massachusetts. There he had access to tools and materials, and also craftsmanship and expertise which he learn to hold in high esteem.

So with an attraction to mechanical engineering and gunpowder, Sam Colt found that both provided him with all sorts of motivation and ideas. Those motivation and ideas would influence him throughout his life, but sometimes not in the best of ways.
For example, his love of engineering and gunpowder let young Sam Colt to producing his own version of July 4th fireworks. That all took place when he was a teenager while tinkering with gunpowder and electricity. 

While working in his father’s textile factory in 1829, he actually posted printed notices that announced: “Sam’l colt will blow a raft skyhigh on Ware pond, July 4. 1829.” 

He used wire wrapped in tarred rope to connect an underwater explosive device to an onshore detonator, the experiment worked, although it drenched onlookers dressed in their holiday finery in pond water and mud. Then on July 4, 1930 a similar experiment actually set a building on fire at his school which was at Amherst, Massachusetts. 

After the horrible incident at Amherst where luckily no one was killed, his father sent him to sea to learn to be a Sailor. Young Sam Colt was put on a ship bound for London and Calcutta in 1830. The life of a Sailor in the 1800s was rough and a Seaman's trade was known to be tough and demanding. His father hoped it would help discipline the teenager who then has a reputation as prankster.
He was young but also known as a hard worker and willing to tackle the duties put in front of him. Sam took to the sea aboard the Corvo. That ship embarked on a yearlong voyage in 1830. And as most know, his being banished from school after his July 4th catastrophe and sent to sea as a teenager gave would give him the idea for a revolver design.
During the voyage, the 16-year-old became fascinated by how the ship’s wheel could spin or be locked in an affixed position through the use of a clutch. Reportedly, this observation sparked his idea for a revolving chamber capable of holding six bullets that could lock into place. During the voyage, he whittled a rudimentary model out of scrap wood, and upon his return to the United States, Colt worked with more experienced gunsmiths to perfect a prototype of a pistol that could fire multiple rounds in quick succession.


Aboard the Corvo, Colt became fascinated with the ship's wheel, particularly the way it could alternately spin or be locked in a fixed position through the use of a clutch.

He translated this controlled rotation to firearms and a means whereby a single-shot pistol could be adapted to fire multiple rounds in quick succession.

Later, Sam Colt credited his inspiration for the whole concept of the revolver to his observations of the ship's wheel during his first voyage.

He discovered that "regardless of which way the wheel was spun, each spoke always came in direct line with a clutch that could be set to hold it, and that's how the revolver was conceived!"

During that voyage, Colt made a wooden model of a pepper-box revolver.  He carved his six-barrel cylinder, locking pin and hammer all out of wood. 

Although this prototype for a pistol featured multiple rotating barrels, in later versions Colt would opt instead for a rotating cylinder containing multiple bullet chambers to reduce the gun's weight and bulk.

Then when Sam returned to the United States in 1832, he went back to work for his father, who financed the production of two guns, a rifle and a pistol.

The guns turned out to be of poor quality because Christopher Colt believed the idea to be foolish and only hired poor craftsmen. The first completed pistol exploded when it was fired, but the first rifle performed well.

In the 1840s Colt returned to his youthful experiments and partnered with telegraph inventor Samuel Morse to improve waterproof cables.









5. He spent three years as a traveling huckster.
After returning from his voyage, Colt toured the lyceum and fairground circuit in the United States and Canada as the “celebrated Dr. Coult of New York, London and Calcutta.” Posing as a “practical chemist” with a portable laboratory, he entertained crowds by administering nitrous oxide—laughing gas—to audience members. The money Colt earned provided seed capital for his planned firearms business.








6. His first firearms company flopped.
Colt was only 21 years old when he received a patent in 1836 for his revolver design, which improved upon a revolving flintlock already patented by Elisha Collier nearly two decades earlier. That same year, Colt’s Patent Arms Manufacturing Company opened its doors in Paterson, New Jersey. The company saw scattered sales in Texas and in Florida for use in the Seminole War, but the business floundered. Without significant military contracts, the factory closed in 1842. Its fixtures and inventory were auctioned off to the highest bidder, and Colt was left deep in debt.



Later, Sam learned about something called Nitrous Oxide. Yes, he learned about laughing gas from the factory chemist.

With that knowledge Sam took a portable lab on the road and earned a living performing laughing gas demonstrations across the United States and Canada billing himself as “the Celebrated Dr. Coult of New York, London, and Calcutta."

According to Colt historian, Robert Lawrence Wilson, the "Dr Coult lectures launched Colt's celebrated career as a pioneer Madison Avenue-style pitchman."

His public speaking skills were so convincing and efficient that these skills were pressed into service to cure an apparent cholera epidemic on board a riverboat. Imagine that! Now that's putting what you know to use!

It was during this time that he made arrangements to begin building guns using proper gunsmiths from Baltimore, Maryland. Then in 1832, at the age of 18, Colt applied for a patent on his revolver and declared that he would "be back soon with a model."

In 1835, Samuel Colt traveled to England, following in the footsteps of American Inventor Elisha Collier, who had patented a revolving flintlock in England. And yes, the English officials issued the patent after no fault could be found with the gun.  It was Sam's first patent, British Patent Number 6909.

