Colt 1860 New Model Army - How'd they make it larger bored?

Published on January 29, 2026
Duration: 1:40

This expert guide details the mechanical innovations behind the Colt 1860 New Model Army's larger .44 caliber bore. It explains how Colt utilized a rebated cylinder, frame notching, and an enlarged forcing cone to fit the bigger chamber onto a frame similar to the .36 caliber 1851 Navy model. The information highlights Colt's engineering solutions and contrasts the physical differences between the Army and Navy models.

Quick Summary

Colt engineered the 1860 New Model Army to accommodate a larger .44 caliber bore by using a rebated cylinder, notching the frame, moving the barrel forward, and enlarging the forcing cone. This allowed the .44 cylinder to fit on a frame similar to the .36 caliber 1851 Navy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt 1860 Army
  2. 00:24The Rebated Cylinder Explained
  3. 00:54Mechanical Design Changes for .44 Caliber
  4. 01:11Army vs. Navy Model Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Colt fit a larger .44 caliber cylinder into the 1860 Army revolver frame?

Colt used a 'rebated' cylinder design, reducing its rear diameter to fit the frame. They also notched the frame, moved the barrel forward, and enlarged the forcing cone to accommodate the longer cylinder and .44 caliber ball.

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

The primary difference is caliber: the 1860 Army is .44 caliber with a rebated cylinder and larger grips, while the 1851 Navy is .36 caliber with a straight cylinder and smaller grips. Both share a similar frame architecture due to Colt's modifications.

What materials did Colt use for the 1860 Army to handle increased pressure?

Colt utilized improved English steel for the 1860 New Model Army. This was intended to better withstand the higher pressures generated by the larger .44 caliber ammunition compared to the .36 caliber used in earlier models.

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