Quote:
Originally Posted by Apache
The Spencer Rifle went into production in 1860 and the Henry rifle was introduced in the early 1860's. Although the Volition was introduced in 1848 and Smith and Wesson formed the Volcanic Rifle Company in 1855.
Also it seems like most western authors think that everyone used a 45 caliber pistol. Actually the most popular cartridge caliber in the Old West was the 44-40. Most carried this caliber cartridge because they could use it in both their pistol and rifle and did not have to carry two types of cartridges. Also if you are interested look up the Ferguson Rifle designed in 1770 by Major Patrick Ferguson of the British Army. History lesson off.
Apache
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Yep. Of course, prior to the Civil War, cap and ball style pistols were common rather than cartridges. One reads of cavalry soldiers carrying a pocket full of pre-loaded cylinders for their pistols. Yep, I'm well aware of the Ferguson Rifle, If I remember correctly it was used by Ferguson's unit during the American Revolutionary War.