The first model Colt Double Action revolvers were launched in January of 1877 in .38cal. and the .41 followed short after. It was originally launched for the Colt New Line revolvers with an outside lubricated bullet and with the introduction of the Long Colt D/A inside lubricated bullet round about 1896, the outside lubricated bullet faded into obscurity. (Erlmeier, Brandt Ref. 389)