Posted by Jason Brumett
Though many percussion revolvers were on the market before, during, and after the Civil War, no firearm offered such a challenge to the dominant Colt revolvers as did the 1858 Remington. Produced in both .36 caliber (Navy) and in the more popular .44 caliber, the 1858 Revolver was considered by many to be every bit the gun a Colt was, and then some. It is said that soldiers of the Civil War not only preferred it by far as their choice of sidearm, but would actually trade a handful of Colts for one Remington New Army. In fact, after the war, the Remington out-sold the Colt as a surplus weapon to veterans who had experienced first hand how the two guns stood up side by side to the rigors of combat use. The strength of the Remington had always been the first issue in its favor. As elegant as the Colt revolvers were, they lacked the strength of the solid frame Remington. Perhaps not as easily dismantled for cleaning, the Remington 1858 was full framed and capable of bearing under greater abuse than the open-top design of the Colt.
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 642 Caliber: 38 Special
They only carry five rounds of .38 Spl +P ammunition and, at 15 ounces, they weigh about the same as some autoloaders that hold more rounds. At first blush, it might seem that Smit...(more)
Make: Beretta Model: 687 Silver Pigeon V Caliber: 12 gauge
The Beretta 687 Silver Pigeon V 12 Gauge Shotgun it the perfect combination of quality and durability in the Silver Pigeon over-and-under range. Dedicated to the increasing flock o...(more)
Make: Beretta Model: 21 Bobcat Caliber: .22 LR, .25 Auto
Trustworthy and precise, this compact, rugged small frame measures just 4.9 inches (125 mm) overall and weighs only 11.5 ounces (325 grams). The same dedication to advanced design,...(more)
Make: Beretta Model: M9 Commercial 9mm 15Rds Caliber: 9mm
From the jungle heat of Panama to the sandstorms of Iraq, the men and women of the U. S. Armed Forces have counted on the Beretta M9 pistol for over two decades of distinguished s...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 649 Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 special
Originally named the Chiefs Special, the Smith & Wesson Model 649 has been the first choice for those who insist on an all steel, small frame revolver with greater recoil control a...(more)
