Today for Gus’ Gear I have a Colt M1909 .45 caliber revolver. The M1892 to M1903 .38 caliber revolvers were deemed insufficient in knockdown power, and it was decided that a .45 caliber weapon would be better. The M1909 was an improvement on the preceding .38 revolvers. The problem with the cylinder being forced out of alignment during rotation was solved by having the cylinder revolve clockwise. The pressure of the advancing pawl would force the cylinder crane tight against the revolver frame. The side plate was moved to the left side of the revolver, and it was chambered for the .45 Long Colt cartridge. This revolver was labeled the New Service Revolver and would be put into service with the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom before the Great War was over. About 20,000 were produced for the United States Military.
The left side of the M1909 shows the cylinder release just below the hammer. Like on the earlier revolvers, this is pulled back to release the cylinder so it can swing out to the left to eject spent cartridges and reload. The holster is an enlarged version of the .38 holster to accommodate the larger frame and cylinder of the .45 caliber weapon. It is also a left hand holster as these weapons were primarily used by mounted troops who would also carry a saber. The leather thong on the holster is there so the soldier can secure the holster to his leg to keep the holster from moving up with the revolver as it was being withdrawn, assuring an easy one handed draw. The .45 Long Colt cartridges were packaged in boxes that held 20 rounds.
There is very little to see on the right side of the M1909 revolver. The inspector’s marks are above the right grip. The butt of the revolver is marked with the service number and U.S. Model 1909.
This shows how the cylinder swings out to the left for reloading. Also visible in this photo is the Rampant Colt trademark just above the left grip.