Commonly considered to be one of gunfighter "Wild Bill" Hickok's favorite handguns, the 1851 helped to begin both the expansion of the West and the Civil War. The revolver was unique in that it had the ability to fire several rounds per minute before having to reload. Union Army soldiers relied on many different types of sidearms for short range and close quarters combat. Revolvers were typically issued to Army officers and mounted soldiers, however some were purchased privately or found on the battlefield by infantrymen.