All of these features appealed to the armed forces. It was both double and single action, it utilized the spring-loaded ejector rod, and the later models could fire the new (at the time) smokeless powder cartridges. This type of double action revolver represents a significant step in the evolution of the revolver, as it was Colt's first swing out cylinder revolver.
Army primarily used these models, though there were civilian models as well. There are similar models of this handgun made by Colt: the Model 1889, 1892, 1895, 1896 and later the Model 19. 38 for a good reason, as it is a double action revolver and is chambered for the.
This revolver is sometimes called the D.A. The Colt Model 1894 revolver is an important piece of history in the evolution of the modern handgun.
