Short Answer for “colt buntline special”
No, the original Colt Buntline Special revolvers are not actively produced by Colt, but replica models are available from other manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
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The Colt Buntline Special gained legendary status in the Wild West lore due to the vivid description provided by author Stuart N. Lake in his 1931 biography.
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The narrative provided by Lake is largely considered fictional, but it played a significant role in cementing the Colt Buntline Special’s reputation as an iconic firearm.
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The long-barreled design, association with Wild West legends, and functionality contributed to the Colt Buntline Special’s widespread appeal among firearm enthusiasts and collectors.
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The original Colt Buntline Special revolvers are not actively produced by Colt, but several other manufacturers have produced their own versions of the Buntline Special revolvers as replica models.
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Enthusiasts can explore the world of Colt Buntline Special revolvers through classic firearms, authentic leather gun holsters, comprehensive guidebooks, stylish accessories, and in-depth biographies.
History of the Colt Buntline Special
During the 1870s, the Colt Buntline Special became a legendary addition to the Wild West tales, primarily due to the vivid description provided by author Stuart N. Lake in his 1931 biography, “Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal.” Lake depicted the Colt Buntline Special as a long-barreled variant of the Colt Single Action Army revolver. The fascinating part of Lake’s narrative was the claim that the dime novelist Ned Buntline commissioned the production of five Buntline Specials, each with an extra-long barrel, as a token of appreciation for the assistance provided by five lawmen in adding local color to his western stories.
Stuart N. Lake’s description
Stuart N. Lake’s portrayal of the Colt Buntline Special, while captivating, has been met with skepticism and scrutiny by Colt experts and historical researchers. The narrative provided by Lake in his biography is largely considered fictional, devoid of concrete evidence from secondary sources or primary documentation to substantiate the claims made about the origins and commissioning of the Buntline Specials.
However, Lake’s vivid storytelling played a significant role in cementing the Colt Buntline Special’s reputation as an iconic firearm associated with the Wild West lore.
Commissioned production by Ned Buntline
According to Lake’s account, Ned Buntline, a prolific dime novelist, took it upon himself to commission the production of the five Buntline Specials. These revolvers were characterized by their remarkably long barrels, with Lake describing them as measuring 12 inches in length.
The narrative implies that Buntline aimed to express gratitude to the five lawmen, incorporating them into the western narratives and lending a unique authenticity to his stories. However, the exact historical veracity of Buntline’s involvement in commissioning the production of the Buntline Specials remains a topic of debate and speculation among historians and Colt enthusiasts.
The Appeal of the Colt Buntline Special
The Colt Buntline Special gained widespread appeal due to its unique long-barreled design. This distinctive variant of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, popularized by Stuart N. Lake’s 1931 biography, Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal, captured the imagination of firearm enthusiasts and collectors alike with its intriguing backstory and exaggerated portrayal in literature.
Long-barreled variant
The allure of the long-barreled Colt Buntline Special lies in its association with the Wild West and legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. The extended barrel, often exceeding 12 inches in length, not only enhanced the revolver’s visual appeal but also contributed to improved accuracy and performance over longer distances, making it a coveted choice among gun enthusiasts and historical firearm aficionados.
The revolver’s elongated silhouette and historical significance set it apart as a unique and sought-after collector’s piece.
Furthermore, the Colt Buntline Special’s link to the dime novelist Ned Buntline, who purportedly commissioned the production of five of these revolvers, adds to its mystique and fascinating narrative. The blend of literary folklore and historical association contributed to its enduring appeal and desirability among collectors and firearm enthusiasts.
Functionality and design
The functionality and design of the Colt Buntline Special are integral to its overall appeal. Despite some speculation about the myth surrounding its origin, the revolver’s practicality and historical significance have solidified its place in the annals of firearms history.
The extended barrel, coupled with the revolver’s inherent ruggedness and reliability, underscored its utility as both a functional firearm and a symbol of the Wild West era.
The craftsmanship and attention to detail in the design of the Colt Buntline Special further bolstered its appeal, with enthusiasts admiring its intricate engravings, classic single-action operation, and authentic period aesthetics. The revolver’s association with iconic frontier lawmen and its portrayal in popular culture cemented its status as an enduring symbol of the Wild West, adding to its widespread appeal and desirability among collectors, historians, and firearm aficionados.
