Starr Model 1858 / Model 1863

History

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), the U.S. government required all types of firearms and commissioned Starr Arms to manufacture single-action (SA) versions of double-action (DA) revolvers. Both versions were eventually adopted by the North, with at least 47,454 produced in total. These Western campaigns, primarily used for warfare, eventually saw three sub-variants of the base design - the 1858 double-action naval model.

36 cavity, 1858 dual action army model. 44 cavity and 1863 single action army model. 44 chambers with yields of 3,000, 21,454 and 23,000. Civilian sales also took place during this period.

The design of the pistols fell to Ebanezar (Eban) Townsend Starr, and all weapons were manufactured at the Starr Arms Company's factories in Binghampton and Yonkers, New York, for federal service. These guns rely on a shock cap system, with each chamber of the cylinder holding six rounds, with a charge and a ball. Primers were placed on the waiting nipples located in each chamber.

The hammer then lands on these caps to generate the required propellant ignition in each chamber, the resulting force driving the bullet out of the barrel.

Externally, the revolver has a traditional design layout. The handle has an ergonomically curved design that fits comfortably in the hand while being covered with a practical handle. A sturdy frame mounted around the rotating six-shot cylinder provided a strength generally lacking in open revolvers of the day.

The hammer protrudes from the rear of the frame, within reach of the shooter's thumb for manipulation when needed. A loading arm sits under the barrel to strike the contents of the chamber backwards (and therefore closer to the impact cap opening). The barrel sits on this arm as usual, and the bullet is guided into it by appropriate seals from the front of the barrel to the rear of the barrel.

All in all, this is a traditional turret arrangement that has stood the test of time. Aiming is carried out by means of an iron fitting on the top of the gun.

In terms of numbers (over 47,000), the Stahl Double Action Revolver was one of the most widely produced and used revolvers in the American Civil War.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes