most common pistol

[JimW]

What was the most commonly carried pistol of the war?

[Southron Sr.]

If I recall correctly, Uncle Sam purchased something like 120,000 plus .44 Colt Model 1860 Army Revolvers. The second largest number of pistols purchased were the .44 Remingtons and the Starr Revolvers came in third.

Colt was happily charging the Ordnance Department $23.00 each for the M1860's and Remington, either out of patriotism of seeing a chance to put it to a rival gun maker, charged Uncle Sam only $12.00 each for their revolvers! After that, in 1863, Remington got most of the pistol contracts.

All in all, I would say that the Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was the most widely used revolver of the Civil War.

[1840cavsaber]

Both 60 colts, and 58 Remingtons were the workhorse pistols of the war.

I like my 1860 Colt because of its sleek streamlined shape, but I personally favor the 58 Remington, because of its stronger frame, easier to load/ remove the cylinder. And its large size gives way to the term horse pistol!



However...............dont forget that the 1851 COLT NAVY in 36 caliber as well as 44. Was extremely popular as well!!!!

[John Holland]

The original 1851 Colt Navy was never produced in .44 caliber....the only ones around are fantasy reproductions.

JDH

[JimW]

Thank you for the info.

Now I have read that the average soldier didnt carry a pistol, and that they were only the norm for officers or artillery crews. (I heard they had them to shoot wounded horses)

I guess the exception would be irregulars like Mosby's or Quantrills men?

[Southron Sr.]

Yankee cavalrymen were usually issued a pistol, saber and carbine. Mosby thought that the saber was an obsolete weapon and consequently his men usually carried several revolvers and a carbine or shotgun.