I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1860 Army

Published on December 24, 2025
Duration: 6:29

This video provides an expert review of the Colt 1860 Army revolver, highlighting its historical significance as a successful military contract firearm that served Union troops during the Civil War. The review details its open-top design, aesthetic appeal, and compares it to contemporary models like the Remington 1858, emphasizing its unique features and legacy in firearm evolution.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1860 Army, a .44 caliber percussion revolver, was a pinnacle of Samuel Colt's designs and a crucial firearm for Union troops in the Civil War, with over 200,000 units produced. Its open-top frame design, secured by a wedge pin, offered advantages in fouling resistance and durability compared to some contemporaries like the Remington 1858.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt 1860 Army Legacy
  2. 00:26Historical Context: Civil War Service
  3. 01:09Design Features: Open-Top Revolver
  4. 01:45Colt vs. Remington Comparison
  5. 02:48Aesthetics and Styling
  6. 03:29Early Production & Confederate Use
  7. 04:13Cylinder Roll Stamp: Battle of Campeche
  8. 05:27Durability Debate: Open vs. Solid Frame

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Colt 1860 Army?

The Colt 1860 Army is historically significant as a highly successful percussion revolver, with over 200,000 units produced. It served extensively with Union troops during the American Civil War, marking a major achievement for Samuel Colt's military contracts.

What are the key design features of the Colt 1860 Army?

The Colt 1860 Army is characterized by its open-top frame design, held together by a wedge pin. This design bridged the gap between earlier percussion revolvers and the advent of cartridge firearms, and it featured a .44 caliber cylinder with a 6-round capacity.

How does the Colt 1860 Army compare to the Remington 1858?

While the Remington 1858 had a solid frame, the Colt 1860 Army's open-top design was noted for being less prone to fouling due to its larger cylinder arbor and take-up grooves. Experts suggest the Colt rarely suffered from perceived weaknesses related to shooting loose.

What does the cylinder roll stamp on the Colt 1860 Army represent?

The naval scene roll-stamped on the cylinder of the Colt 1860 Army commemorates the 1843 Battle of Campeche. This engraving was a tribute to Commodore Edwin Moore, an early patron of Samuel Colt's Paterson revolvers.

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