To all the Colt cognoscenti - how frequently did Colt (through their custom shop) offer SAA with "extended" grips? I'd guess they're sort of like 1860 Army grips (?) melded onto 1873 SAA frames. I'm not a fan of coiling my pinkie underneath the grip of a SAA and like the idea of a 1/4" longer grip that fits the hand more fully. The Uberti/Taylor's extended grips are basically the same thing.

I believe the 1860 grip is a direct fit to the Colt SAA and its exact copies. I am not aware of any original Colts that were so modified by the factory, but that is not to say it was never done.

I ask because I just found and purchased a circa 1989 SAA that came with a Colt research letter that documented, among other things, that the custom shop added the extended grip as part of the original order. In the "Remarks" section of the authentication letter it reads: "The records also indicate the above described revolver features an extended grip configuration. This special customizing was performed on Colt Custom Shop Order Number 3395."

I don't know if the custom shop order number 3395 was frequently added to orders but it was at least in this case. I don't even know if 3395 is simply a sequential number given to any customization work or if it specifically identifies an extended grip configuration.

According to Cochran (colt peacemaker encyclopedia)

The standard peacemaker has navy-length grips, and the "extra long " variation has the the army-length grips carried over from the 1860 colt army.

Cochran also states, long grips model peacemakers (1st generation) are extremely rare. Maybe 50 known. Replaced by the colt bisley.

Darn nice pistol you have there. The custom shop would build about anything special order; but again it was special order, making it an automatic collectors item. Nice find.

Fantastic! I'd bet 3395 is that specific customer's order. Regardless, please post a photo of that gem.

As soon as I receive it I will.

Here are a few photos of an extended grip Colt SAA. I have both Dall sheep and Bighorn sheep slabs so now to choose which one to have fitted.

I have been asked to explain the difference in this grip versus a standard SAA grip. The best way to describe it is to refer to the extended grip pictured above. The standard SAA grip ends just below the top of the lower fleur de lis (SP?) on the ebony extended grip. Bottom line is it gives your pinkie plenty of grip to grab.

Beautiful gun....

I believe Bill Jordan had one so modified as it is in his book, No Second Place Winner. Don't know if it was original Colt modification or some gunsmith did it for him...

Bob

Thanks for the pics John. That is a beautiful and very unique Colt.