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

Published on April 20, 2019
Duration: 5:09

Expert Dustin Winegar provides a detailed tabletop comparison of the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army cap and ball revolvers. The overview highlights key differences in caliber (.36 vs. .44), cylinder and frame design, barrel shape and length, and sight configurations. Winegar also demonstrates the limited interchangeability of parts between these iconic firearms, offering insights valuable for collectors and historical firearms enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1851 Navy is typically .36 caliber with a straight cylinder and 7.5-inch octagonal barrel, while the 1860 Army is .44 caliber with a stepped cylinder and 8-inch round barrel. The Army frame has a cutout for its larger cylinder and an extra screw for a shoulder stock, distinguishing it from the Navy frame. Both revolvers use the hammer as a rear sight, with the Navy having a bead front sight and the Army a blade front sight.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1851 Navy vs 1860 Army
  2. 00:14General Similarities: Frames & Grips
  3. 00:40Caliber & Cylinder Differences
  4. 01:16Grip, Barrel Shape & Length Comparison
  5. 01:57Sight Systems: Navy vs Army
  6. 02:14Frame Details: Cutouts & Stock Screw
  7. 02:44Cylinder Comparison: Size & Shape
  8. 03:03Barrel Length & Loading Lever Mechanics
  9. 03:33Parts Interchangeability Explained
  10. 04:52Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main caliber difference between the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers?

The Colt 1851 Navy is historically chambered in .36 caliber, while the Colt 1860 Army is chambered in .44 caliber. This difference in bore size is a primary distinction between the two models.

Are the frames of the Colt 1851 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers interchangeable?

While the frames share many similarities, they are not fully interchangeable. The 1860 Army frame has a specific cutout to accommodate its larger .44 caliber cylinder, which the 1851 Navy frame lacks. However, 1851 Navy parts can sometimes fit an 1860 Army frame.

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

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

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

Both revolvers use the hammer as the rear sight. The 1851 Navy is equipped with a small bead front sight, whereas the 1860 Army features a blade front sight. Both models are noted for tending to shoot high.

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