Other physical features of the revolver included a fixed iron sight provided aft of the muzzle. The hammer spur protruded upwards and away from the receiver to allow the thumb to manage its action. The pistol grip - covered on both sides by a beautiful walnut finish - was ergonomically curved and smooth to fit firmly in the firing hand. The thin trigger unit was set within an equally thin trigger ring. The cylinder was either fluted or un-fluted while the frame of original models was completed from steel.
In practice, the New Army Model 1860 saw widespread use, particularly during the American Civil War (1861-1865) which marked a production boom for the Colt Manufacturing Company. The initial 1,000 or so production-quality models were completed with 7.5-inch barrels but most were eventually seen with the more popular 8-inch barrels from there on. Not only did it see action with Union forces but the Confederates noted its robust and effective value enough to produce illegal local copies all their own. As a military sidearm, the New Army Model 1860 was everywhere battles were waged. It served as a sidearm to officers, infantry and cavalry personnel as well as second-line units. Some military versions were even fitted with an optional wooden shoulder stock (about as long as the pistol itself) to assist in a three-point stabilization system when firing, leading to reported accuracy benefits at range.
All told, some 200,500 examples were produced during the span of 1860 and 1873, most with the aforementioned 8-inch barrels. Of these, 127,156 were produced to fulfill the US government contract during wartime.
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