1851 Navy vs. 1860 Army: What’s The Difference?

Published on April 20, 2019
Duration: 5:09

This guide details the disassembly and comparison of Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers, highlighting key differences in frames, cylinders, barrels, and loading mechanisms. Expert Dustin Winegar demonstrates component interchangeability and explains the design reasons behind these variations, offering a deep dive into these classic cap and ball revolvers.

Quick Summary

Expert Dustin Winegar compares the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers, highlighting key differences. The Navy is typically .36 caliber with a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel and straight cylinder, while the Army is .44 caliber with an 8-inch round barrel and stepped cylinder. The Army also features a larger grip and a rack-and-pinion loading lever, and its frame has a cutout for the larger cylinder.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1851 Navy vs 1860 Army
  2. 00:14General Similarities & Frame
  3. 00:40Caliber & Cylinder Differences
  4. 01:16Grip, Barrel Shape & Length
  5. 01:57Sight Comparison
  6. 02:14Frame Details (Disassembled)
  7. 02:44Cylinder Comparison (Disassembled)
  8. 03:03Barrel Loading Mechanism
  9. 03:33Interchangeability of Parts
  10. 04:52Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main caliber differences between the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army?

Historically, the Colt 1851 Navy was chambered in .36 caliber, while the Colt 1860 Army was chambered in .44 caliber. Modern reproductions of the 1851 Navy are also available in .44 caliber.

How do the barrels and loading levers differ on the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army?

The 1851 Navy has a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel with a screw-hinge loading lever. The 1860 Army features an 8-inch round barrel and a smoother rack-and-pinion style loading lever.

Can parts be interchanged between the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army?

While frames are similar, the 1860 Army frame has a specific cutout for its larger cylinder, making the Army cylinder incompatible with the Navy frame. However, the Navy cylinder and barrel can fit the Army frame.

What visual distinctions exist between the cylinders of the 1851 Navy and 1860 Army?

The 1851 Navy has a straight cylinder, while the 1860 Army has a stepped cylinder designed to accommodate its larger .44 caliber chambers. The Army cylinder is also approximately 1/8 inch longer.

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