Intro
Discover the top 10 US Army sidearms in history, from revolvers to semi-automatics. Explore the evolution of handguns used by American soldiers, featuring iconic firearms like the Colt M1911, M9 Beretta, and Glock 19. Learn about the innovations, tactical advantages, and battlefield impact of each sidearm that shaped US military history.
The United States Army has a rich history of utilizing sidearms to equip its soldiers. From the early days of the Revolutionary War to the present day, the Army has employed a wide range of pistols and revolvers to provide its personnel with a reliable means of self-defense. In this article, we will explore the top 10 US Army sidearms in history, highlighting their characteristics, usage, and impact on the battlefield.
The Early Years: Flintlock Pistols and Revolvers
In the early days of the US Army, sidearms were not as prominent as they are today. However, as the years went by, the need for a reliable handgun became increasingly important. One of the earliest sidearms used by the US Army was the flintlock pistol, which was employed during the Revolutionary War.
1. Flintlock Pistol (1775-1800)
The flintlock pistol was a muzzle-loading handgun that used a flint and steel mechanism to ignite the powder charge. Although it was prone to misfires and had a limited range, the flintlock pistol was a significant improvement over earlier handguns.
The Advent of Revolvers
The introduction of revolvers in the mid-19th century revolutionized the world of sidearms. Revolvers offered a significant advantage over earlier handguns, as they allowed soldiers to fire multiple shots without reloading.
2. Colt Walker Revolver (1847)
The Colt Walker Revolver was one of the first revolvers used by the US Army. Designed by Samuel Colt, this massive handgun was chambered in.44 caliber and had a five-shot cylinder.
The Civil War Era
During the American Civil War, the US Army employed a variety of sidearms, including revolvers and pistols.
3. Colt 1851 Navy Revolver (1851)
The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver was a popular sidearm during the Civil War. Chambered in.36 caliber, this six-shot revolver was widely used by both Union and Confederate forces.
4. Remington Model 1860 Army Revolver (1860)
The Remington Model 1860 Army Revolver was another popular sidearm during the Civil War. Chambered in.44 caliber, this six-shot revolver was known for its reliability and accuracy.
The Late 19th and Early 20th Centuries
As the US Army continued to evolve, so did its sidearms. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the introduction of new pistols and revolvers, including the Colt M1873 and the M1911.
5. Colt M1873 Single Action Army Revolver (1873)
The Colt M1873 Single Action Army Revolver was a iconic sidearm used by the US Army during the late 19th century. Chambered in.45 caliber, this six-shot revolver was known for its reliability and durability.
6. Colt M1911 Pistol (1911)
The Colt M1911 Pistol was a groundbreaking sidearm introduced by the US Army in 1911. Chambered in.45 ACP, this semi-automatic pistol was designed by John Browning and remained in service for over 70 years.
World War II and the Cold War
During World War II and the Cold War, the US Army continued to evolve its sidearms, introducing new pistols and revolvers.
7. M1911A1 Pistol (1924)
The M1911A1 Pistol was an improved version of the M1911, introduced in 1924. Chambered in.45 ACP, this semi-automatic pistol remained in service until the 1980s.
8. M15 General Officer's Pistol (1972)
The M15 General Officer's Pistol was a special edition of the M1911A1, introduced in 1972. Chambered in.45 ACP, this semi-automatic pistol was issued to general officers and remained in service until the 1990s.
Modern Sidearms
In recent years, the US Army has introduced new sidearms, including the M9 and the M17.
9. Beretta M9 Pistol (1985)
The Beretta M9 Pistol was introduced by the US Army in 1985. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, this semi-automatic pistol remained in service until 2017.
10. SIG Sauer M17 Pistol (2017)
The SIG Sauer M17 Pistol is the latest sidearm introduced by the US Army, in 2017. Chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, this semi-automatic pistol is designed to provide improved accuracy and reliability.
US Army Sidearms Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed this journey through the top 10 US Army sidearms in history. From the early days of flintlock pistols to the modern semi-automatic pistols of today, the US Army has always sought to provide its soldiers with the best possible sidearms. Whether you're a history buff or simply interested in firearms, we hope this article has provided you with a fascinating look at the evolution of US Army sidearms.