Armi Jager built the first Italian clone of the Colt 1873. Starting in 1962, this revolver was imported by InterContinental Arms of Burbank, CA. In the 70’s the major importer switched to EMF, also of southern California. Both those companies used the ‘Dakota’ trade label for this revolver.
The Jager Dakota is generally known as a robust, durable gun, though it is sometimes panned for inauthenticity. Screw dimensions are metric and it usually has a brass grip assembly. Intuitive single action gunsmiths can get Colt parts to function on the Jager, but this work requires advanced insight.
Jager idled production of all their models in the early 90’s, and then ceased business altogether with the retirement of key employees. Very late, the company was known as Adler.
Retailers / Models
- InterContinental Arms Dakota
- EMF Dakota
- HEGE Dakota
- KBI / Kassnar 1873 Frontier
- Navy Arms 1873 Frontier
- Mitchell Arms 1873 Frontier
- Liberty Arms Kansas
Import years: 1962 – 1993
Serial ranges: 1 to 100000 or so
1873 Colts and Clones 