In 1836, Samuel Colt changed the face of warfare with the production of the first of a series of iconic and influential single-action revolvers, including the .44-caliber Colt Walker and the seminal .45-caliber Colt Single Action Army, which remains in production today. These weapons shifted the role of the pistol from single-shot weapon of last resort to a practical and powerful sidearm that gave the soldier the ability to defend himself once his primary armament was discharged. It transformed cavalry tactics and relegated the sword to a largely ceremonial role in many armies.

Featuring full-color artwork, expert analysis, and gripping first-hand accounts, this is the absorbing story of Colt's family of single-action revolvers, covering their origins, development, use, and lasting impact on the modern world.

Martin Pegler was the Senior Curator of Firearms at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, England. He is currently an author and firearms consultant and runs a bed and breakfast in Somme, France.

Mark Stacey works as a freelance illustrator and lives in Cornwall.

Born in Malaya, Alan Gilliland spent eighteen years as the graphics editor of the Daily Telegraph. He now writes, illustrates, and publishes fiction (www.ravensquill.com) and illustrates for publishers (www.alangilliland.com).