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American Handguns

Although the number of gun manufacturers in the United States is far and reaching, the big two of the American firearms golden age are traditionally acknowledged to be Colt and Smith & Wesson. Ruger, a latecomer, made its own mark in a significant way.

Founded in 1836 by Samuel Colt to manufacture his patented six-shooter design, Colt produced important rifles, machine guns, and the iconic M1911 semi-automatic pistol, which was adopted and long used by the U.S. military. Smith and Wesson, whose handguns represent some of the most highly collectible pieces at auction, has been one of America's most valued firearms manufacturers since 1854. Today, Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is the only full-line manufacturer of American-made firearms, producing numerous variations of sought-after handguns including the SR1911.

American handguns are considered by many to be the best the world has to offer. There is no shortage of American-made offerings to choose from at arms auctions.


Quick Facts

  • An extremely rare Colt 1905 semi-automatic pistol sold at Christie's of London in 2004 for £16,730
  • In 2014, a lot consisting of a Colt Model 1911 pistol, Smith & Wesson sidearm, and medals and insignia belonging to WWI veteran Major Joseph Stockham sold at a James D. Julia auction for $11,500
  • In 2015 at James D. Julia sale, a Colt 1905 .45 semi auto with matching stock and holster from the Elmer Keither Collection sold for $29,325

Recommended Items at Auction

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RUGER MARK III .22 LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
RUGER MARK III .22 LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$17017 Bids
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RUGER SR1911 STAINLESS .45 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
RUGER SR1911 STAINLESS .45 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$36016 Bids
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CASED 1979 THOMPSON CENTER CONTENDER PISTOL WITH T/C .45 ACP 10" OCTAGON BARREL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
CASED 1979 THOMPSON CENTER CONTENDER PISTOL WITH T/C .45 ACP 10" OCTAGON BARREL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$24015 Bids
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1ST YEAR! SIG ARMS SP2340 .357 SIG SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH SIG BOX
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
1ST YEAR! SIG ARMS SP2340 .357 SIG SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH SIG BOX
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$22015 Bids
Ruger Lcp Semi Automatic Pistol
Apr 25, 10:00 AM MST
Ruger Lcp Semi Automatic Pistol
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$18014 Bids
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RUGER SR22 "LADY LILAC" TALO EDITION .22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
RUGER SR22 "LADY LILAC" TALO EDITION .22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$20012 Bids
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TAURUS PT-145 MILLENNIUM PRO .45 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH FACTORY CASE
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
TAURUS PT-145 MILLENNIUM PRO .45 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH FACTORY CASE
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$8510 Bids
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1968 THOMPSON CENTER CONTENDER PISTOL WITH T/C 17-222 10" OCTAGON TYPE II BARREL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
1968 THOMPSON CENTER CONTENDER PISTOL WITH T/C 17-222 10" OCTAGON TYPE II BARREL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$22010 Bids
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TAURUS PT 738 TCP .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH FACTORY BOX
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
TAURUS PT 738 TCP .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL WITH FACTORY BOX
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$909 Bids
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NORTH AMERICAN ARMS GUARDIAN .32 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
NORTH AMERICAN ARMS GUARDIAN .32 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$609 Bids
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RUGER LCP .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
RUGER LCP .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$1609 Bids
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RUGER REDHAWK 7.5" STAINLESS .44 REM MAG REVOLVER WITH FACTORY CASE
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
RUGER REDHAWK 7.5" STAINLESS .44 REM MAG REVOLVER WITH FACTORY CASE
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$5008 Bids
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FI MODEL D .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
FI MODEL D .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$1308 Bids
New Dan Wesson V-Bob Valor .45 ACP 1911 SS Semi-Auto Pistol in Original Box
Apr 25, 10:00 AM EDT
New Dan Wesson V-Bob Valor .45 ACP 1911 SS Semi-Auto Pistol in Original Box
by Richmond Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$3008 Bids
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1965 RUGER MARK I TARGET .22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
1965 RUGER MARK I TARGET .22LR SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$808 Bids
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TAURUS SPECTRUM .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
May 18, 9:00 AM MST
TAURUS SPECTRUM .380 ACP SEMI-AUTO PISTOL
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$257 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Handguns


Kraft Auction Service

Kraft Auction Service

Hermann Historica GmbH

Hermann Historica GmbH

Bradford's

Bradford's

Poulin Antiques & Auctions

Poulin Antiques & Auctions