Alternative Firearms Used In The Indian Wars

[logan]

In this I must apologise, as it is based on the film ‘Valdez Is Coming’ where Burt Lancaster portrays a character who once fought with the cavalry against native tribes.

in the film, quite possibly the trailer for it too, it describes/shows the weapons he was armed with during that time, including a shotgun and Sharps Buffalo rifle, when fighting the Apaches.

I know the US Cavalry were issued with identical carbines and revolvers, to keep with the same types of ammunition to be used, etc., but I remember reading of the sharpshooters on both sides of the American Civil War, and wondered if these same men were employed in similar capacity in the Indian wars, therefore having the speed and stamina in the use of horses, but capable of long distance shooting with such Sharps or other makes ?

Ive got several books on the firearms used by men in both the ACW and Indian wars, considering that apart from maybe private purchases of different firearms by the officers, that these other firearms were available to the troopers too from military arsenals, that is, those who were best qualified in marksmanship, etc ?

[noggy]

Mar 29, 2023 7:09:22 GMT -6 logan said:

I know the US Cavalry were issued with identical carbines and revolvers, to keep with the same types of ammunition to be used, etc., but I remember reading of the sharpshooters on both sides of the American Civil War, and wondered if these same men were employed in similar capacity in the Indian wars, therefore having the speed and stamina in the use of horses, but capable of long distance shooting with such Sharps or other makes ?

I doubt they were distibuted by the Army, but several in the 7th carried non-regular rifles at least. French carried a "Long Tom infantry rifle", no idea about what this gun was. Custer had a Remington rifle, I believe. I think a couple of others carried own rifles too, seem to remember a M1874 Sharps with telescopic sight being used by someone in the Valley.

But I doubt the US cavalry had designated snipers during the Plain Wars who were issued special rifles.

Guees Montrose can confirm or debunk my spculations.

[logan]

I recently saw a book advertised about an officer called French I think, who appears to have claimed to be, or seen to be someone who was solely responsible as a rearguard action as troops (Reno’s) retreated, but whether alone or with others I’ve yet to find out.

If alone, I did wonder if he was able to do this as armed with a superior firearm possibly a repeater.

I think he was recommended/awarded a medal, but if the same man was court martialed later on, I guess for other reasons/bad conduct ?

[Yan Taylor]

French was one of the better officers that day, Fred wrote this about him;

Extremely brave, even recognized by the Indians at the battle, especially the Sioux chief, Red Horse during the Reno rout, though some doubt this story pertains to French. French hated Reno for what he did and wished that a “friendly” bullet had accomplished what French could not bring himself to do.

1st Sgt Ryan was in Company M commanded by Capt French; link

Ian

[noggy]

Mar 31, 2023 5:07:29 GMT -6 noggy said:

Mar 29, 2023 7:09:22 GMT -6 logan said:

I know the US Cavalry were issued with identical carbines and revolvers, to keep with the same types of ammunition to be used, etc., but I remember reading of the sharpshooters on both sides of the American Civil War, and wondered if these same men were employed in similar capacity in the Indian wars, therefore having the speed and stamina in the use of horses, but capable of long distance shooting with such Sharps or other makes ?

French carried a "Long Tom infantry rifle", no idea about what this gun was.

Ryan on French:

"He had a Springfield rifle, caliber .50, breechloader, and it was his custom, whenever he shot an Indian, to cut a notch in the stock of that gun."

On himself:

"I told the captain that I would try, and as I was the owner of a 15-pound Sharp's telescope rifle, caliber .45, which I had had made in Bismarck before the expedition started out, and which cost me $100."

[logan]

Thanks for the detailed info.

Very interesting article, nice to read specific usage of a different firearm in the account.

My ACW and American West firearms books may come in handy after all.

French sounds worth getting the book about him