History of the United States since 1865There have been many firearms throughout the history of the United States, but some have played a vital role in the formation of our great nation. Some firearms have even given Americans the edge they needed to win decisive battles throughout U.S. history. This article examines four particular weapons that gave Americans the edge they needed to win history's greatest battles. Colt Single Action Army Until 1873, most firearms used in the United States were single-shot weapons. These firearms had to be reloaded every time they were fired. In many cases these weapons were sold in pairs. This was because if you had two pistols and two holsters, how many single shot pistols were carried, you would have two shots before having to reload both pistols (Kyle 767). These guns however had reliability problems due to the sensitivity of gunpowder to moisture. Guns such as the flintlock pistol or cap pistol are those primarily used before the introduction of the cartridge pistol. "The gun that won the West" is a motto given to the Colt Single Action Army due to its popularity. throughout the history of the United States and its importance in America's expansion into the West. The Colt Single Action Army was a gun known by many names, also known as the Model P, Colt .45, M1873, SAA, and my favorite, Peacemaker. Just from the amount of nicknames the weapon has one can tell that it was a very popular and important weapon. The weapon has played many important roles in U.S. history beyond only being used in westward expansion (Kyle 761). This new style firearm had a revolving cylinder that allowed… center of paper… Firearms have played an important role in American history. In many cases, history would have turned out differently if it were not for the creation of these important weapons. The new technology of these firearms seemed to have been introduced at just the right time to give the defenders of this great nation the edge they needed to defend our freedoms. If there is one saying that comes to mind when thinking about these weapons it seems to be "the faster the better". I say this because throughout history it proved to be important that the faster you reloaded or loaded the weapon, the more time users had to focus on what was really important, the tactics on the battlefield and the enemy. From black powder firearms to cartridge firearms, firearms have always played an important role in the history of the United States and will continue to do so for hundreds of years to come..