Colt: A Brand Steeped In American Tradition
Samuel Colt patented the first-ever revolver in 1836 and began production of the Paterson that same year. Although it was not commercially successful, later models such as the Walker and the Dragoon helped secure Colt's role as the dominant small arms manufacturer at the time.
During the Civil War, Colt was responsible for completing one of the Union's largest contracts, outfitting troops with Colt revolvers and Special Model rifled muskets. Samuel Colt passed away shortly after in 1862, but the company continued on in his stead and the Colt Single Action Army (nicknamed the Peacemaker) was introduced a decade later, ensuring Colt's continued success for years to come.
The Colt 1911
At the turn of the century, military officials sought to replace the myriad revolvers that were in service with a singular modern autoloading pistol. The Colt 1911, designed by the legendary John Moses Browning, was eventually chosen as the official sidearm of the Army before it was adopted by the Navy as well. This time, the Colt .45 was carried into the trenches of World War I and World War II.
The 1911 remained in use well after both wars had ended, enjoying the longest service life of any U.S. service pistol before it was phased out and replaced by the Beretta M9 in the mid-1980s. It also became a popular choice with civilian shooters, due in large part to its ubiquitous nature and rich military history.
The Colt Python
Colt released several new pistols and revolvers in the 1950s, most notably the iconic Colt Python. The Python was a resounding commercial success, beloved by law enforcement and civilians alike who praised the gun's smooth double / single action trigger and robust yet elegant design.
Like the Colt 1911 before it, the Python quickly became a fixture of American pop culture. Both firearms made numerous appearances in film and television throughout the late 1900s and into the 2000s, with the Python featuring prominently in AMC's The Walking Dead as Rick Grimes' preferred sidearm over the course of the show's run.
Colt's Legacy In 2025
Few firearms manufacturers are as iconic or intrinsically American as Colt; the brand is inseparably linked to several of the most famous guns ever created and thus, will always be revered as one of the best. To this day, the company puts out a solid product that looks great, feels great, and shoots great.
And although the industry has changed significantly since Samuel Colt patented his first revolver, consumers have continually demonstrated a healthy appetite for classic pistols and revolvers that are simultaneously functional and emblematic of the American identity. A Colt firearm isn't merely a firearm, it's a piece of history.
But What About The Blems?
Even Colt's blem guns are a little different. Despite occasional claims to the contrary, Colt's quality control is still as rigorous as ever, and this is plain to see in the latest batch of blem Colts to hit the market. These guns failed Colt's QC inspections due to very minor cosmetic flaws, amounting to what are near-imperceptible differences in the finish.
These guns are still perfectly functional and all Colt factory warranties still apply. In fact, most shooters would fail to identify these as blem guns at all unless they examined two Colts from the same lot side by side. This is a true testament to just how exacting Colt's quality control standards are in 2025.
Why You Should Buy A Blem Colt
Of course, Colt's blem guns are offered at a reduced price that is much lower than the cost of their non-blem counterparts. This affords shooters the opportunity to secure a 1911 or Snake-series revolver (like the Python or its big brother, the Anaconda) for less money. Cost savings aside, the slight variance in finish shading lends these guns a degree of character, making them a unique addition to any collection.
Colt makes some of the finest production handguns available, and their blem guns are no different. They won't last long, so consider grabbing one for your safe today! And if you want to learn more about the history of revolvers, be sure to watch our video with Matt and Jason below!
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