Remington-Beals Model 1858 Navy
E. Remington & Sons · Revolver · Discontinued · 1861
Also known as: Beals Navy, Remington Beals Navy Model Revolver
Overview
The Remington-Beals Model 1858 Navy is a six-shot, single-action .36 caliber percussion (cap-and-ball) revolver designed by Fordyce Beals and manufactured by E. Remington & Sons of Ilion, New York. Slightly smaller in frame than the companion Beals Army model, it features a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel and the distinctive solid-frame topstrap that gave Remington revolvers their reputation for durability and resistance to frame stretching. Produced during the opening years of the American Civil War, it was the first in the line of Remington percussion revolvers that evolved into the famous New Model Army and Navy pistols.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1077 g (38.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 337 mm (13.27") |
| Barrel Length | 191 mm (7.52") |
| Action Type | Revolving |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 229 m/s (751 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 152 J (112 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .36 Caliber Percussion (Cap and Ball) · primary — also known as .36 cal, .36 percussion, 9.1mm
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notches
- Features: Solid Frame Topstrap, Octagonal Barrel, Six Shot Cylinder, Loading Lever, Walnut Grips
Service history
Operators
- United States Army · adopted 1861
- United States Navy
Conflicts
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
Production
Estimated total produced: 14,500 · Production years: 1861-1862
Approximately 14,500 Beals Navy revolvers produced before the design was superseded by the 1861 and New Model Navy revolvers
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Fordyce Beals
Discontinued: 1862
Notes
The Beals Navy was the earliest Remington belt-size revolver, protected by Fordyce Beals's patent of September 14, 1858. Production was short, running roughly 1861-1862 before being superseded by the improved 1861 (Elliot's Patent) and New Model designs. Many surviving examples were later factory-converted to fire metallic cartridges such as .38 rimfire for continued naval service. Weight figure is approximate.
Background
The Beals Navy was the first Remington revolver to carry Fordyce Beals's solid-frame design, whose one-piece topstrap over the cylinder became the hallmark that distinguished Remington cap-and-ball revolvers from their open-top Colt rivals and made spent-cylinder swaps far easier in the field.