“Tag: John McAulay”

During the American Civil War, the best carbine used by cavalry troopers on either side was the seven-shot, repeating Spencer. The Model 1860 and 1865 Spencer carbines saw service into the Indian Wars and were replaced by an arguably inferior arm, the “Trapdoor” carbine.

Though eclipsed by other repeaters—such as the Henry and Spencer—the rifle version of Col. Colt’s percussion revolver saw field service with Yankee forces throughout America’s bloodiest conflict.

Though its first deliveries were to the South, it was also the handgun most used by Federal cavalry.