The Colt Buntline Special’s distinctive long-barreled variant, coupled with its functionality, historical significance, and legendary associations, contributes to its enduring appeal and allure within the realm of firearms and historical memorabilia.
| Main Characteristics | Appeal Factors | Functionality and Design |
|---|---|---|
| Long-barreled design | Association with Wild West legends, extended barrel for improved accuracy | Practicality, ruggedness, reliability, craftsmanship, period aesthetics |
| Popularized by Stuart N. Lake’s 1931 biography | Intriguing backstory, exaggerated portrayal in literature, link to Ned Buntline | Classic single-action operation, enduring symbol of Wild West, portrayal in popular culture |
| Widespread appeal among firearm enthusiasts and collectors | Mystique, fascinating narrative, enduring appeal and desirability | Symbol of Wild West, historical memorabilia |
Are Colt Buntline Special Revolvers Still in Production?
As of the current date, Colt Manufacturing Company does not produce the original Buntline Special revolvers. The Buntline Specials were initially conceived as a long-barreled variant of the Colt Single Action Army revolver, with reports indicating that only a limited number of such revolvers were ever manufactured.
Despite its historic significance and association with legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp, the original Buntline Special revolvers are not actively produced by Colt.
However, it is worth noting that several other manufacturers, including Uberti, Navy Arms, and Cimarron Arms, have produced their own versions of the Buntline Special revolvers as part of their respective product lines. These replicas often aim to capture the unique design and historical appeal of the original Buntline Special, catering to enthusiasts and collectors interested in owning a piece of this iconic firearm’s legacy.
While the original Buntline Special revolvers may not be in current production, the enduring fascination with this distinctive firearm has fueled the creation of replica and tribute models by other firearms manufacturers. These reproductions strive to honor the legacy of the Buntline Special and provide enthusiasts with the opportunity to own a piece of this legendary revolver’s heritage.
In essence, while the authentic Colt Buntline Special revolvers are no longer in production, the spirit of this iconic firearm lives on through the homage paid by various manufacturers through the production of replica models. These replicas allow enthusiasts to experience a piece of history and celebrate the enduring allure of the Buntline Special revolver.
Recommended Amazon Products for Colt Buntline Special Enthusiasts
Here’s a curated list of products that can help you explore the world of Colt Buntline Special revolvers with ease. These recommendations are based on functionality, historical significance, and collector appeal.
Colt Single Action Army Revolver
This iconic revolver is often associated with the Wild West and legendary figures such as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. It captures the essence of the Colt Buntline Special with its historical significance and classic design.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Classic design | Limited barrel length |
| Historical significance | Higher price point |
| Association with Wild West legends | Limited production |
Western Leather Gun Holster
This authentic leather gun holster provides a vintage feel and is perfect for enthusiasts looking to display or carry their Colt Buntline Special revolver.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Authentic western design | Limited compatibility with modern firearms |
| Durable leather construction | May require additional care and maintenance |
| Ideal for display or carrying | Limited color options |
The Gun Digest Book of Firearms Assembly/Disassembly Part I – Automatic Pistols
This comprehensive guidebook provides detailed instructions for disassembling, assembling, and maintaining firearms, including the Colt Buntline Special.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed instructions | Specific to firearms assembly/disassembly |
| Extensive coverage | Limited to part I of automatic pistols |
| Valuable resource for firearm maintenance | Limited focus on historical context |
Wild West Gun Revolver Cufflinks
These stylish cufflinks feature a miniature replica of a Wild West gun revolver, adding a touch of Western charm to formal attire for Colt Buntline Special enthusiasts.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique Western accessory | Limited to formal occasions |
| Stylish design | Limited to cufflinks |
| Ideal for firearm enthusiasts | Limited versatility |
Wyatt Earp: Frontier Marshal by Stuart N. Lake
Explore the comprehensive biography of Wyatt Earp written by Stuart N. Lake, the author who played a significant role in popularizing the Colt Buntline Special in Western lore.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| In-depth biography | Limited content relevance |
| Explores Western history | Singular focus on Wyatt Earp |
| Offers valuable historical context | Limited focus on the Colt Buntline Special |
Top Recommended Product for Colt Buntline Special Enthusiasts
If you’re looking for the best solution to explore the world of Colt Buntline Special revolvers, we highly recommend the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. This iconic firearm captures the essence of the Colt Buntline Special with its historical significance, classic design, and association with Wild West legends. Ready to immerse yourself in Western history? Check out the Colt Single Action Army Revolver today for the best results!
