[azshot]

All the classic 20th century Colt pistols, double and single actions, were hand assembled and timed. The early DA models, the New Service, through the Army Special, Officers Models, even the Police Positives. Up until the last few revolvers models they made starting in the 1960s. Same with S&W, same with Merwin and Hulbert, all of them were labor intensive. Bill Ruger invented designs that were easy to assemble without a lot of individual craftsmanship required on each piece. That's why they cost about half price. And are still in the revolver business, where Colt isn't unfortunately.