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Remington Model 1858

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 14:18 Written by Administrator Thursday, 02 July 2009 12:41

The Remington Model 1858 was a .44 calibre revolver designed and manufactured by the Remington Arms Company. It was used during the American Civil War, mainly by the soldiers of the Union. Approximately 132,000 Model 1858 revolvers were manufactured from 1862 to 1875. Many soldiers would prefer the Model 1858 over the Colt Army Model 1860 because of its durability and faster loading.

The Remington Model 1858 was a single action, six-shot revolver. The design for the revolver is covered under Patent 21,748 which was issued on September 14, 1858 to Fordyce Beals. The revolver has a large frame and an 8-inch long barrel. Three different variants of the Model 1858 were manufactured, namely: Army & Navy, “Old Model” Army & Navy, and “New Model” Army & Navy. These three models are almost identical except for some subtle differences in hammers and loading levels.

When the American Civil War began, most revolvers made use of paper cartridges. These cartridges were made from paper treated with oxidizers and contained both the bullet and the charge. When fired, the paper would get completely burnt. The main advantage with paper cartridges was that it made loading the revolver much faster and easier.

When optimally loaded, Remington revolvers were very accurate and packed considerable firepower. Paper cartridges produced muzzle velocities ranging from 700 to 900 feet per second and were accurate for 70 yards or more. The revolvers could also be fired for a long time before any maintenance and cleaning was needed.

The Remington has an innovative feature: the strap over the cylinder. This strap added additional strength to the weapon and continues in the design of many of the modern heavy-frame revolvers.

Even today, variants and replicas of the Remington Model 1858 continue to be manufactured and used. Notable companies that manufacture replicas include Uberti, Euroarms and Pietta. Replicas manufactured by Uberti and Euroarms are almost identical to the original Remington Model 1858 with interchange of parts possible. More number of replicas have been produces than the original revolver—a fact which demonstrates the popularity of the weapon even in modern times.