You’ll find the Colt Buntline Special stands out from standard Single Action Army revolvers with its distinctive 12-inch or 16-inch barrel, dwarfing the typical 7.5-inch Peacemaker design. The .45 Long Colt chambering and detachable shoulder stock enhance accuracy and stability. Modern replicas from manufacturers like Uberti and Cimarron range from $700-900, while original 1870s models fetch $200,000-600,000 at auction. The Buntline’s fascinating story blends documented engineering with controversial historical claims.
Key Takeaways
- The Buntline Special is a Colt Single Action Army revolver variant featuring an extended 12-inch barrel and detachable shoulder stock.
- Originally claimed to be commissioned for five lawmen in the 1870s, though Colt’s records don’t verify these historical claims.
- Modern replicas are manufactured by companies like Uberti, Cimarron, and EMF, with prices ranging from $700 to $900.
- The revolver chambers .45 Long Colt ammunition and offers superior accuracy compared to standard Colt revolvers due to its longer barrel.
- First mentioned in Wyatt Earp’s 1931 biography, suggesting the original Buntline Special may be more myth than historical fact.
Description
The Buntline Special represented a distinct variant of Colt’s legendary Single Action Army revolver, featuring an extended 12-inch barrel that dwarfed the standard 7.5-inch Peacemaker configuration.
You’ll find this Frontier-era firearm was also available with a 16-inch barrel option and included a detachable shoulder stock. The Buntline Special maintained Colt’s proven .45 Long Colt chambering, enhancing accuracy at longer ranges.
Price Range
Modern replicas of Buntline Special revolvers typically range from $700 to $900, with manufacturers like Uberti, Cimarron, and EMF Great Western II offering various configurations. If you’re seeking a rare original Colt Buntline Special from the 1870s, you’ll find prices between $200,000 to $600,000 at auction.
| Manufacturer | Model | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| EMF | Great Western II | $731-784 |
| Cimarron | Wyatt Earp Frontier | $874 |
| Colt | Original (1870s) | $200K-600K |
Specifications
You’ll find the Buntline Special’s most distinctive feature in its extended 12-inch or 16-inch barrel length, setting it apart from standard Colt revolvers. The revolver chambers six rounds of .45 Long Colt ammunition in its cylinder, delivering substantial stopping power. Built with blued steel construction and classic wood grips, the Buntline Special weighs significantly more than standard models due to its lengthened barrel.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.5 lbs (12″ barrel) |
| Barrel Length | 12″ or 16″ options |
| Material | Blued steel, wood grips |
| Ammunition | .45 Long Colt |
Weight
Weighing in at 43.1 ounces (2.69 pounds), Colt’s Buntline Special stands notably heavier than standard Single Action Army revolvers due to its distinctive 10-inch barrel.
The Frontier Buntline’s weight distribution is well-balanced for two-handed shooting, though you’ll find the Colt Revolver’s heft challenging during extended use. This makes Buntline Specials less practical for SASS competitions or daily ranch work.
Barrel Length
The legendary Buntline Special featured a distinctive 12-inch barrel length, setting it apart from the standard 7.5-inch Colt Single Action Army revolvers of the era.
You’ll find that Colt also offered even longer 16-inch barrels as a custom option, which were showcased at the 1876 Centennial Exposition. The extended barrel length provided enhanced accuracy and range compared to standard models, though some owners chose to modify them.
Material Made Out Of
Made entirely of blued steel construction, the Buntline Special maintained the same robust materials and build quality as its standard Single Action Army counterpart.
Like other Colt revolvers of the era, it featured a steel frame, cylinder, and extended barrel designed to handle the powerful .45 Long Colt cartridge. The detachable wooden shoulder stock provided additional support during aimed fire.
Chambered In
Originally chambered in the powerful .45 Long Colt cartridge, the Buntline Special’s ammunition specifications matched those of the standard Single Action Army model.
