Civil War and Old West Guns

There's a certain historic beauty and charm imbued in the firearms of our ancestors.  Their bulkiness, the weight, sometimes the elegant simplicity of these weapons make them so unique compared to new generation of firearms.  No matter how effective a Glock 17 might be, in the hands of a firearms enthusiasts, the polymer simply doesn't feel as nice as heavy metal.

LeMat Revolver This .42 and .36 caliber revolver was definitely an unusual item, but immensely popular none the less. It featured a regular barrel, with a larger smooth bore barrel underneath for 16 gauge buckshot. It was a popular firearm of the Civil War and remains a favorite amongst collectors.

Colt 1851 Navy Revolver

This revolver is certainly one of the most popular percussion cap handguns agonst antique firearm enthusiasts. Despite it being called the Navy, it's users were regular civilian and land military forces, and is due simply to the engraved naval scene of the Battle of Campeche. It's cal was .36, rather than the sometimes cumbersome .44 of the dragoon and thus was favored as a belt carried revolver.

Colt Dragoon

This large and heavy .44 percussion revolver was mainly used by mounted infantry and held on saddle holsters rather than worn on the belt.  Smaller and lighters versions were made and named Baby Dragoons.

Sharps Rifle and Carbine

Renowned for their long range accuracy, the Sharps rifles and carbines were the most common breecheloading guns of the civil war.

Colt Single Action Army

Certainly the most famous single action revolver of all time, the Colt Single Action Army, also know as the Peacemaker, was once the weapon worn by lawmen, outlaws and gunslingers alike. I also included it in my Most Popular Handguns in the World page.  It's popularity is still keeping steady, with Colthaving stopped production twice and were forced to start back due to popular demand, even thought it hasn't been in service since 1892.