Hello,
I know that originally SAA's were sold to the U.S. Army in 1873, and that those revolvers were the 7 1/2" length. Were they also sold at that time to civilians, or only to the military? When did they become generally available to the public, and in what configurations? I have read that the 4 3/4" first became available in 1879, and also 1882, not sure which is correct. I cannot remember ever seeing an 1870's shipped 4 3/4" SAA, but have seen one shipped in 1884.
Jared