The only conclusion I can come up with is a Government Knee Jerk reaction to the discontinuance of the Schofield revolver in 1879 regarding the Surplus Sales of the Armory stored Schofield revolvers.
I suspect the Army regretted that decision some years later.

Cross referencing the U.S. Navy at that same time frame? They were cutting costs big time. Forced to Convert Civil War ERA revolvers to cartridge instead of purchasing new guns. Smith & Wesson 38's were actually being considered at that same time to replace outdated Navy Colts. I wonder if this decision to terminate the Schofields in 1879 had a negative impact on that contract and future contracts as well?

The Militia guns would be a very interesting subject I'm sure but no idea where you could locate records for those weapons.


Murph