Rifleman Q&A: Savage Navy Revolvers

by
posted on July 24, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Savage Navy Revolver

Q. Recently, at auction, I bought a “Savage Navy Revolver,” something I have wanted for a long time. It’s in good order and is a solid brute of a thing, but apart from the “Savage R.F.A. Co. Middleton, CT” stamp on the barrel, there are no other markings at all except for the serial number “1620” in three places: the frame; under the barrel; and on the sideplate. I’ve looked up what information I can find on the Internet and Mr. John F. Graf’s Standard Catalog Of Civil War Firearms, which gives the basic background, but I was hoping you might be able to narrow it down to perhaps a year of manufacture and maybe if it was ever issued.

Savage Navy Revolver

 


A. Savage Fire-Arms Co. manufactured the Navy Revolver from 1861 to 1865; some 20,000 were made. Most were sold commercially, with only 800 contracted to the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Issued guns were stamped “P” (proved) over “J.R.G.” for the inspector, Capt. Joseph R. Goldsborough, on the middle portion of the cylinders.

Latest

Nra Townhall F
Nra Townhall F

NRA CEO Hamlin and President Bachenberg Hold First Virtual Townhall

In the interests of transparency, NRA CEO and EVP Doug Hamlin and NRA President Bill Bachenberg held a live Townhall event, where both answered direct questions from NRA members.

Benelli Adds New 28-Gauge Models to Super Black Eagle 3 Line

Benelli initially introduced the 28-ga. chambering to its Super Black Eagle 3 line in 2022, but this year, the company added three new models tailored specifically to hunters.

Preview: BKL Technologies Model 260

BKL Technologies is a well-regarded manufacturer of scope mounts and rings for airguns and rimfire rifles in particular, offering several different lines of products depending on the optic and mounting interface being used.

Gun Of The Week: Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber

We're on the range with one of the most iconic rimfires in America–only this time, it's got a high-tech twist. This is the Ruger 10/22 Carbon Fiber, a lightweight and modernized take on a classic plinker.

The Armed Citizen® June 27, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The Browning Automatic Rifle: A Combat Chronicle

The Browning Automatic Rifle is often criticized for its M1918A2 configuration used throughout World War II, but what did the troops who fought with it and alongside it really think? Here are the actual combat reports.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.