The Side Arms of General George S. Patton: His Trusty Revolvers and Military Tactics

During his remarkable military career, General George S. Patton was known not just for his tactical genius but also for his personal side arms. He preferred and carried several revolvers, each with its own unique history and significance in his story.

General Patton's Revolvers

Patton carried a variety of revolvers over the course of his career. The most notable ones were a Colt 45 Auto .45 SW Revolver, a Colt .45 Revolver, and a Colt Detective Special. These handguns are still part of the renowned Patton Collection at the West Point Museum.

The Patton Collection

Of the two revolvers in the Patton Collection, the .45 Long Colt Single Action revolver (1873 Army Model) and the .357 Magnum Smith Wesson revolver are the most significant. According to aides and relatives, the .45 Colt was Patton's preferred choice for everyday carry, while the .357 Magnum was considered for special use.

General Patton's Military Expeditions

During his extensive travels in Northern Mexico following the 1916 Punitive Expedition against Pancho Villa’s band, Patton’s three 1916 Dodge touring cars often served as mobile fortresses. On one occasion, these cars speeds up to 50 miles per hour and split up to cover every exit. This allowed the ranch San Miguelito to be effortlessly surrounded, with Patton’s nine riflemen positioned behind the steel bodies of the cars before the dust settled.

The San Miguelito Gunfight

The ensuing gunfight was harsh and intense, resulting in the deaths of Cardenas and his two companions. This encounter marked the first mechanized engagement in U.S. Army history and the introduction to Patton of what would become his specialty: mechanized warfare. Later in his career, Patton would become known as the world’s master of mechanized warfare, famously leading the American army in the European theater of World War II.

A Notable Historical Figure

General Patton was also known for his personal preference for ivory-handled revolvers. He would express his displeasure with reporters who referred to them as "pearl-handled revolvers." His trust in these weapons was clear, and their use speaks volumes about his personal military philosophy and tactics.

Additional Resources

For a deeper dive into General Patton's personal guns, refer to the excellent article titled 'Gen. Patton's Personal Handguns.' This article provides extensive detail on the firearms that were used during his career and the significant roles they played in some of his most memorable military operations.

For a visual representation of these revolvers, check out the following video:

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This video shows detailed views of the two notches on Patton's revolvers that are crucial for understanding their function and historical significance.