Colts on the Big Screen!

[Captainkirk]

One of my favorite portayals in recent history of the Colt firearm was Jeff Daniels in 'Gettysburg' atop Little Round Top, shooting his 1860 Army .44. Although it is likely not historically correct (there is still raging debate among scholars and historians as to whether officers actually carried extra cylinders during the Civil War) or technically correct (in the heat of battle, it was not likely that an officer would have the time, nor care, to have a cylinder topped off with what appears to be Crisco at 05:40 in Part 2) the scene of Daniels (Chamberlain) reloading and seating the barrel on a log over the freshly-loaded cylinder is soul-stirring to any BP enthusiast. I give very, very high marks to this flick despite the horrendous whiskers.
Can't say for certain what his brother is shooting, but it appears to be an 1851 Navy.
PART 1

PART 2

PART 3

PART 4 (different poster-lower quality. Why? I don't know.....)

[ssb73q]

Hi Captain, yes, that is my favorite civil war movie. This summer we went to Gettysburg and saw the Little Round Top location. It was very moving.

I must admit to being an 1858 snob, but am learning about the utility of the 1851/1860. With some practice, I can change out 1851/1860 cylinders almost as fast as the 1858 Remington.

There is little new under the sun. If we find cylinder change out a useful attribute to BP revolver use, I have little doubt that our grandfathers did the same. Logic always rules! The obvious is rarely recorded.

Regards,
Richard

[Saranac Sam]

  I was browsing last night through "Sixguns" by Elmer Keith, 1961 edition; looking at chapter 8, Gun Rigs And Holsters.  He says:
 "Many Confederate cavalrymen carried as many sixguns as they could lay hands on, often as many as four so they could keep up a continuous fire when necessary.  They often carried extra loaded and capped cylinders in a pouch on the gunbelt as well as in their pockets for a quick change when one cylinder ran dry in combat." (boldface added by me)
  Interesting if true, but he gives no attribution for this.  Keith's book is considered a "bible" by some.  He certainly has a lot of colorful stories.

[dc7x64]

Dang! Did we loose that one too? My team never wins

[omarkw]

it seems like a search of colts records would tell if extra cylinders were sold with revolvers. or if many more cylinders were made and sold than guns. either case would tend to prove the extra cylinder theory. would some one please check that out????     mark

[StrawHat]

During the ACW, there was a fire at the Colts plant and most of the records were burned.  Not much available for research.

[omarkw]

How bout Remington or some of the other makers?        Mark

[Captainkirk]

The problem with the "cylinder swap theory", Mark, is this:
Back in the day, Colt and Remington cylinders were not cut on precise CNC machinery as today. Each gun was hand-assembled and fine-tuned at the factory. If you bought a spare cylinder, you would likely have to get it custom fit to your gun and tuned/timed for proper operation & lockup. Not a realistic proposition for the average cowpoke or infantryman. It would be way easier to just buy another gun or two.

[omarkw]

I understand that, capt, but if the research was done it would lend physical evidence, circumstantial as it would be, to either credit or discredit the theory, instead of speculation.    Now, was that sentence long enough?    Mark

[StrawHat]

Early on, the Paterson was issued with extra cylinders and it made a difference when the Texas Rangers went against the Commanches.  That is the ONLY historical reference of which I am aware and it was brought to my attention on anohter forum.

While an interesting thought, during a shooting fracas, which is faster?  Swapping cylinders or drawing a second (or fourth) revolver?  I opt for the extra revolver.  Your option may be different but I believe we hear about the two gun cowboy for a reaon and not the guy with extra cylinders they buried on Boot Hill.

[omarkw]

I understand that guys, but the debate rages and that research would help prove or disprove it. And I know switching guns is faster but you can carry a lot more cyls than pistols.  As with many things, there are advantages both ways. I'm not arguing one way or the other as I don't KNOW. And speculating is not knowing.    Mark