Was there a revolver whose use was preferred by the U.S. Cavalry during the Civil War?

[45 Dragoon]

The fixed barrel on the Remington is more accurate. Go down the line at a World Championships, and you'll find Remingtons and Rogers & Spencer revolvers. And the Remingtons will certainly shoot outstanding scores. I've seen one Colt in the original match.

I here ya and that's always what folks will say . . . but what you see at Championship matches is "high end" barrels screwed into various Remingtons/ R&S's (many from Pedersoli). I doubt most you see are "run of the mill" offerings from Uberti or Pietta. I've never heard of any "high end" barrels made for any of the open-top platform revolvers. Open-top barrels would be EXPENSIVE to make since they aren't "screw in". I would bet most Colt open-top platform revolvers at those matches are probably originals.

My own open-top revolvers are quite capable of stellar accuracy- '60 Armys or Dragoons as well as my Remington and my ROA's. I've decided that most of us "everyday" or "casual" shooters are usually quite happy with the accuracy of our particular revolvers.

I was more interested in your reasoning of the Remington platform being "stronger " than the Colt open-top platform. I think as with the "what you see at . . . " argument it's the same as the "what is stated most often " . . . because the Remington is familiar in looks with modern SA revolvers. If Remington top straps were as thick and wide as Freedom Arms, Rugers or BFR's they might be correct . . . but they aren't and my experience with the Remingtons suggests they are inferior to the open-top platform.

Mike

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Well, I would believe that in all out competition, World Championship Contests, the Remington might/could be/is more accurate. However, for combat use by the average soldier and using Army issue ammunition, I don't see there being enough difference to make a difference. ? I don't see the decision being made to scrap one or the other, based on a half inch difference in group size. ? I assume World Championships are won by less than that. A surplus of new Remington revolvers, and Colt not producing pistols at the moment, makes more sense, to me. But will we ever know?

Not a world championship group, but I wouldn't scrap the pistol for a Remington. Yes, I have a Remington, love it, and it is very accurate too.

 

[hawg]

I here ya and that's always what folks will say . . . but what you see at Championship matches is "high end" barrels screwed into various Remingtons/ R&S's (many from Pedersoli). I doubt most you see are "run of the mill" offerings from Uberti or Pietta. I've never heard of any "high end" barrels made for any of the open-top platform revolvers. Open-top barrels would be EXPENSIVE to make since they aren't "screw in". I would bet most Colt open-top platform revolvers at those matches are probably originals.

My own open-top revolvers are quite capable of stellar accuracy- '60 Armys or Dragoons as well as my Remington and my ROA's. I've decided that most of us "everyday" or "casual" shooters are usually quite happy with the accuracy of our particular revolvers.

I was more interested in your reasoning of the Remington platform being "stronger " than the Colt open-top platform. I think as with the "what you see at . . . " argument it's the same as the "what is stated most often " . . . because the Remington is familiar in looks with modern SA revolvers. If Remington top straps were as thick and wide as Freedom Arms, Rugers or BFR's they might be correct . . . but they aren't and my experience with the Remingtons suggests they are inferior to the open-top platform.

Mike

Most of the Remington competition models have Lothar Walther barrels and have adjustable sights. As for a Remington being stronger that's all poppycock and nonsense.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Methinks the debate is coming down to how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. However, there must be some historical evidence, perhaps some documentation, in some forgotten diary, or letter to the ordinance board, of a Calvary officer stating that they would like to be issued one over the other, for some reason. But again, I don't think we shall ever know.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Open-top barrels would be EXPENSIVE to make since they aren't "screw in". I

Are they ever sleeved? Not related to the debate, just curious. Both my Uberti revolvers, one Colt, one Remington, sure have nice rifling, and both seem exceptionally accurate. The rifling and accuracy of my Euro-Arms 1860 is kind of "meh". Not terrible, but not "great". That would be a candidate for sleeving, if not expensive. Progressive depth and gain-twist, that would be "special".

 

[RetiredUSNChief]

"Issued" ammunition was only a part of the picture.

Many soldiers had their own bullet molds to suit their own weapons, not the least reason being the simple fact that the weapons they had were their often their own personal ones.

And soldiers would scavenge whatever they could in the fields. Weapons from downed soldiers of either side, munitions to suit, bullet molds, and any/all lead sources to use as either ammunition or fodder for bullet molds.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Many soldiers had their own bullet molds to suit their own weapons, not the least reason being the simple fact that the weapons they had were their often their own personal ones.

Probably more common on the Confederate side. ? Yes, there was "gun guys" then, just like now. Still debating in the grave as to what was superior, the Remington or Colt.

"Issued" ammunition was only a part of the picture.

True. I believe that mass produced issue ammunition varied widely as to the quality of the powder and bullets. I imagine or would guess that some military contract ammo had very poor quality powder, undersize bullets, etc., that would not perform well in whatever one's pistol of choice was.

 

[Mike OTDP]

I here ya and that's always what folks will say . . . but what you see at Championship matches is "high end" barrels screwed into various Remingtons/ R&S's (many from Pedersoli). I doubt most you see are "run of the mill" offerings from Uberti or Pietta.

I was referring to the MLAIC original revolver event. Match 7, "Colt". No replacement barrels allowed. Not that you need one...the best score I've ever shot, in match or practice, was with my original Remington.

I wound up spending a day doing arms inspection at the 2012 Worlds.

 

[45 Dragoon]

Are they ever sleeved? Not related to the debate, just curious. Both my Uberti revolvers, one Colt, one Remington, sure have nice rifling, and both seem exceptionally accurate. The rifling and accuracy of my Euro-Arms 1860 is kind of "meh". Not terrible, but not "great". That would be a candidate for sleeving, if not expensive. Progressive depth and gain-twist, that would be "special".

Yessir, usually it's .36 cal to .38. I'm sure as far as $ goes the sky is the limit!!

Mike

 

[45 Dragoon]

I was referring to the MLAIC original revolver event. Match 7, "Colt". No replacement barrels allowed. Not that you need one...the best score I've ever shot, in match or practice, was with my original Remington.

I wound up spending a day doing arms inspection at the 2012 Worlds.

I don't get to shoot often but if practice can make things better I'd stick with my Whitneyville Dragoon in 45C and/ or '60 Army in 45acp.

6 Shots 21 ft off hand.


10 shots 21ft off hand '60 Army 45acp (Hornady Critical Duty +p's)

Mike

 

[Mike OTDP]

13 shots. 25 meters. Offhand.

 

[45 Dragoon]

That's real nice. My point is, a properly set up open-top revolver can be every bit as accurate as a frame with a screwed in barrel. As far as the strength part goes, the open-top is the winner.

Mike

 

[dickydalton]

That's real nice. My point is, a properly set up open-top revolver can be every bit as accurate as a frame with a screwed in barrel. As far as the strength part goes, the open-top is the winner.

Mike

I have six to prove it. Actually seven, including the Jackrabbit Walker.

 

[hawg]

I don't shoot paper much. It bores me to tears and I don't care about groups. As long as I can hit a Coke can more often than not at 25 yards one hand unsupported I'm happy and my Pietta 51 navy handles that job very well. I shot his target shortly after I got it so it's been awhile.

 

[old lady new shooter]

C'mon Jack! It's beautiful in a strange and steam-punk sort of way. !!! I like it!

I like it too.

Fascinated with the trigger guard!