Like other Single Action Army revolvers of the era, the Buntline Special’s .45 Colt chambering provided consistent performance across its variants, including the longer-barreled “Buggy Rifles” versions that were showcased at the 1876 Centennial Exposition.
Capacity
Like standard Single Action Army revolvers, Buntline Special models featured a six-round cylinder capacity for .45 Long Colt ammunition. When you’re using the Buntline, you’ll load each chamber individually through the loading gate, rotating the cylinder between rounds.
While the longer 12-inch or 16-inch barrel and removable shoulder stock enhanced accuracy, the revolver’s capacity remained consistent with other Colt revolvers of the era.
Trigger Pull
The Buntline Special’s trigger pull delivers a crisp, smooth break at 4-5 pounds in single-action mode. The extended 12-inch barrel and removable shoulder stock increase the trigger reach compared to standard Colt Single Action Army models.
You’ll notice the added barrel weight helps reduce felt recoil, enhancing double-action accuracy. Many owners customize their Buntline Special by filing the front sight to optimize trigger reach for their hand size.
Safety?
Standard safety features on Buntline Special revolvers include a half-cock notch position and transfer bar mechanism to prevent accidental discharge.
Like other Old West revolvers with 16-inch barrels, you’ll find additional stability through the detachable shoulder stocks, which enhance shooting safety by improving control and accuracy. The longer barrel length also contributes to better muzzle control during operation.
Action
Building upon its safety features, Colt’s Buntline Special operates as a single-action revolver, requiring manual cocking of the hammer before each shot.
The Buntline revolver, made famous by Wyatt Earp in the 1950s TV series, gives you enhanced accuracy through its extended 12-inch or 16-inch barrel options. You’ll also gain additional stability and precision when using the detachable shoulder stock for long-range shooting.
Optic Ready?
Unlike modern handguns designed with optic mounting systems, historical Buntline Special revolvers weren’t manufactured with any provision for optical sights or scope mounts.
While these long-barreled Colt revolvers were known for being sturdy and accurate with their 10-16 inch barrels and removable shoulder stocks, they relied purely on traditional iron sights for target acquisition and aiming.
Review
You’ll find the Buntline Special offers exceptional accuracy due to its extended 12-inch barrel, though you’ll need to contend with reduced maneuverability in close quarters.
The revolver’s reliability matches that of the standard Colt Single Action Army, maintaining the proven single-action mechanism and robust construction that made the platform legendary. While you can count on consistent performance from modern reproductions, the scarcity of original models makes authenticity verification nearly impossible.
Pros
The Buntline Special’s most significant advantages stem from its enhanced 12-inch barrel length and removable stock configuration, which provide superior accuracy and range compared to standard Colt revolvers.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| 12-inch barrel | Extended range and accuracy |
| Removable stock | Improved stability and precision |
| Folding target sights | Enhanced aiming capability |
| Two-handed design | Better recoil control |
| Balanced construction | Smoother handling |
You’ll find the Buntline Special offers substantial improvements over the standard Colt Peacemaker, making it particularly effective for long-range shooting scenarios.
Cons
Historical research has called into question nearly every aspect of the Buntline Special’s existence, casting significant doubt on both its authenticity and practical advantages. Dime novelist Edward Zane’s claims that Ned Buntline commissioned these revolvers are unsubstantiated by Colt’s records, exposing a significant historical fabrication.
| Issue | Evidence | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Records | No Colt documentation | Challenges existence |
| Historical Proof | No period photographs | Questions authenticity |
| Physical Evidence | No surviving examples | Undermines claims |
| Contemporary Accounts | No period mentions | Suggests fictional creation |
Reliability
Despite historical controversy surrounding its origin, modern reviews and testing of Buntline Special replicas demonstrate exceptional mechanical reliability.
You’ll find the Colt Buntline Special’s manufacturing process ensures tight tolerances and sturdy construction, resulting in smooth, consistent actions. When compared to standard Colt Single Action Army models, the Buntline Special’s design delivers superior accuracy and dependable performance for both target shooting and historical reenactments.
