The Evolution of U.S. Army Sidearms From the 1700s to Today
The sidearm has long played an important role in U.S. Army equipment, evolving alongside advances in firearm technology and military strategy. From early flintlock pistols carried during the American Revolution to modern semi-automatic handguns used by today’s soldiers, Army sidearms reflect more than two centuries of weapons development.
To identify the sidearms used by the U.S. Army since the 18th century, History Computer reviewed historical military records, including the Army report Survey of U.S. Army: Uniforms, Weapons, and Accoutrements. Earlier firearms are categorized by the era in which they were most commonly used, while more modern handguns are listed with their specific years of service.
This list traces the evolution of U.S. Army sidearms from the earliest flintlock pistols to today’s modern military handguns.
19. British Light Dragoon Saddle Pistol
Primary era of use: Late 18th century
Notable conflict(s) of the period: American Revolution
Firearm type: Flintlock
Chambered in: .70 caliber
18. North Model 1819 Pistol
Primary era of use: 1786-1833
Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
Firearm type: Flintlock
Chambered in: .54 caliber
17. Johnson Model 1836 Pistol
Primary era of use: 1786-1833
Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
Firearm type: Flintlock
Chambered in: .54 caliber
16. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol
Primary era of use: 1786-1833
Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
Firearm type: Cap lock
Chambered in: .54 caliber
15. Colt M1851 Navy Model
Primary era of use: 1851-1872
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .36 caliber
14. Colt M1860 New Army Model
Primary era of use: 1851-1872
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .44 caliber
13. Remington Army Model
Primary era of use: 1851-1872
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .44 caliber
12. Colt New Army Model
Primary era of use: 1872-1902
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .44 caliber
11. Remington Army
Primary era of use: 1872-1902
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .44 caliber
10. Colt Single-Action Army
Primary era of use: 1872-1902
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .45 caliber
9. Smith & Wesson No. 3
Primary era of use: 1872-1902
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .45 caliber
8. Double-Action Army
Primary era of use: 1872-1902
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .38 caliber
7. Colt Model 1901
Primary era of use: 1902-1926
Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .38 caliber
6. Colt Model 1909
Primary era of use: 1902-1926
Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .45 caliber
5. Colt/Smith & Wesson Model 1917
Primary era of use: 1902-1945
Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .45 caliber
4. Smith & Wesson Victory Model
Primary era of use: 1926-1956
Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War II
Firearm type: Revolver
Chambered in: .38 caliber
3. Colt Model 1911
Primary era of use: 1912-1985
Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I, World War II, Vietnam War
Firearm type: Semi-automatic
Chambered in: .45 caliber
2. Beretta M9/92 FS
Primary era of use: 1985-2017
Notable conflict(s) of the period: Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Firearm type: Semi-automatic
Chambered in: 9mm
1. Sig Sauer M17 & M18
Primary era of use: 2017-present
Notable conflict(s) of the period: War in Afghanistan
