The 1880s was a time of great demand for hand guns in the United States. The expansion of the American West and the rise of law enforcement agencies created a need for reliable and powerful firearms. Cowboys, outlaws, and lawmen alike relied on these weapons for protection and survival in the rugged and often dangerous frontier.
The demand for hand guns during this time was driven by several factors. The American West was still being settled, and conflicts with Native American tribes were common. Additionally, the rise of law enforcement agencies meant that more officers needed reliable firearms to carry out their duties. The threat of outlaws and bandits also contributed to the demand for hand guns.
The Colt Single Action Army: A game changer
One of the most iconic hand guns of the 1880s was the Colt Single Action Army, also known as the Colt Peacemaker. This revolver was introduced in 1873 and quickly became popular among cowboys and lawmen alike. It featured a single-action mechanism, meaning that the hammer had to be manually cocked before each shot.
The Colt Single Action Army had several features that made it stand out from other handguns of the time. It had a six-round cylinder and was chambered in .45 Colt, a powerful cartridge that was effective against both man and beast. It also had a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle in high-stress situations.
The popularity of the Colt Single Action Army can be attributed to its reliability and durability. It was known for its ability to withstand harsh conditions and continue functioning reliably. This made it a favorite among cowboys who needed a dependable weapon while out on the range. Lawmen also favored the Colt Single Action Army for its stopping power and ease of use.
Smith & Wesson Model 3: A rival to the Colt
While the Colt Single Action Army dominated the hand gun market in the 1880s, it had a rival in the form of the Smith & Wesson Model 3. This revolver was introduced in 1870 and quickly gained popularity among law enforcement agencies.
The Smith & Wesson Model 3 had several features that set it apart from the Colt Single Action Army. It featured a top-break design, meaning that the barrel and cylinder could be tilted upwards for loading and unloading. This made it faster to reload compared to the Colt Single Action Army, which required the cylinder to be removed for reloading.
The Model 3 was chambered in various calibers, including .44 Russian and .45 Schofield. It had a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle. Law enforcement agencies favored the Model 3 for its accuracy and reliability, as well as its ease of use.
Remington Model 1875: A popular choice among lawmen
Another popular hand gun of the 1880s was the Remington Model 1875. This revolver was introduced in, as the name suggests, 1875 and quickly gained popularity among law enforcement agencies.
The Remington Model 1875 had several features that made it a favorite among lawmen. It featured a single-action mechanism, similar to the Colt Single Action Army. It had a six-round cylinder and was chambered in various calibers, including .44-40 and .45 Colt.
The Model 1875 was known for its accuracy and reliability. It had a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle in high-stress situations. Law enforcement agencies favored the Model 1875 for its stopping power and ease of use.
Webley Revolver: A British contribution to the market
While most of the popular hand guns of the 1880s were American-made, there was one notable exception – the Webley Revolver. This revolver was introduced in the late 19th century and quickly gained popularity among British military and law enforcement agencies.
The Webley Revolver had several features that made it stand out from other handguns of the time. It featured a top-break design, similar to the Smith & Wesson Model 3. It had a six-round cylinder and was chambered in various calibers, including .455 Webley.
The Webley Revolver was known for its reliability and stopping power. It had a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle in high-stress situations. British military and law enforcement agencies favored the Webley Revolver for its accuracy and ease of use.
Mauser C96: A German innovation
While most of the popular hand guns of the 1880s were American or British-made, there was one notable exception – the Mauser C96. This semi-automatic pistol was introduced in 1896 by the German arms manufacturer Mauser.
The Mauser C96 had several features that made it stand out from other handguns of the time. It featured a detachable box magazine that held 10 rounds, making it one of the first semi-automatic pistols to have a high-capacity magazine. It was chambered in various calibers, including 7.63mm Mauser.
The Mauser C96 was known for its reliability and accuracy. It had a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle in high-stress situations. The C96 was used by various military and paramilitary organizations around the world, including during World War I and the Chinese Civil War.
The debate over caliber size: .44 vs .45
One of the ongoing debates in the hand gun market of the 1880s was between the .44 and .45 caliber sizes. Both calibers were popular choices among cowboys and lawmen, but each had its own pros and cons.
The .44 caliber was known for its stopping power. It was effective against both man and beast, making it a favorite among cowboys who needed a powerful weapon while out on the range. However, the .44 caliber had a higher recoil and was more difficult to control, especially in rapid-fire situations.
On the other hand, the .45 caliber was known for its accuracy and ease of use. It had a lower recoil compared to the .44 caliber, making it easier to control. Law enforcement agencies favored the .45 caliber for its stopping power and ease of use.
The impact of the 1887 Gun Control Act on the market
In 1887, the United States Congress passed the Gun Control Act, which imposed restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. This had a significant impact on the hand gun market of the time.
The Gun Control Act required individuals to obtain a license in order to carry a concealed weapon. It also prohibited the sale of firearms to certain individuals, such as convicted felons and those deemed mentally ill. Additionally, it imposed restrictions on the sale of firearms through mail order catalogs.
The Gun Control Act led to changes in manufacturing and sales of hand guns. Manufacturers had to comply with new regulations and ensure that their firearms were not being sold to prohibited individuals. Sales of hand guns through mail order catalogs also declined as a result of the act.
The enduring legacy of the best hand guns of the 1880s
The Colt Single Action Army, Smith & Wesson Model 3, Remington Model 1875, Webley Revolver, and Mauser C96 all left a lasting impact on the hand gun market. Their designs and features influenced future generations of firearms and continue to be popular among collectors today.
The Colt Single Action Army, with its iconic design and reputation for reliability, is often considered one of the best hand guns of the 1880s. Its influence can be seen in modern single-action revolvers, which continue to be popular among enthusiasts and collectors.
The Smith & Wesson Model 3, with its top-break design and ease of use, also had a significant impact on the hand gun market. Its influence can be seen in modern double-action revolvers, which are favored by law enforcement agencies and civilians alike.
The Remington Model 1875, with its sturdy frame and stopping power, remains a popular choice among collectors. Its influence can be seen in modern replicas and reproductions of the Model 1875, which are sought after by enthusiasts.
The Webley Revolver, with its top-break design and reliability, continues to be popular among collectors. Its influence can be seen in modern double-action revolvers, which are favored by British military and law enforcement agencies.
The Mauser C96, with its semi-automatic design and high-capacity magazine, revolutionized the hand gun market. Its influence can be seen in modern semi-automatic pistols, which are the most popular type of hand gun today.
Which hand gun was truly the best of the 1880s?
In my personal opinion, the Colt Single Action Army was the best hand gun of the 1880s. Its iconic design, reliability, and popularity among cowboys and lawmen make it a standout choice. The Colt Single Action Army’s influence can still be seen today in modern single-action revolvers.
While the Smith & Wesson Model 3, Remington Model 1875, Webley Revolver, and Mauser C96 all had their strengths and played important roles in the hand gun market of the 1880s, none had the same lasting impact as the Colt Single Action Army. Its reputation as the “gun that won the West” and its continued popularity among collectors make it a true classic.
