The entire sequence of events leading up to and including the “Last Stand” could have taken several hours. The “Last Stand” itself would only have lasted 30 or 40 minutes, but possibly longer and possibly considerably less.
Custer is often maligned for attacking before he had a full strength of support, but he was unaware of the true strength, both in numbers and armament, of his enemy. The native forces, at least some, were armed with repeating rifles, while Custer’s men had only single shot carbines. The enemy also had the advantage of familiarity with the surroundings and used the terrain to their best advantage.
But what the indians did to the bodies of the slain was absolutely atrocious in any context.
If you ever get a chance, be sure to visit the battle site.
I don't think the Lakota treated the soldiers' bodies any differently than if they had been Crow or other Indian enemies. They plundered as has gone on after battles since ancient times. It's in the bible. Plunder of the enemy clothing, weapons and provisions is a normal event. Scalping, is mainly an American Native thing.............