UplandFeathers

It had become sort of a joke when we would drive through Hartford and pass the Blue Dome of the old Colt factory. I would say to my son: You know that Blue Dome… And he would finish the sentence: ..is the old Colt firearms factory. Today, Colt Firearms is not a big player in the firearms business, but from the late 19th century to the mid 20th century, Colt manufactured many popular firearms. The Single Action Army and 1911 are just two iconic products they produced—and still do today but with fierce competition from domestic and foreign producers. Ironically, one of those knock off manufacturers, United States Fire Arms, actually produced SAAs in the old Colt building. USFA has since moved out of the space and, by the way, makes a swell clone of the SAA. Look for an upcoming Unboxing story on one. Samuel Colt was a true marketer. He produced a good product and he made sure everyone knew about. The 1863 revolver was a revelation. It wasn’t just a single shooter but a six-shooter. Colt never saw the great success of his company, he dies and his wife ran the company for 40 years ushering in its success. I am sure Colt is smirking from wherever he is, knowing his Blue Domed factory build has been declared a National Historic Landmark. Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Company played a role in CT history and US history. If you ever drive by the building, ask your driving companions is they know about the Blue Dome.