From the earliest battles to today’s modern conflicts, sidearms have played a critical role in the evolution of the United States Army. A wide selection of weapons is included in the U.S. Army’s arsenal, with rifles and artillery often dominating discussions of military firepower. However, pistols have long served as essential protection for officers, cavalry, vehicle crews, and soldiers operating in close quarters. Each generation’s standard-issue sidearm reflects the technology and combat style of its time.
Over more than two centuries, the Army’s sidearms have evolved from single-shot pistols and revolvers to semi-automatic handguns designed for durability and modern, high-tech needs. Legendary weapons like the M1911 helped define service in the early days, while newer options indicate shifting priorities in capabilities. This article traces the history of U.S. Army sidearms from past to present, highlighting how changing times shaped the most important weapons carried by soldiers.
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.
This post was updated on January 7, 2026 to provide an overview of the importance and evolution of sidearms in the U.S. Army.
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.
Take a look at how standard U.S. Army sidearms have evolved across centuries:
19. 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
18. North Model 1819 Pistol
- Primary era of use: 1786-1833
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
- Firearm type: Flintlock
- Chambered in: .54 caliber
17. Johnson Model 1836 Pistol
- Primary era of use: 1786-1833
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
- Firearm type: Flintlock
- Chambered in: .54 caliber
16. Model 1842 Percussion Pistol
- Primary era of use: 1786-1833
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: War of 1812
- Firearm type: Cap lock
- Chambered in: .54 caliber
15. 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
14. Colt M1860 New Army Model
- Primary era of use: 1851-1872
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .44 caliber
13. Remington Army Model
- Primary era of use: 1851-1872
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Civil War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .44 caliber
12. Colt New Army Model
- Primary era of use: 1872-1902
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .44 caliber
11. Remington Army
- Primary era of use: 1872-1902
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .44 caliber
10. Colt Single-Action Army
- Primary era of use: 1872-1902
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .45 caliber
9. Smith & Wesson No. 3
- Primary era of use: 1872-1902
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .45 caliber
8. Double-Action Army
- Primary era of use: 1872-1902
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: Spanish-American War
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .38 caliber
7. Colt Model 1901
- Primary era of use: 1902-1926
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .38 caliber
6. Colt Model 1909
- Primary era of use: 1902-1926
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .45 caliber
5. Colt/Smith & Wesson Model 1917
- Primary era of use: 1902-1945
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War I
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .45 caliber
4. Smith & Wesson Victory Model
- Primary era of use: 1926-1956
- Notable conflict(s) of the period: World War II
- Firearm type: Revolver
- Chambered in: .38 caliber
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
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