Common Guns in the Civil War
36 Colt 1862 Revolver
Colt made a smaller size pistol with
enough power for serious self-defense. The most popular model up to the
Civil War lacked enough power for serious self-defense. The question we
faced was would it stop the vigorous assailant we had in mind.
The most popular Colt made before 1900 was the 31
caliber models of 1848 and 1849. About 350,000 were made between 1847 and
1873. But it lacked power.
The next size up is the 36 caliber
models. The model 1851
Colt was too large and heavy. Our need as authors was met by the Colt
Model 1862 Revolver. It was a five shot light weight model made as
either the Model 1862 Navy or the Model 1862 Police.
The Navy model cylinder is unfluted with a Navy battle
scene roll engraved on it. To shed additional ounces, the Police model
cylinder is deeply fluted. The 1862 is significantly smaller than its look
alike predecessor, the 1860 Colt Army in 44 caliber. To many collectors,
the Colt models 1860 and 1862 are the epitome in development of the cap
and ball revolvers.
Both were loaded with loose
blackpowder and a bare bullet referred to as "cap and ball," or with paper
cartridges. Loading a cap and ball revolver
is from the front of the cylinder.
Manufacturing quality control suffers during any war,
and Colt in the Civil War was no exception. If the barrel moved too far
forward, then the cylinder would move to where the hammer couldn't reach
the percussion caps. Then the gun wouldn't fire (shoot). Field expediency
could exchange barrels and cylinders among revolvers on hand for the most
serviceable fit. The heroine's Model 1862 has had the barrels switched when
somebody tried to find a better fit.
For more information, consult "Flayderman's Guide To
Antique American Firearms" by Norm Flayderman, or "Colt Conversions" by R.
Bruce McDowell, and the references cited therein.
Technical Information
| Length |
11 Inches |
| Weight |
1
½
pounds |
| Caliber |
36 (.375") |
| Bullet Weight |
76 grains |
| Power Charge |
22 grains |
| Muzzle Velocity |
750 feet per seconds |
| Muzzle Energy |
100 foot pounds |
|
