Page 25 - GUNS Issue n.01

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1_On the right side of the frame, we can see the head of a bear.

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2_The operating mechanism is the classic Colt “four clicks” 3_Even in the case of the Centennial, the in-relief engraving
with a single action trigger. is glossy compared to the satin background.

re-engages the notch on the cylinder’s circumference and the fourth is the click of the hammer cocked
position. In the Old West era, there were those who compared these four clicks to the fact that the gun
itself was proud of having been produced by Colt and therefore the revolver spelled the four letters of the
company’s name every time it was cocked.
The trigger is obviously single action only. To fill the cylinder, after having placed the hammer on the first notch
(the one that unlocks the rotation), you open the loading gate on the right side of the recoil shield and put one
cartridge at the time in the chambers, turning the cylinder by hand. The ejection of the brass is entrusted to the
spring-loaded rod located under the barrel, on the right side. It is undoubtedly not a very fast loading system
but, compared to other projects of the time (like Smith & Wesson’s top break), it guarantees maximum frame
solidity. Anyway, the gestures associated loading and unloading the Colt 1873 have now become legendary and
are an integral part of the charm associated with a replica of a revolver of the Old West!
Compared to the original archetype, there are only a couple of technical updates, which only marginally
affect the interchangeability of the components and, on the other hand, significantly improve reliability,
safety and durability. The first change is represented, as already mentioned, by the new springs for the
hammer, trigger and cylinder stop; the second is the addition of a true manual safety. The safety consists
of a secondary notch on the cylinder base pin, further ahead than the normal one. When you push the base
pin back and engage the secondary notch, the pin’s head protrudes through a hole in the recoil shield. This
protrusion interferes with the hammer movement, preventing it from completing its forward stroke and,
therefore, preventing the firing pin (which is on the hammer) from hitting the primer of the cartridge. So, this
mechanism acts just like a manual safety. To disengage the safety, press the base pin retainer and move the
pin forward by about 3 millimeters until the retainer engages the rearmost notch.
The two “themes” of the guns are as different as night and day, starting with the surface finish. On the
Centennial we have bluing for barrel, cylinder and trigger guard, while the frame is nickel-plated.

Pietta 1873 engraved caliber .45 colt_TesT revolver 23