The Remington 1858 Army was a Civil War sidearm, a top-strap percussion revolver with a sturdy frame. Cimarron's 1858 Model Army pays tribute to it, but this version is chambered in .45 Colt and loads from the cylinder like a modern cartridge revolver.

An 8 inch barrel gives you plenty of sight radius and the full velocity of the .45 Colt. That helps in cowboy-action matches, where the long-barreled revolvers get a lot of attention, and it works for hunting with moderate loads. The black finish keeps the gun looking sharp and gives it a stern, workmanlike look. Take your time loading and unloading until the routine is second nature.

The Remington design is known for its solid frame and fixed top strap. Shooters often say it feels natural in the hand and points well. The six-round cylinder is a familiar layout, and the single-action trigger means you cock the hammer before each shot.

It makes a good addition to a reenactor's gear, a Western shooter's rig or a collection of historic patterns. The revolver ships to your local FFL dealer, and the background check happens at pickup.