Infernal Combustion Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 Found this interesting tidbit a few minutes ago: History Channel - Today in History Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Jim Henry, SASS #20616 Posted January 4, 2011 Share Posted January 4, 2011 From the article: "When choosing a practical weapon for self-defense and close-quarter fighting, most Americans preferred knives, and western pioneers especially favored the deadly and versatile Bowie knife." Shortly thereafter, the saying "Never bring a knife to a gunfight" became popular! Regards, TJH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocDisaster # 45431 Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 The Comanche sure got a big surprise when some Texas Rangers got their hands on some Colt Pattersons, sure changed their tactics... Doc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Coles SASS 1188 Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Actually, these were not the first Colts sold to the American Military. The US Navy purchased Paterson revolvers and rifles which were used, among other places, in the Mexican War in California. The US Army bought some which were used in the 2nd Seminole War. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-BAR #18287 Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 Those were the days...when the gov't spent its (our!!) money on useful stuff. (sigh) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas Man Posted January 5, 2011 Share Posted January 5, 2011 The first Colts were the Paterson Models. The smallest model was the number 1 Pocket model made from 1837 to 1838 with total production of appox. 500 produced. It was a five shot 28 caliber with a folding trigger. Barrel lenght was 1 3/4 inch to 4 3/4 inch with a few special order. Many were cased with accessories. The next model was called the number 2 Belt model and was 31 caliber folding trigger five shot and were made from 1837 to 1840 in four basic models know with slight differences such as grip constuction and cyclinders rounder or square at rear and so fourth. The next was the number three Belt Model in 31 caliber made from 1837 to 1840. Most ad a barrel lenght from 3 inches to 5 1/2. A few later had loading levers and are rare. Total production was about 450. Later models were rounded at the rear of the cyclinder. Of these models there are six different variations. Many collectors including myself beleave there was never the "Fourth Model" but rather the 3nd model with short barrels. Special barrel lenghs are sometimes found on this model. Many were also cased with accessories. The next Model is the Number 5 Hoster or as Texas Model. This one is my favorite and I have owned a number of them. The Texas Model is 36 caliber with a folding trigger and five shot Barrel lenghts are from 4 to 12 inch. The Texas Model was made from 1838 to 1840 with appox. 1,000 produced. There are two variations and a few have the loading lever. In 1839 180 were sold to the Navy of the Rebublic of Texas and later 100 sold to the U.S. Government and later in 1845 50 more. of the 150 Paterson soild to the State Of Texas they all had nine inch barrel and were intended to be used by the Texas Navy at a price of $35.00 each. Also a number of Texas Paterson were sold to civilians. The first great use of the new Texas Paterson came when Texas ranger Jack Hays and 15 rangers took on 80m Comanche Indians in a riunning fight on horseback in I seem to recall 1840 where as the rangers killed over half the Indians in the fight. One Pistol was lost in the running fight and the Ranger later came back and found it. The Texas Paterson was also used by Jack Hays at Enchanted rock in Llano, Country Texas and I love it when one of his men recalled Jack sitting the eveing before talking to his pistol and was overheard to say "boys if I need you I will need you badly tomorrow". Another documented use of the Texas Paterson was athe Council House fight at San Antonio, Texas when all the Great Comanche Chiefs came to talk returning captvies and a fight broke out with many getting killed. Use of the Texas Paterson is noted in a rather large number of fights. I had a Texas Paterson that I shot when I was much younger and it hit high and to the left about 10;30 aclock on the target. I think of all the Paterson the Texas Model is the most romatic and I love to handle them and look down the barrel. Of all the Collectable Colts the Paterson and the Walker are the hardest to find and expect to pay what a fine house would cost if You intent to own one. But They are the top of the top in any collection. Your Pard, Texas Man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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