Remington-Beals Pocket Revolver

Lore & Background

The Remington-Beals Pocket Revolver was produced in three successive models from 1857 to 1860. The 1st Model featured a solid frame, single-action mechanism, a 3-inch octagonal barrel, and hard rubber grips made of gutta percha. It lacked a loading lever, requiring a separate bullet seater. Approximately 5,000 were manufactured in 1857 and 1858 before transitioning to the 2nd Model. The 2nd Model was a spur-trigger variant with a squared rubber grip and 3-inch barrel, with about 1,000 made between 1858 and 1860. The 3rd Model introduced a 4-inch octagonal barrel and an integral loading lever mounted under the barrel; roughly 1,500 were produced in 1859 and 1860. Despite these improvements, sales were disappointing, and the only real advantage over Colt's pocket revolvers was its solid-frame design. Production ceased in 1860, and Remington did not resume revolver manufacturing on a large scale until the outbreak of the American Civil War, with the Remington Army Model in 1861.

Reader's Guide

The Remington-Beals Pocket Revolver holds significance as Remington & Sons' first venture into revolver production, a move made possible by the expiration of Samuel Colt's patents in 1857. The company, a preeminent long rifle manufacturer since 1816, hired Fordyce Beals to design the pistol, drawing on his earlier work for Eli Whitney. The revolver's solid-frame construction was its primary distinguishing feature, offering a structural advantage over Colt's contemporary pocket revolvers. However, the initial model's lack of an integral loading lever was a drawback, addressed only in the 3rd Model. The series saw limited commercial success, with total production across all three models reaching approximately 7,500 units. The Remington-Beals line was discontinued in 1860, and the company's revolver production remained small until the Civil War created new demand. The design thus represents a transitional step, bridging Remington's expertise in long arms to the handgun market, and laying groundwork for later, more successful models like the Remington Army Model.

Did You Know?

• The 1st Model lacked a loading lever and required a separate bullet seater.
• Approximately 5,000 1st Model revolvers were manufactured in 1857 and 1858.