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: Smith & Wesson Model: 627 Caliber: .357 Magnum, 38 special
The Smith and Wesson Model 627 is a strange cookie in that it holds 8..not 6..but 8 rounds in the cylinder. One of the main critiques of revolvers is lack of capacity and an extra ...(more)
Make: Winchester Model: 1885 Low Wall Caliber: 22 Hornet, 222 Rem., 223 Rem., 22-250 Rem.
The Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall made by Winchester repeating arms has a machined steel receiver, crisp adjustable trigger, and is a single shot. This gun is as classic American ...(more)
Make: Beretta Model: BU9 Nano 9x19mm Parabellum Caliber: 9mm
The Beretta Nano is the ultimate evolution of the micro compact carry pistol. Utilizing a removable, serialized sub-chassis the Nano pistol can be easily modified with replaceable...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 317 Kit Gun Caliber: .22 LR
The Smith & Wesson J-Frame has become the most popular small frame personal defense revolver on the market. With decades of reliable performance to its credit, the J-frame line off...(more)
