Back in 1866

[Bob McDowell]

Actually this may have answered my own question on the rifles...

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springfield_Model_1866

"The Model 1866 was issued to U.S. troops in 1867, and was a major factor in the Wagon Box Fight and the Hayfield Fight, along the Bozeman Trail in 1867. The rapid rate of fire which could be achieved disrupted the tactics of attacking Sioux and Cheyenne forces, who had faced muzzle-loading rifles during the Fetterman massacre only a few months before. The new rifles contributed decisively to the survival and success of severely outnumbered U.S. troops in these engagements."

Next up, pistols!