Colt sold SAA's to the public BEFORE the Military adopted it. That's why. Famed gunslinger Johnny Ringo had #222. As well, Colt sold to civilians during the 1st Military run. Colt was shipping SAA's to England in early 1874 and the Texas Frontier was a Helluva lot closer than England for sure. Most likely the one at Adobe Walls was sold by Zimmerman's in Dodge City who bought it from J.P. Moore's in NYC:
Extremely Rare Documented Early Production Colt "Pinched Frame" Single Action Army Revolver Serial Number 37 from Mel Torme Collection
P.S. Most historians discount the "long shot" as total BS for several reasons.
It was never mentioned until 1927 when Dixon's widow conveniently mentioned it in his biography, 14 yrs. after his death.
A letter written shortly after the battle by a survivor has no mention of it either. As well, the famous Collier's Magazine article after the turn of the century merely mentions Dixon taking a shot at an Indian at around 800 yds. and nothing more.
Extremely Rare Documented Early Production Colt "Pinched Frame" Single Action Army Revolver Serial Number 37 from Mel Torme Collection
P.S. Most historians discount the "long shot" as total BS for several reasons.
It was never mentioned until 1927 when Dixon's widow conveniently mentioned it in his biography, 14 yrs. after his death.
A letter written shortly after the battle by a survivor has no mention of it either. As well, the famous Collier's Magazine article after the turn of the century merely mentions Dixon taking a shot at an Indian at around 800 yds. and nothing more.