Navies vs. Dragoons

[RebelTexan]

What would be more authentic for a Texas cavalrymen, Navy or Dragoon revolvers?


Thanks

Doug Holt

[hireddutchcutthroat]

That is impossible to say. I recommend you research the unit you portray.

[AZReenactor]

Yes, You definitely want to narrow your focus a bit. Texas fielded quite a number of cavalrymen in a variety of theaters. We could be talking about Texas cavalrymen form 1861 in the Arizona territory or 1865 in the Carolinas and everywhere in between. Their arms, accoutrements, uniforms, tactics, and even attitudes varied a great deal. Also keep in mind that there seemed to be a continual shortage of pistols in the south throughout the war. Even in "pistol rich" units like the 8th Texas Cavalry they continued to command a high price throughout the war. (See the Inspection Report for Wharton's Brigade, April 1863 (http://www.terrystexasrangers.org/official_documents/private_collection/1863_04_01.html) for an ordinance report that shows the variation in arms within a single cavalry brigade..)

You need to first narrow down who and when you are portraying then do your homework on that particular unit. Often on of the best sources of information is the microfilmed Compiled Service Records. You should be able to obtain these via Inter-Library Loan or they can be rented by mail order directly from the National Archives. Happy hunting.