After Savage reorganized in 1859 under this name they began working on an
improvement of the Figure 8 Revolver. The Navy Model featured a more
refined finger lever and other improvements. The guns were made in 36 caliber and retained some
features from the Figure 8 Revolver including the chamfered chambers that fitted
over the end of the barrel to produce a tighter seal.
Around 20,000 of these revolvers were made from 1861 until sometime in the
mid -1860's, most for government contracts.
The single-action revolver quickly replaced the lever-action revolvers, being much simpler and
easier to manipulate in a crisis situation. The single-action revolvers
were less complicated in construction and number of parts also. The ruggedness and
reliability of the single-action is legendary.
While the lever-action revolvers are interesting and a
vital part of the history of leverguns, they simply could not compete with the
improved firearms coming on the scene. This is in stark contrast to the
rifles which even in today's high-tech world hold their own among shooters and
hunters.