This M1892 Colt Army & Navy is typical of the series of revolvers which ultimately resulted in eight different model designations. It was the first general issue double-action with a swing-out cylinder used by the U.S. military.

The revolver featured a counter-clockwise rotating cylinder, which could be opened for loading and ejection by simply pulling back on a catch mounted on the left side of the frame behind the recoil shield. It was easily manipulated by the thumb of the right hand, and upon release the cylinder could be poked out sideways with the shooter's forefinger. Empty cases were removed by simply pushing back on an ejector rod to activate a star extractor. The six-shooter could then be quickly reloaded and the cylinder clicked back into place.

Sights were the basic rounded front blade and topstrap notch. The finish on all military revolvers was blue, though civilian guns could be had nickeled or with other special finishes and embellishments.

In 1892 the gun was adopted by the Army, and the revolver given the appellation New Army and Navy. Initial experience with the gun caused officials to request some improvements. This would be an ongoing condition, resulting in Models 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903--not to mention a Model 1905 Marine Corps variant.

Modifications consisted of such things as cylinder redesign, the addition (in 1894) of trigger and hammer locks, different barrel markings, the addition of a lanyard ring and the reduction of bore diameter.

The Army and Navy’s cylinder latch was pulled rearward by the right hand thumb to unlock the cylinder and allow it to be swung out for loading and ejection of spent cases. Cylinders on these guns rotated counterclockwise.

Grips, depending upon model, were either hard rubber or walnut. Military revolvers will be found with inspector's stampings at various locations. Civilian guns, obviously, do not have these.

While the A&N was reasonably well received by the troops, it really would not get a true baptism of fire until the Spanish-American War of 1898, and later the Philippine Insurrection. At this time Single Action Colts with 51⁄2-inch (and some 71⁄2-inch) barrels were also issued to selected troops.

In his "crowded moment" during the Rough Riders' charge up Kettle Hill in Cuba, Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt, wielding a Model 1892 A&N recovered from the sunken battleship "Maine" and given to him by his brother-in-law, Navy Capt. W.S. Cowles, fired at two Spaniards at a range of about 10 yards, missing one and killing the other. But despite Roosevelt's (and others') success with the New Army and Navy, some soldiers were having reservations about the .38 Colt's lack of power.

The problem came to a head during fighting in the Philippines. A typical instance occurred in 1905 and was later recounted by Col. Louis A. LaGarde.