During the American Civil War, the mounted soldiers fighting on both sides of the conflict carried a wide array of weapons, from sabers and lances to carbines, revolvers, and other firearms. Though some sections of the cavalry placed their trust in the sabre, the advent of viable breechloading carbines -- especially repeaters such as the Spencer -- was to transform warfare within little more than a decade of General Lee's final surrender at Appomattox. However, output struggled to keep up with unprecedented demands on manufacturing technology and distribution in areas where communication was difficult and in states whose primary aim was to equip their own men rather than contribute to the arming of Federal or Confederate regiments. In addition, the almost unparalleled losses of men and equipment ensured that almost any firearm, effectual or not, was pressed into service. Consequently, the sheer variety of weaponry carried reflected the mounted soldiers' various roles in different theatres of operation, but also the availability -- or otherwise -- of weapons, notably on the Confederate side. Fully illustrated, this study assesses the effectiveness of the many different weapons arming the Civil War cavalryman and analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the decisions made after 1865 concerning the armament of the US cavalry.

This book is a must for anyone interested in black-powder firearms, Civil War history, or the sport of historical shooting. In it, the reader will learn how to make period-correct ammunition for carbines and cap and ball revolvers, how to load, fire, clean, and maintain those arms, and how to shoot them according to the military manuals of the period. Lavishly illustrated, the book also contains brief overviews of the weapons and equipment of a Civil War cavalryman to help historical shooters assemble a kit for the sport.

Both cavalry and artillery were regarded as elite units during the Civil War, and this is reflected in their uniforms and flags. 84 color plates depict 250 cavalry and artillery uniforms for both North and South, along with flags and equipment.

The southerner of the mid-19th century had been bred to ride horses. In addition the period southerner had long been used to handling firearms, through hunting for pleasure, food or simply for sport. The combination of these factors promised that when the southern states began to secede in December 1860, the cavalry would be a major combat arm. This title looks at how the men of the Confederate cavalry were recruited, trained, lived and fought during the Civil War (1861-65). Both routine and campaign life are covered, as well as the weapons and equipment that served them in their combat roles. Key encounters such as the 1863 clash at Brandy Station are also covered in this authoritative text.

Discusses the weapons used in the Civil War, technological innovations that were made, and the problems and increased casualties that resulted.

Describes weapons used during the American Civil War, including those used by the cavalry, the infantry, and the navy, and examines the effectiveness of each weapon on the battlefield.