Pietta 1860 Army

About the Pietta 1860 Army

The Pietta 1860 Army is a reproduction of the Colt Model 1860 Army, the primary revolver issued to Union cavalry and officers during the American Civil War. Distinguished by its round barrel (versus the octagonal barrel of the 1851 Navy) and rebated cylinder, the 1860 Army offered improved ballistics in .44 caliber while maintaining manageable weight. Pietta produces standard, Sheriff (short barrel), snub-nose Thunderer (3" barrel), brass frame, and various engraved editions.

The Colt 1860 Army was the most widely used revolver of the American Civil War, with over 200,000 purchased by the U.S. government between 1860 and 1873. It represented Colt's answer to the demand for a .44 caliber military revolver that was lighter and better balanced than the massive Colt Dragoon. At 2 lbs 11 oz, it was a full pound lighter than its predecessor while firing the same .44 caliber round ball. The 1860 Army was carried by officers on both sides, including General George Armstrong Custer.

Pietta 1860 Army specifications

Black powder/percussion cap only. 17 variants including standard, Sheriff, 3" Thunderer snub-nose, brass frame economy, old silver, laser engraved, and Union & Liberty commemorative. The 1861 Navy civilian (.36 cal) and 1862 Police are sometimes grouped in this family.