Ian McCall

U.S. Martial History of the Colt M1892 Revolver

2025 Cody Firearms Museum Early-career Fellowship recipient

Supported Project

Mr McCall’s research project investigates the military history of the Colt Model M1892 New Army and Navy revolver, reassessing a sidearm often overshadowed by criticism of its performance during the Philippine Insurrection. Rather than treating the revolver as a technological failure, his work situates the M1892 as a pivotal development in United States military arms: the first swing-out, double-action revolver adopted for U.S. service and a significant departure from earlier handgun designs in military service. The project explores the revolver’s technical innovations, its successful passage through Ordnance Department trials, and its service with British and Canadian forces, situating the M1892 within a broader transnational and technological context. Mr McCall’s research will draw on archival research, object study, and specialised literature to offer a comprehensive reassessment of the development, use, and historical significance of the M1892.

Biography

Ian McCall is an academic librarian and author. He holds a master’s degree in library and information sciences and an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. Mr McCall’s primary research focus is American martial revolvers of the 19th century, covering important developments before, during, and after the American civil war. He has published extensively on American military firearms. Some of his recent articles (2025) include ‘Revolvers in American Military Service’ and ‘Whiskey and the United States Military’, both for Military Heritage.

Outputs

The fellowship is expected to support an article in Armax: The Journal of Contemporary Arms as well as other publications. 

Period: 19th & 20th centuries

Geographical Region: North America, Southeast Asia

Arms Class: Small Arms (Firearms)

Mr McCall’s research has been proudly supported by