The Colt .45 Peacemaker: A legacy unchallenged

Told by H. Cody Blake (circa 1925)

Edited by Jim Fish

Ozona—The Colt .45 Peacemaker, also known as the Single Action Army, is a legendary revolver that has imprinted itself deeply into the lore of the American West. Introduced in 1873, its robust design, reliability, and ease of maintenance made it the firearm of choice for soldiers, lawmen, outlaws, and civilians alike. With its iconic six-shot cylinder, single-action mechanism, and .45 Colt caliber, the Peacemaker not only symbolized the taming of the frontier but also played a pivotal role in numerous historical events, from the Indian Wars to the Mexican Revolution, ensuring its place as an enduring symbol of the Old West. Read H. Cody Blake's personal experience with the Peacemaker, which was as relevant in 1925 as it is now…

In the pages of sporting magazines over the last two years, the debate has raged about the relevance of the old single-action .45 pistol, affectionately known as "The Old Peacemaker." The question on everyone's lips has been, "Is the Old .45 Obsolete?" Yet, in my readings, I have not encountered a single soul who believes this iconic firearm should be consigned to history. 

My connection with the Colt .45 began in childhood with a cap and ball Colt "Walker," which served as my first toy. For nearly forty years, this gun has been my constant companion. I've journeyed with it from Seattle to Mexico City, traversed the historic Spanish Trail from St. Augustine to San Diego, and roamed through countless Mexican states and American territories. I've wielded it during the Mexican Revolution and even carried it into the battlefields of France and Belgium in 1914, returning to the U.S. in '22, when I finally shook out its loads in compliance with the Sullivan law, though never out of lack of respect for its utility.

In the early days of the West, carrying a firearm was a necessity for protection. Now, the tables have turned; New York City has become more perilous than the notorious towns of the frontier like El Paso or Dodge City. My years in the saddle were accompanied by the trusty .44 Winchester rifle, but for personal defense, nothing surpassed the Colt .45. 

I've used this pistol more than most in confrontations, particularly during the tumultuous years from 1911 to 1918 in Mexico, where I, along with a few seasoned companions, did our part in the chaotic dance of revolution. Even in the trenches of World War I, where I was officially unarmed, my Colt was my silent ally.

To the question of obsolescence, I respond with a resounding "No." In Mexico, the Colt .45 remains the firearm of choice, overshadowing all others, from American to European makes. The Webley, while respected among the British, doesn't hold a candle to the Colt in practicality or reliability. Spanish imitations of the Smith & Wesson are simply inadequate, often missing targets at point-blank range, a critical flaw where accuracy is life or death.

Even in New York, the demand for second-hand Colts suggests they are far from obsolete. The most renowned dealer in firearms in the city laments the inability to keep these pistols in stock, a testament to their enduring popularity.

Reflecting on the West, though I've been absent since 1914, I'd wager the Colt is as cherished now as it ever was. In a recent rodeo, I observed that nearly every participant with a sidearm chose a Colt, with the majority opting for the .45 caliber. The simplicity of the Colt means that even in remote areas, maintenance could be managed by anyone from a cowboy to a blacksmith. 

The Colt's design, resilient and robust, does not favor the intricate mechanics of modern automatics, which are ill-suited for the dust and grime of the frontier. The Colt's strength lies in its simplicity and reliability, qualities that have made it a staple in law enforcement and civilian life alike in the Southwest.

Drawing parallels from the East to the West is folly. The Eastern states, with their different challenges and environments, miss the mark when it comes to understanding the needs of the frontier. The Colt .45 has been more than just a firearm; it has been an instrument of civilization, protecting homes, enforcing law, and bringing order where chaos once reigned.

The question of whether the Colt .45 will become obsolete hinges on many cultural and societal shifts that seem unlikely in our lifetime. Mexico would need to stabilize, the character of the West would need to transform radically, and the practical, rugged tools of the old West would need to be replaced by more urban, less durable implements. Until such a time, the Colt .45 will remain the "favorite of the Old and New West," a testament to Samuel Colt's visionary design.

In conclusion, the legacy of the Colt .45 Peacemaker will endure as long as there are those who appreciate the simplicity, reliability, and effectiveness of this legendary firearm. It's not just a gun; it's a piece of history, a symbol of a bygone era that refuses to fade into obscurity.