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| Sabers | Long Arms | Revolvers | ||
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Most cavalry engagements were fought dismounted. As mobile infantry. A long arm was a neccessity. |
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 The 2 band Enfield was a favorite amongst Kentucky Confederate cavalrymen. its range helped make up for the faster shooting union carbines. Its disavantage is because of its length it is akward on horseback.
 Vastly under represented in ACW reenacting is the lorenz rifle.Second in importance to the British Enfields for both Federals and Confederates during the American Civil War. Confederate and Union buyers arranged to import 326,924 Austrian rifles for a gross value of $ 2,640,704.41 (100,000 imported for the Confederacy). These rifles existed in several varieties, although they were all of the pattern nominally called "Lorenz Model 1854." Because the shape of the lockplate suggested the British 1853 rifle, and because the barrels and fittings of some Austrian rifles were colored with a rust-process to a blue black finish like the Enfields, they were occasionally called "Austrian Enfields," by both vendors and the troops  Altough it can be over done, SOME Confederate cavalrymen carried shotguns.  The Cook and Brother was a Confederate manufactured carbine used in fairly large numbers |
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 The J.P. Murray carbine,manufactured in Columbus Ga. found its way into the hands of many a Kentucky cavalryman.It was not considered a great piece in its day.  The Enfield Carbine was an import of the highest quality. Highly prized when it could be obtained.  The Sharps in cavalry models of 1857 and 1863 were some of the more common breech loaders in the war.They load quikly but most require you to carry a canteen as after about ten shots they tend to freeze up. The water applied to the breech block frees it right up.
The Smith cavalry carbine was a fairly common weapon in the west. Issued to Union troopers,captured and used by confederates. Its draw back in re enacting is it uses either brass or hard rubber shell casings which you have to keep track of or it can get expensive to shoot.
For those of you to whom money is no object,this is probaly the finest firearm the civil war produced. The Spencer was a REPEATER,holding seven rounds.It was made in a very effective caliber and was very robust,unlike the Henry which was in a puny caliber and a bit fragile.  There are other choices but stay away from the 1863 REMINGTON,also known as a ZOUAVE. While made during the war,they were NEVER issued ! |
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