POTD: Remington Model 1861 Navy – 6,000 Made for Civil War Service

By Sam.S • Published April 20, 2026

Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have a Remington Model 1861 Navy percussion revolver manufactured circa 1862, one of about 6,000 produced. Traces of a cartouche remain on the left grip panel, indicating military acceptance.

The Model 1861 was Remington’s .36 caliber Navy-sized revolver designed to compete with Colt’s 1851 and 1861 Navy models. Remington’s solid frame design proved stronger than Colt’s open-top construction, and the octagonal barrel was simpler to manufacture. The company was trying to break into the military revolver market dominated by Colt.

Production of approximately 6,000 units suggests the Model 1861 saw limited military adoption. Most went to state contracts or private purchase by officers and soldiers rather than major federal contracts. By 1862, the Army preferred .44 caliber for its greater stopping power, making the .36 caliber Model 1861 a harder sell for military service.

The Model 1861 featured Remington’s characteristic solid frame, top strap over the cylinder, and integral rear sight. This design would prove successful with later models like the Model 1863 New Model Army in .44 caliber, which became one of the most widely used revolvers of the Civil War. The 7 3/8-inch octagon barrel and .36 caliber chambering made this comparable in size and power to Colt Navy revolvers. Barrel and trigger guard are numbered to the gun, showing Remington’s assembly practices during wartime production.

Most of our POTDs utilize images from our friends at Rock Island Auction Company, the premier firearms auction in the United States. Take some time to browse their current auctions – who knows, maybe you’ll find a piece of history to take home!

1861 Navy

“Rare U.S. Remington Model 1861 Percussion Revolver.” Rock Island Auction, www.rockislandauction.com/detail/5029/50/rare-us-remington-model-1861-percussion-revolver. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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