HOME | DD

Description
After a few complaints with the Model 1869 Warhawk revolver (mainly its slow reloading due to it being a fixed cylinder design), the Union Army contracted Smith & Wesson to convert its Model 3 revolver to the Army's .58-48 Government standard pistol rounds and be double-action like the Warhawk already in service. The new revolver was soon introduced by the end of 1870 and was quickly pressed into service. While mainly intended to serve as a cavalry weapon, the M1870 was popular with officers throughout the rest of the Union Army.

Description
After a few complaints with the Model 1869 Warhawk revolver (mainly its slow reloading due to it being a fixed cylinder design), the Union Army contracted Smith & Wesson to convert its Model 3 revolver to the Army's .58-48 Government standard pistol rounds and be double-action like the Warhawk already in service. The new revolver was soon introduced by the end of 1870 and was quickly pressed into service. While mainly intended to serve as a cavalry weapon, the M1870 was popular with officers throughout the rest of the Union Army.