Although better known for his Indian fighting, George Custer compiled a creditable record as a cavalry leader in the latter part of the Civil War. His skills at war propelled him to the temporary rank of brigadier general although he had the highest casualty figures among the Union division commanders.

Custer remains the youngest general in our history. His army career ended June 25, 1876, at the battle of Little Big Horn, which resulted in a total loss of some 266 officers and men. George Custer was born in New Rumley, Ohio, 5 December 1839. He graduated at the U. S. military academy in June, 1861.

“It's all I had ever hoped for: the antique finish is dingy just like that original Colt SAA still on display at the battlefield's museum. Sights, firing pin, ejector rod head and grips are perfect renditions of those items found on original “Cavalry Colts.” The “A” inspector's stampings are precisely where they are supposed to be, as is the cartouche on the left side of the walnut grip, and the U.S. stamp on the frame's left side. Furthermore, it has that fantastic quality in regards to fit and lock-up the U.S. Firearms Company has gained such a positive reputation for.” – American Handgunner, January/ February 2006.

Orville W. Ainsworth served as an Ordnance Sub-inspector at the Colt plant from mid October, 1873 through November 7, 1874.

It was Ainsworth who actually inspected the guns in the serial range of 200-14,343. This was the block of guns which were used during the height of the Indian wars, including Custer’s famous Last Stand.

This historical gun is available today from USFA! Order yours now.

Now USFA re-creates these highly desirable guns much the way they would have appeared after use on the plains of the American West. Each gun features correct style barrel address, patent markings and “US” stampings as well as single cartouche on the left grip.

These guns are limited to the serial number range during which Ainsworth inspected the guns and use the exact old style hand numbering. All Government Inspector Series guns are available only in historically correct “US Government Cartridge” - 45 Colt.

American Handgunner, January/February 2006.

Custer Battlefield Gun

Although he was present at the battle of the Little Bighorn, Sitting Bull did not participate in the fighting. Sitting Bull was killed in 1890 during an attempt to arrest him by Indian Agency police.

In 1866 Crazy Horse was chosen to lead an attack on Fort Phil Kearny. The attack was a success and from that time on the Sioux were in a general state of war with the U.S. Army.

In 1876, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull forged a coalition and crushed five units of U.S. General George Custers' cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn. In July 1877, Crazy Horse went to Fort Robinson, Nebraska unarmed to discuss peace, but instead he was killed by an officer.

Custer's second-in-command, Major Marcus Reno was sent to engage Indians on the southern end of the village, preventing escape in that direction.

Reno soon discovered he was outnumbered and retreated to the river. Many refused to believe that Indians could destroy a commander like Custer, and they blamed Reno for the defeat at the Little Bighorn. In 1879, a military court of inquiry officially cleared Reno.

Commander of Company “C” at the “Last Stand” he fell along with his brother George at the Battle of the Little Big Horn.

Captain Thomas W. Custer was the most decorated soldier during the civil war and the only soldier to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Civil War twice.