1861 Navy vs. 1860 Army

Published on August 16, 2021
Duration: 6:07

This expert-level comparison by Dustin from Guns of the West details the key differences between the Colt 1861 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers. It covers critical distinctions in caliber (.36 vs. .44), grip design and size, frame material variations, cylinder and forcing cone geometry, barrel shape and length, and shoulder stock compatibility. The analysis highlights how these seemingly similar firearms cater to different preferences and historical contexts.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1861 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers, while visually similar, have key distinctions. The 1861 Navy is .36 caliber with a shorter 'Navy grip,' while the 1860 Army is .44 caliber with a taller grip for better hand fit. Both feature round barrels, but the 1860 Army's frame is cut for its larger cylinder, and it typically came standard with shoulder stock compatibility.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1861 Navy vs 1860 Army
  2. 00:43Caliber Comparison: .36 vs .44
  3. 01:02Grip Design Differences
  4. 01:52Grip Frame Material
  5. 02:20Frame and Cylinder Differences
  6. 03:05Hammers, Barrels, and Loading Levers
  7. 03:55Barrel Length and Front Sights
  8. 04:25Shoulder Stock Compatibility
  9. 04:47Concluding Thoughts & Visual Similarity
  10. 05:49Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The most significant difference is caliber: the 1861 Navy is a .36 caliber, while the 1860 Army is a .44 caliber. This distinction impacts their size, power, and handling characteristics.

How do the grips of the 1861 Navy and 1860 Army revolvers differ?

The 1861 Navy has a shorter, more stylized 'Navy grip.' The 1860 Army features a taller grip designed to comfortably fit all five fingers, offering a more substantial feel.

Are the barrels of the Colt 1861 Navy and 1860 Army the same shape?

Both the 1861 Navy and 1860 Army feature round barrels, which was a departure from the octagonal barrels found on earlier models like the 1851 Navy.

Which Colt revolver, the 1861 Navy or 1860 Army, typically came standard with shoulder stock compatibility?

The Colt 1860 Army was generally equipped with shoulder stock screws and cutouts as a standard feature, making it more readily adaptable for use with a shoulder stock compared to the 1861 Navy, where it was often a special order.

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