1890 Police

The Remington Model 1890 Single Action revolver, frequently associated with police and law enforcement of the late frontier, was introduced in 1890 as a direct evolution of the earlier Model 1875. Remington developed this version to modernize their handgun line and better compete with the sleek profile of the Colt 1873. 

Production was relatively short-lived, spanning from 1890 to approximately 1894, with a total production run estimated at only 2,020 units. This rarity makes the 1890 one of the most sought-after pieces for collectors of late nineteenth-century Americana.

Mechanically, the 1890 is a six-shot, single-action revolver, most commonly with a barrel length of 5.5-inch and was typically chambered in .44-40 Winchester. The most defining physical change from its predecessor was the removal of the large structural "web" beneath the ejector rod, giving it a much cleaner, more agile appearance similar to its Colt rivals. 

While it saw no official large-scale military service or use in major wars—as the U.S. military had already started pivoting toward double-action revolvers by the 1890s—it found a significant niche in civil contexts. It was famously issued to the specialized Indian Police on Western reservations, where its reliability was highly valued.

Users of the era appreciated the 1890 for its good balance, as stripping away the under-barrel web shifted the center of gravity back toward the palm, making it faster to draw and point. 

A primary pro of this model is its robust construction and the legendary "Remington feel" that many shooters preferred over the thinner grip frames of other brands. Unfortunately, it arrived just as the era of the single-action revolvers was ending, quickly eclipsed by the rapid fire of double-action technology and the birth of semi-automatic pistols.