Navy vs. Army Revolvers: What’s the Difference?

Published on June 28, 2025
Duration: 3:55

This video clarifies the distinctions between the Colt 1861 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers. The primary differences lie in their historical calibers, with the Navy being .36 and the Army being .44. Other key identifiers include barrel length (7.5 inches for the Navy vs. 8 inches for the Army) and cylinder dimensions, which are stepped on the Army model to accommodate the larger caliber.

Quick Summary

The main historical difference between the Colt 1861 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers is caliber: the Navy is .36 caliber, and the Army is .44 caliber. Additionally, the 1860 Army has an 8-inch barrel compared to the 7.5-inch barrel of the 1861 Navy. The Army's cylinder is also 'stepped' to fit the larger rounds.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Viewer Comments
  2. 00:27Addressing Confusion: Navy vs. Army
  3. 00:50The 1861 Navy Revolver
  4. 00:59Comparing with the 1860 Army Revolver
  5. 01:04Main Difference: Caliber (.36 vs .44)
  6. 01:39Cylinder Size and Caliber
  7. 01:51Barrel Length Comparison
  8. 02:061851 Navy Barrel for Reference
  9. 02:221860 Army Barrel Length (8-inch)
  10. 02:30Barrel Section Similarity
  11. 02:43Cylinder Differences Revisited
  12. 02:53Grip Size Comparison
  13. 03:17Recap: Caliber is Key
  14. 03:25Conclusion: Navy vs. Army Identification
  15. 03:35Call to Action: Like & Subscribe

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Historically, the Colt 1861 Navy revolver is chambered in .36 caliber, while the Colt 1860 Army revolver is chambered in .44 caliber. This caliber difference is the most significant distinguishing factor between the two models.

How does the barrel length differ between the Colt 1860 Army and 1861 Navy revolvers?

The Colt 1860 Army revolver typically features an 8-inch barrel, whereas the Colt 1861 Navy revolver is commonly found with a 7.5-inch barrel. This difference in length is a key visual cue when identifying these firearms.

Can modern reproductions of Colt Navy revolvers be found in .44 caliber?

Yes, modern reproductions of the 1851 Navy revolvers are sometimes manufactured in .44 caliber. This is often done for convenience, allowing owners to standardize ammunition across multiple firearms, though it deviates from the historical .36 caliber.

What visual cues can help distinguish a Colt 1860 Army from an 1861 Navy revolver?

Besides caliber and barrel length, the cylinder size is a notable difference. The 1860 Army's cylinder is 'stepped' to accommodate the larger .44 caliber, while the Navy's .36 caliber cylinder is straight. The Army's grip is also substantially longer.

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