Durning the Spanish-American War, which soldiers were issued the Colt New Army, and which ones were issued the Colt SAA?

[Guest GKamuy Fan]

I’ve read conflicting accounts that say that certain groups like the Rough Riders were issued and used the Colt 1892, while other accounts say they carried the SAA.

I’m mainly curious because while I have seen several pictures of soldiers with the 1892, I have yet to see any using the SAA.

[CAC1901]

Theres were several hundred thousand men raised for the war, mostly state volunteers, and there was the related Phillippine war as well which went on for years after the war with Spain ended. Well prior to the war, regular US army cavalry had converted to the 1892. The 1873 SAA was still carried by Field artillery, Signal Corps, some Infantry NCO's, plus officers could draw them and did. For the newly raised state volunteers some units brought their SAA's, which they already had.  The famous 1st USV Cavalry (my wifes grandad was with them) seemed to have used a mix of the two. Pictures of both have turned up plus some 'attributed' examples of each. Its not an easy question to answer in general due to the large numbers of soldiers who served, the years associated with the war, and the fact that the war resulted in a rapid plundering and issuance of equipment on hand, plus it was a development / transition period as well. I've had or seen pictures of infantry men carrying the older SAA in the Phillippines.