Remington Model 1858
E. Remington & Sons · Revolver · Discontinued · 1861
Also known as: Remington New Model Army, Remington New Army, Remington-Beals Army
Overview
The Remington Model 1858 is an American .44 caliber cap-and-ball percussion revolver designed by Fordyce Beals and manufactured by E. Remington & Sons of Ilion, New York. Distinguished from its Colt rivals by a solid frame with an integral top strap, it offered greater strength and allowed the cylinder to be swapped out quickly for reloading. Carried widely by Union and Confederate troops during the American Civil War, the six-shot single-action revolver became one of the most respected sidearms of its era.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1276 g (45.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 337 mm (13.27") |
| Barrel Length | 203 mm (7.99") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 270 m/s (886 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 340 J (251 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .44 Caliber Percussion · primary — also known as .44 cal, .454 round ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Percussion Cap And Ball
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notches
- Features: Solid Frame, Removable Cylinder, Loading Lever, Octagonal Barrel
Variants
- Remington New Model Navy — Caliber
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1862
- Confederate States Army
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- American Indian Wars (1865-1875)
Production
Estimated total produced: 230,000 · Production years: 1861-1875
Over 230,000 produced; roughly 150,000 purchased by the U.S. government for the Civil War effort.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Fordyce Beals
Discontinued: 1875
Notes
Commonly called the Model 1858 after the September 14, 1858 patent date stamped on the cylinder, though production began in 1861. The improved 'New Model Army' appeared in 1863. Cartridge-conversion cylinders later allowed metallic .46 rimfire and .45 Colt ammunition.
Background
When a fire crippled the Colt factory in February 1864, the U.S. Ordnance Department turned heavily to Remington, and the 1858's solid-frame robustness earned it a reputation as 'the revolver that would not die.'