Mounted Reloading

[S. Quentin Quale, Esq.]

In another forum a question has come up about reloading the Colt Single Action Army while mounted.

Was there ever a published or "official" method for loading or reloading the Colt while mounted?  I guess I could ask the same question about the Schofield.

I've heard of the "swipe the thigh" tecnique to eject the expended cartriges in the Schofield; I don't know that it was "official."

Any help would be appreciated.   

SQQ

[Drydock]

Reins in left hand, revolver in right hand, open loading gate with right thumb.  Use left palm heel to advance cylinder, left pointer/index finger to eject.  Transfer empty revolver to left hand, go to pouch with right hand and reload.  

This was how it was described to me.  I've never found a published Milspec "Method" for either weapon, and I tend to think that it was assumed the troops would figure out the best method that worked for them.  It really seems that specific reload drill died with muzzleloaders.  I do have an 1861 manual of arms for the percussion colt revolver thats quite involved!

It must also be remembered that US Cavalry was trained to fight dismounted.  A mounted charge in the face of rifled weapons was considered unwise, and discouraged.  Movies aside, indians fought dismounted for the most part as well.

Even today, in my military career, I've found as many methods for reloads as there were instructors, and no universal military drill was ever referenced.