Interestly, Colt never claimed to have invented the revolver, as his design was merely a more practical adaption of Collier's revolving flintlock, which was patented in England

Samuel Colt received a British patent on his improved design for a revolver in 1835, and right after that he received two U.S. patents in 1836, one in February (U.S.Patent 9430X) and the other in August (U.S.Patent 1304).

The year 1836 was the same year that he found his first corporation for arms manufacturing. He called his new company the Patent Arms Manufacturing Company of Paterson, New Jersey, Colt's Patent. 

But success was not his to be had, because of production and quality problem his company closed in 1842.

Between 1842 and 1848, Samuel Colt collaborated with the Whitney armory of Whitneyville, Connecticut, which was run by the family of Eli Whitney of Cotton Gin frame.  Eli Whitney Jr (born 1820), the son of the Cotton Gin developer patriarch, was the head of the family armory and a successful arms maker and innovator of the era. 

Sam Colt used a combination of renting the Whitney firm's facilities and subcontracting parts to the firm to continue his pursuit to produce revolvers.

In 1847, Captain Samuel Walker and the Texas Rangers, who had acquired some of the first Colt revolvers produced during the Seminole War, ordered an additional 1,000 revolvers to use in the Mexican-American War.

The large order allowed Colt to re-establish his firearm business. Because he no longer owned a firearm factory, or even had a model of a firearm, Colt hired Eli Whitney Blake, who was already established in the arms business to make his guns.

Sam Colt and Captain Walker drew up a new improved model from which Whitney produced the first thousand-piece order known as the Colt Walker. The company then received an order for a thousand more. Colt took a share of the profits at $10 per pistol for both orders.

During the Mexican–American War, 1846–1848, Colt's revolvers found favorability with the Texans and thus was the fuel to start Colt manufacturing revolvers.

In 1848, Sam Colt was able to start up a whole new corporation of his own. He founded the Colt's Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, Connecticut.  

The 1850s were a decade of phenomenal success for Colt.  He was one of the early influential companies in the race to widely commercialize the total use of interchangeable parts throughout a product. One reasons for his success was that he brought in German gunsmiths and craftsmen to ensure top of the line workmanship.

At London's Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851, Colt demonstrated his product to an amazed crowd.  Ten Colts were disassembled and then reassembled using different parts from different guns.  Then they were shown to function completely reliably. 

It was a time of tension in Europe and though the U.S. wasn't directly involved in the Crimean War (1854-1856), Colt weapons were used by both sides.  Fact is that with a virtual monopoly on reliable well produced firearms, Sam Colt sold his pistols in Europe where demand was high due to tense international relations.

It's said that by telling each nation that the others were buying Colt's pistols, that he was able to get large orders from many nations who feared falling behind in the arms race at the time. 

In 1855, Colt unveiled his new state-of-the-art armories in Hartford, Connecticut, and London, England.  The new armories were fitted with the latest machine tools, some of which were Colt’s own design. 

Much of the machinery was actually built by Francis Pratt and Amos Whitney who would later create their own enterprise which would become world known.

His London factory had its problems.  Colt's presence in the British gun market caused years of resentment and lawsuits between Colt and the other gun makers. 

The problem was that the British believed that guns needed to be made by hand, and subsequently they hated the whole concept of the new American system of manufacturing and industrialization. 

Many British gun makers went so far as to question the validity of Colt's original British patent. 

They viewed Colt as a sort of showman and pirate. And yes, it actually took many years and the involvement of the British government to satisfy the British gun makers. 

In 1855, Sam Colt bought a large piece of land beside the Connecticut River where he built a larger factory.  He called it the Colt Armory.  Then in 1856, he built a manor that he called Armsmear as a place for employee housing if it was needed.

In many many ways, Sam Colt was ahead of his time. 

He established a ten-hour work day for his employees.  He installed washing stations in the factory, and he mandated a one-hour lunch break.  He even built the Charter Oak Hall which was a club where employees could enjoy games, newspapers, and there was discussion rooms available.

On June 5th, 1856, Samuel Colt married Elizabeth Jarvis.  They had one son together. 

In 1860, Colt produced a new revolver model for the United States Army.  This Colt Army Model 1860 appeared just in time for the Civil War. 

At  the outbreak of the Civil War, Samuel Colt was commissioned a Colonel by the State of Connecticut in the 1st Regiment Colts Revolving Rifles.  All of the troops were issued the Colt revolving rifle, but that unit did not see action during the war. 

Samuel Colt died in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1862. He was buried in Cedar Hill Cemetery. He left a wife a son, and an incredible legacy.

At the time of his death, Colt's estate, which he left to his wife and son, was estimated to be valued at around $15,000,000 - I've read where that's about $420 million by today's standards.

Before Sam Colt's revolving cylinder, it was said, "a shooter could only obtain a flintlock pistol with one or two barrels." The Colt revolver signaled a revolution in ballistic weaponry, transforming the tedious reloading process and low rate of fire.

Some folks have read my articles on James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, Wyatt Earp and others, and have asked if there were any so-called Icons of the Old West who I actually liked?

Well, there are a lot of real Heroes of the day that I truly admire. Sam Colt is one of them.

Sam Colt was no Dime Novel Hero and he might have never come West - but all in all his American ideals of hard work and perseverance made him a man to be admired.

Sam Colt's legacy lives on as the company bearing his name continues to sell Colt revolvers today. And yes, we are a better nation for his being an American.


Story by Tom Correa