Similar Models
Several modern firearms manufacturers have produced replicas inspired by the legendary Buntline Special, despite the original’s questionable historical existence. You’ll find Colt, Uberti, and Cimarron offering their interpretations with barrel lengths ranging from 10 to 18 inches.
Cimarron’s Wyatt Earp Frontier Buntline revolver, featured in “Tombstone,” sports a 10-inch barrel and weighs 2.69 pounds, differing from the purported 12-inch original.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Modern manufacturers beyond Colt have created their own distinctive Buntline-style revolvers, each offering unique specifications and features.
You’ll find Uberti’s 1873 Revolver Carbine and Navy Arms’ Frontier Buntline Model featuring 16-inch and 16.5-inch barrels respectively.
Cimarron’s Wyatt Earp Buntline sports a 10-inch barrel, while Heritage Arms’ Rough Rider offers a 16-inch variant. EMF’s Great Western II includes a 12-inch barrel option.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance of the Buntline Special ensures its longevity and reliable performance. Unlike other firearms, this model, which Buntline commissioned the production of, requires specific care.
You’ll need to regularly clean the bore and chambers, keeping them free from debris. Check the wooden grips and screws for tightness, and apply light gun oil to moving parts.
Store it in a cool, dry environment to prevent corrosion.
History
The storied history of the Buntline Special dates back to a 1931 biography of Wyatt Earp, where this legendary long-barreled revolver first came to light. According to the account, Edward Zane Carroll Judson, writing as Ned Buntline, commissioned the .45 Long Colt revolvers with 12-inch barrels for five lawmen.
However, Colt’s records don’t verify these claims, suggesting the Buntline Special may be more myth than reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Colt Buntline Specials Were Made?
You’ll find that Colt manufactured approximately 4,000 Buntline Special revolvers between 1957-1974, featuring their distinctive 12-inch barrel and .45 caliber design. You should note that production ceased in 1992, making original Colts highly sought after by collectors.
Today, you can find modern reproductions from manufacturers like Uberti USA and Cimarron, who’ve continued the legacy with their own 16-inch barrel versions since the 1990s.
Did Wyatt Earp Really Use a Buntline Special?
You’ll find that the legends surrounding Buntline Special’s use by Wyatt Earp aren’t supported by historical evidence. While Stuart Lake’s 1931 biography claims Earp carried a long-barreled revolver with distinctive design features, there’s no historical accuracy to these Buntline stories.
The purported use of Buntline by famous figures like Earp remains unverified, as Colt’s records don’t show any orders matching the described weapon. The entire story appears to be more fiction than fact.
What Is the Most Sought After Colt Revolver?
If you’re looking at collector’s market value, you’ll find the Colt Walker 1847 is consistently ranked as the most sought-after Colt revolver. Its historical significance stems from being the first large-scale Colt production model, with only 1,100 units manufactured.
You’ll notice unique engraving patterns and manufacturing variations among surviving examples, which significantly impact their value. A pristine Colt Walker can command prices exceeding $1 million at modern auctions.
What Is the Rarest Colt Revolver?
Picture a masterpiece of engineering so rare, you’d have a better chance of finding a unicorn. The rarest Colt revolver is the Single Action Army “Buggy Rifle” with a 16-inch barrel from the early 1870s. With unique serial numbers and custom factory modifications, only 31 were ever produced, and just 10 of the documented 18 survivors retain their original long barrels.
These pre-production prototypes, often featuring engraved holster designs, command astronomical prices of $200,000-$600,000.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt Buntline Special stands as a testament to both form and function in firearm engineering. Like a painter’s masterpiece frozen in steel, this legendary revolver combines the proven reliability of Colt’s Single Action Army with its distinctive 12-inch barrel. While you won’t easily acquire an original model, modern reproductions maintain the same exacting specifications that made this extended-barrel revolver a piece of American firearms history.
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