Witloe Precision Inc. was arguably among the finest of American Gun Makers. They were totally American made from scratch with no Italian parts. Few gun enthusiasts know of the company or have examined their high quality revolvers. Even before they ceased production, Witloe revolvers were being sought after by competition target shooters and arms collectors.

Located in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, Witloe produced two revolvers. Both are re-creations of the original Model 1858 Remington New Army Model .44 cal. revolver. Almost identical in design to the original Remington, the Witloe frames were machined from both silicon bronze and steel. The Lee model was bronze-framed, symbolic of the Confederacy’s melting down of bells for gun parts. The Grant model was of steel as were the original revolvers. Researchers still don’t know how many Witloe revolvers were ever made. Apparently, the “serial numbers,” stamped below their loading levers, may not be serial numbers per se.

Most of their small gun production were Lee models. As few as 35 Grant models were made. Witloe gun parts interchange with those of the original 1858 New Model Army Remington. The quality of these revolvers equal that of the century-old originals. Two design changes were made to discourage counterfeiters from “passing off” Witloe revolvers as originals. First, the frame screws enter from the right side, in opposition to the originals. Second, their barrels were cut with a “ratchet rifling” reminiscent of a design used in British match rifles. Witloe buyers could choose grips made of imitation ivory or American Walnut.

The Witloe is one of the hardest replica revolvers to find. They were only in business for a couple of years in late 1950's. They went out of business because they couldn't compete with Navy Arms at that time. R. T. Lane bought up all the left over parts, etc. and produced a few in the mid 1960's. These later revolvers are known as 2nd Generation Witloes. Most were target models. 1st Generation were marked WITLOE PRECISION INC/COLLINGDALE PENNA USA and 2nd Generation were marked WITLOE COLLINGDALE PENNA USA. These markings are on the top of the barrel in two rows.