Colt Navy Revolvers: 1851 vs. 1861

Published on May 3, 2021
Duration: 7:10

This video provides a detailed comparison between the Colt 1851 Navy and 1861 Navy revolvers, highlighting their similarities and differences in design, materials, and historical context. It's aimed at those new to black powder firearms or considering their first purchase, offering insights into cosmetic and functional distinctions.

Quick Summary

The Colt 1851 Navy and 1861 Navy revolvers, both .36 caliber, differ primarily in barrel shape and loading lever design. The 1851 has an octagonal barrel and hinged lever, while the 1861 features a rounded barrel and rack and pinion lever. Both have similar grips and frames, though the 1861 could be special-ordered with shoulder stock provisions.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 1851 vs 1861 Navy
  2. 00:44Historical Release Dates & Models
  3. 01:50Grip Comparison
  4. 02:31Trigger Guard & Frame Similarities
  5. 02:52Shoulder Stock Provisions on 1861 Navy
  6. 03:15Cylinder & Engraving Details
  7. 03:31Barrel Shape & Length Differences
  8. 04:11Loading Lever Mechanism Comparison
  9. 04:44Front Sight Differences
  10. 04:52Making a Selection: Shooting & Aesthetics
  11. 06:07Sales Performance & Historical Notes
  12. 06:43Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main physical differences between the Colt 1851 Navy and 1861 Navy revolvers?

The primary visual distinctions lie in the barrel shape and the loading lever. The 1851 Navy features an octagonal barrel and a traditional hinged loading lever, while the 1861 Navy has a rounded barrel and a rack and pinion loading mechanism, similar to the 1860 Army.

Are the grips and frames the same on the Colt 1851 and 1861 Navy revolvers?

Both revolvers share a similar one-piece grip style, though the 1851's grip is shorter than the 1860 Army's. The frames are generally the same, and trigger guards are typically made of brass on both models.

What caliber are the Colt 1851 and 1861 Navy revolvers?

Both the Colt 1851 Navy and the Colt 1861 Navy revolvers are chambered in .36 caliber. They also share identical cylinders and feature the same Naval Battle of Campeche engraving.

Which Colt Navy revolver was the better seller?

Despite Samuel Colt considering the 1861 Navy his most beautiful revolver, the 1851 Navy was consistently the better seller throughout their production history, even after the 1861 model was introduced.

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