1860 Army or 1861 Navy? Which is it?

Published on June 22, 2024
Duration: 4:17

Dustin from Guns of the West clarifies the distinction between the Colt 1860 Army and 1861 Navy revolvers, addressing common confusion. Key differences highlighted include barrel length (8 inches for the Army vs. 7.5 inches for the Navy), grip size, and crucially, caliber (.44 for the Army and .36 for the Navy), which is visually evident in the cylinder's stepped design on the Army model.

Quick Summary

The main difference between the Colt 1860 Army and 1861 Navy revolvers is their caliber: the Army is .44 and the Navy is .36. Visually, the 1860 Army has an 8-inch barrel and a longer grip, while the 1861 Navy has a 7.5-inch barrel and a shorter grip. The Army's cylinder often shows a stepped design for the larger .44 projectiles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Revolver Identity Crisis
  2. 00:26The Confusion: Navy vs. Army
  3. 01:01Visual Comparison: 1860 Army vs 1861 Navy
  4. 01:13A Common Mistake: Museum Example
  5. 01:46Difference 1: Barrel Length
  6. 02:12Difference 2: Grip Size
  7. 02:20Trigger Guard Variation
  8. 02:30Loading Lever and Stock Cuts
  9. 02:43The Biggest Difference: Caliber
  10. 02:56Cylinder Design Clues
  11. 03:15The 1861 Navy's Place in History
  12. 03:32Samuel Colt's Favorite Design
  13. 03:50Conclusion: Resolving the Identity Crisis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Colt 1860 Army and 1861 Navy revolvers?

The primary distinction lies in their caliber: the 1860 Army is chambered in .44, while the 1861 Navy is chambered in .36. This caliber difference is often visually apparent in the stepped design of the Army's cylinder compared to the Navy's straight cylinder.

How can I tell an 1860 Army from an 1861 Navy by its barrel?

The Colt 1860 Army typically has an 8-inch barrel, which is longer than the 7.5-inch barrel found on the Colt 1861 Navy. You can often see this difference by observing how far the barrel extends beyond the end of the loading lever.

Are there other visual cues to differentiate the Colt 1860 Army and 1861 Navy?

Yes, besides barrel length and caliber, the grip size is another indicator. The 1860 Army generally features a longer grip compared to the 1861 Navy. Both models can also be cut for shoulder stocks.

Why is the Colt 1861 Navy sometimes mistaken for the 1860 Army?

The confusion arises from their similar overall appearance and historical context. Both are cap-and-ball revolvers from the same era, and subtle differences like barrel length and grip size can be overlooked, leading to misidentification, as even museums have been known to make this error.

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