Lindsay Model 1860

History of Lindsay Model 1860

The Lindsay Model 1860 two-shot pistol was a workaround on a Colt revolver patent during the American Civil War (1861-1865). New York stock John P. (J.P.) Lindsay developed a line of short-lived double-barreled weapons, including several pistols and the US Model 1863 Double Rifle Rifle (described in detail elsewhere on this page).

During the 1864 operation, the rifle had limited combat use. Neither weapon was a huge success, but any weapon that could stop people was a popular weapon in the Civil War.

The Model 1860 is a front-loading gun (loaded from the business end of the barrel) whose reload is released by the shock cap method. Unique to the Lindsay pistol is the use of two hammers and two impact cap joints for the single barrel in the gun.

The operator must ride in a special car to load the ammo and mini bullets in the correct order or face dire consequences. In fact, many of these types of single-chamber firearms have suffered accidents and barrel bursts - the patent's approaching sound has never been proven.

In all other respects, the Model 1860 has a curved wooden grip and a sturdy metal body, a traditional pistol design. The trigger with the guard ring is placed underneath as usual, the barrel extends far forward and is fitted with an iron front sight.

The general difference compared to the revolvers of the day was the use of two hammers, which were required for the two-shot capability. The operator can choose between cocking both hammers or adjusting them individually - the correct one always fires first.

Between recalls in the heat of battle and handling two primers (which could come off without notice), this gun isn't a good candidate for widespread military problems.

As a result, the production of the 1860 was very limited, of only 100 units. This was followed by the purchase of 1,000 Model 1863 two-shot rifles by the Federal Army. With the Colt patent finally expiring, this workaround proved to be rarely needed in the postwar period.

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