Originally, there were different models mfd by Remington during the 1860's. From largest to smallest they were
- New Model Army, .44 cal, 8" Barrel (what we call the 1858 Rem)
- New Model Navy, .36 , 7.5" Barrel. Looked just like the Army, but was a little smaller, unlike current repros which make the Army and Navy on the same frame. I wish someone would still repro the original smaller size
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New Model Belt Revolver, .36 cal, 6.5" barrel. A little smaller than the Navy. Boy do I wish someone would do an accurate repro of this gun! Dixie Gun Works sells Pietta's 5.5"-barreled version of the New Model Navy (which is again the size of the Army) as a "belt pistol." Their website is the only place I have seen this designation. They say it is smaller than the other New Model pistols, but from what I can tell reading about it online, it is the same size. Other websites list it as New Model Sherrif. The original Belt Revolver was available single- and double-action.
- New Model Police Revolver, .36 cal, 3.5-6.5" barrel, five-shot. Smaller yet than the "Belt Revolver," hence the first 5-shot in the lineup.
- New Model Pocket, .31 cal, 3.5-4.5" Barrel, five-shot. There are several repros of this pistol out there - it's the one without a trigger guard.
There were others as well, derringers, etc.
So that is the Remington Belt Revolver and where it fell in Rem's lineup. To add to the confusion, though, what everyone said about the generic "belt pistol" designation is ALSO correct. It their day, any of the above revolvers (except for the NM Pocket) would have been considered "belt pistols."
And, lastly, lest you think I am actually knowledgeable about this stuff, the source of my info:
www.american-firearms.com. This website has pages for every manufacturer under the sun (almost) and is VERY helpful with pictures and everything.
~D