The Gatling guns he left behind would have made a big difference.
1876
Plus he split his command...
The Gatling Guns presence or absence on the battlefield will long endure as a controversy. Having read dozens of books, including reprints of participants involved (via inexpensive electronic editions), Custer’s decision to leave them behind because they would have slowed his column makes sense to me. However, if they slowed the column, the battle may have happened a day or two later, if at all. Also, Custer’s tactics were offensive in nature, while the Gatling’s power was in the defense. The only position where, IMO, the Gatlings would have been useful was in the Reno/Benteen defensive position established after Reno retreated back to the bluff position where the pack animals were located. Visiting and walking the battlefield is on my ‘bucket list.’