There is no question that over time, the sidearm, whether a pistol, revolver or something else, has become a favorite of the US military. Throughout the nation’s history, the sidearm has played a pivotal role in the uniform across all active-duty US service branches. It’s for this very reason that a sidearm will be found on almost every US soldier you see on base or in a combat area.
15. Colt M1851 Navy Model
The Colt M1851 Navy Model is a .36-caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1851 and 1872 and served in the Civil War.
14. Colt M1860 New Army Model
The Colt M1860 New Army Model is a .44-caliber revolver. Similarly to the Colt M1851 Navy Model revolver, it was primarily used between 1851 and 1872 and served in the Civil War.
13. Remington Army Model
The Remington Army Model is a .44 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1851 and 1872 and served in the Civil War.
12. Colt New Army Model
The Colt New Army Model is a .44 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1872 and 1902 and served in the Spanish-American War.
11. Remington Army
The Remington Army is a .44 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1872 and 1902 and served in the Spanish-American War.
10. Colt Single-Action Army
The Colt Single-Action Army is a .45 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1872 and 1902 and served in the Spanish-American War.
9. Smith & Wesson No. 3
The Smith & Wesson No. 3 is a .45 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1872 and 1902 and served in the Spanish-American War.
8. Double-Action Army
The Double-Action Army is a .38 caliber revolver that was primarily used between 1872 and 1902 and served in the Spanish-American War.
7. Colt Model 1901
The Colt Model 1901 is a .38 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1902 and 1926 and served in World War I.
6. Colt Model 1909
The Colt Model 1909 is a .45 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1902 and 1926 and served in World War I.
5. Colt/Smith & Wesson Model 1917
The Colt/Smith & Wesson Model 1917 is a .45-caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1902 and 1926 and served in World War I.
4. Smith & Wesson Victory Model
The Smith & Wesson Victory Model is a .38 caliber revolver. It was primarily used between 1926 and 1956 and served in World War II.
3. Colt Model 1911
The Colt Model 1911 is a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. It was primarily used between 1912 and 1985 and served in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War.
2. Beretta M9/92 FS
The Beretta M9/92 FS is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. It was primarily used between 1985-2017 and served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
1. Sig Sauer M17 & M18
The Sig Sauer M17 (& M18) is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. It was introduced in 2017 and is the current service pistol of the U.S. Army. It has been used in the war in Afghanistan.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Hélène Rival / Wikimedia Commons.
