You are correct it is a Double Action.Seriously, double action? No...
Just for curiosity. has anyone ever seen one of these? Made in 1904. View attachment 262473 View attachment 262474 View attachment 262475 View attachment 262476
That is why they are called "Lightnings" Colt's first attempt at a DA Revolver. Probably the worst designed DA in history. They made bunches of them and went out of production in 1909 and no more spare parts were made too. More often than not when you find one at a show or for sale they do not function as designed.Thanks! I had no idea that Colt did that sort of work. I've seen a few that were done by gunsmiths past but never with that degree of quality. I shoot my 1877s off and on, 3F BP behind hollow base pure lead bullets. While complex and cranky to keep going I can see why they were popular particularily in 41 Colt. It was a light, fast handling gun with a punch.
The sear mechanism is by fa the hardest part to find and fit. I deal with Jack too. I have a number of original sears in original Colt Hartford envelopes.I've done some limited work on the ones I have, Jack's First has been a good source of parts for me on them and a variety of other guns. I've never seen a 32 Rainmaker though.
Shooting these guns is fun, I like the 38s as you can easily use Hornady HBWC bullets with BP for an easy to make cartridge. I've never had good luck with heeled stuff.
A couple Rain Makers? I only know of one that may be available. I have an offer in on that one.I well remember seeing a couple of those back when I was finishing up high school in Big Bear Lake, CA. I don't remember who owned them but am certain they were contemporaries of Jeff Cooper, who was my History teacher for a short while.
Be careful when looking for a Square Butt 1877. Look for Colt's factory alteration markings. Get it authenticated by Colt or Colt Collectors Association experts. I have seen several that looked good until the grips were removed and the alteration was not Colt quality.Sorry that I wasn't clear. The ones i saw were exactly like the photo in your original post, and this would have been in 1969.