The History and Evolution of Army Pistols Used by the US

To determine which sidearms were used by the U.S. Army since the 18th century, 24/7 Wall St. used data from the Army report Survey of U.S. Army: Uniforms, Weapons, and Accoutrements. For earlier weapons, we listed the era in which they were primarily used, but for more modern handguns, the exact years of use are noted. This list includes flintlock pistols from the earliest days of American independence to modern-day semi-automatics. (These are the 15 American military guns of the future.)

Why We’re Covering This

Looking at the evolution of pistols from the 18th century to today provides a fascinating story of technological innovation and military needs. The shift from the hefty 0.70 caliber pistols of the late 18th century to the currently popular 9mm pistols reflects changes in how we view weaponry and strategy. By looking at this millennia-long advancement, 24/7 Wall St. hopes to provide you with a stronger understanding of pistol use in military settings, and why this shift has led to more efficient and reliable weaponry.

This post was updated on December 10, 2025 to clarify the details regarding pistol production dates, as well as calibers. 

Take a look at how standard U.S. Army sidearms have evolved across centuries:

17. 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

16. North Model 1819 Pistol

• Primary era of use: Adopted in 1819, produced through the 1820s
• Firearm type: Flintlock
• Chambered in: .54 caliber

15. Johnson Model 1836 Pistol

• Primary era of use: Produced 1836–1844
• Firearm type: Flintlock
• Chambered in: .54 caliber

14. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol

• Primary era of use: Adopted in 1842, used through the 1850s
• Firearm type: Cap lock
• Chambered in: .54 caliber

13. 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

12. Colt Model 1860 Army

• Primary era of use: Primary period: 1860–1873
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .44 caliber

11. Remington Army Model

• Primary era of use: Production: 1863–1875
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .44 caliber

10. Colt New Army Model

• Primary era of use: 1892–1909
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War (but performed poorly)
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .38 caliber

9. Colt Single-Action Army

• Primary era of use: 1873-1902
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War (limited use)
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .45 caliber

8. Smith & Wesson No. 3

• Primary era of use: 1875–1877
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: Indian Wars
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .45 Schofield

7. Colt Model 1901

• These were revised M1892-series .38 revolvers
• Primary era of use: 1890s–1911
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I (limited, mostly by secondary units)
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .38 caliber

6. Colt Model 1909

• Primary era of use: Adopted 1909, replaced the weak .38 Long Colt
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .45 caliber

5. Colt/Smith & Wesson Model 1917

• Primary era of use: Developed 1917
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I (Used into WWII as secondary sidearms)
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .45 caliber

4. Smith & Wesson Victory Model

• Primary era of use: Produced 1942–1945
• Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War II
• Firearm type: Revolver
• Chambered in: .38 S&W

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
• Firearm type: Semi-automatic
• Chambered in: 9mm