Ammunition Resupply & the Tale of the Schofield Revolver

Published on July 25, 2016
Duration: 9:57

This video delves into the logistical challenges of ammunition resupply for 19th-century US cavalry, comparing the Colt Single Action Army (.45 Colt) with the Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver (.45 Schofield). The Schofield's top-break design offered faster reloading, but cartridge incompatibility created significant field issues. The development of the 1877 Military Ball Cartridge, a compromise round, ultimately solved this logistical conflict.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver offered faster reloading via its top-break action compared to the Colt SAA. However, ammunition incompatibility between the .45 Schofield and .45 Colt cartridges caused logistical problems until the 1877 Military Ball Cartridge provided a unified solution.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Schofield Shooting
  2. 00:21Ammo Standardization & Logistics
  3. 01:03Colt Single Action Army (.45 Colt)
  4. 02:10Schofield Revolver Advantage
  5. 03:05The Logistical Conflict: .45 Schofield Cartridge
  6. 04:13Compatibility Issues in the Field
  7. 05:341877 Military Ball Cartridge Solution
  8. 06:36Cartridge Compatibility Demonstration
  9. 07:55Post-Military History of Schofield

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main advantage of the Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver over the Colt SAA?

The Schofield's top-break action allowed for much faster reloading and simultaneous ejection of all six spent cartridges with one hand, significantly improving operational speed compared to the Colt SAA's slower gate-loading process.

What ammunition compatibility issues existed between the Schofield Revolver and the Colt SAA?

The Schofield used the .45 Schofield cartridge, while the Colt SAA used the .45 Colt. The .45 Colt cartridge was too long for the Schofield, and the .45 Schofield's larger rim could cause binding in the Colt SAA, often limiting it to three rounds.

How was the ammunition incompatibility between the Schofield and Colt SAA resolved?

Frankford Arsenal developed the 1877 Military Ball Cartridge. This round was essentially a .45 Schofield cartridge with a reduced rim, making it fully compatible with both the Colt SAA and the Smith & Wesson Schofield Revolver.

What was the historical significance of ammunition standardization for the US Army?

Ammunition standardization was crucial for logistical efficiency. It ensured that soldiers could be resupplied effectively in the field, preventing combat ineffectiveness caused by incompatible ammunition for different firearm models.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from InRangeTV

View all →