The Colt 1851 Navy revolver is the sidearm carried by most of the Union officers in the film, notably Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) and Major Cabot Forbes (Cary Elwes), who use them during the 54th's first engagement. The 54th first taste of combat was during the now dubbed "Battle of Grimball's Landing", in James Island, South Carolina. It took place in July 16, 1863. The overall loss of the 54th amounted to 43 casualties in total: 14 killed, 17 wounded, and 12 captured.
The reproduction Enfield Pattern 1853 rifle, made by EuroArms, London Armoury, used by the men of the 54th in the film. Also seen used by Confederate Troops as well. Incorrectly, the rifle muskets are presented as having serial numbers, which original Enfields lacked. As well, the EuroArms reproduction Enfield is actually of a variant which was NOT brought into North America during the Civil War. Instead, it represents the variant which was used in the Snider conversion.
