Colt Revolvers: Better than Remington?

Published on April 11, 2026
Duration: 9:45

Dustin from Guns of the West provides a detailed comparison of Colt-style cap and ball revolvers, favoring them over Remington designs primarily for aesthetic reasons and certain functional aspects. He highlights the one-piece grips, open-top frame design, and the robust arbor as key advantages, while acknowledging potential cap jam issues and the Remington's stronger frame design. The video emphasizes the artistic appeal of Colts and their suitability for black powder enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

Dustin from Guns of the West prefers Colt revolvers over Remingtons primarily for their aesthetic appeal, highlighting the clean look of one-piece grips and the artistic open-top frame design. He also notes the robust arbor and lube grooves on Colts, which aid in maintenance and extended shooting sessions, though he acknowledges a higher susceptibility to cap jams.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt vs. Remington Debate
  2. 00:40Presenter's Preference for Colt Revolvers
  3. 01:03Colt Style Revolver Examples (Uberti Reproductions)
  4. 01:17Barrel Styles: Octagonal vs. Round
  5. 02:00Colt Grip Design: One-Piece Grips
  6. 02:23Backstrap and Trigger Guard Material Options
  7. 02:41Frame Design: Open Top vs. Top Strap
  8. 03:45Colt Arbor and Wedge Strength
  9. 04:30Arbor Lube Grooves for Extended Shooting
  10. 05:21The Wedge: Maintenance and Barrel Removal
  11. 05:37Barrel Aesthetics: Round and Octagonal
  12. 05:48Loading Lever Designs
  13. 06:09Front Sight Height and Shooting Characteristics
  14. 06:26Style vs. Function in Firearms
  15. 06:52Cap Jams in Colt Revolvers
  16. 07:47Paper Cartridges with Colt Revolvers
  17. 08:50Conclusion: Colt Fanaticism
  18. 09:02Outro and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main aesthetic advantages of Colt revolvers over Remington revolvers?

The presenter favors Colt revolvers for their one-piece grips, which offer a cleaner look without visible screws. He also prefers the open-top frame design of Colts, finding it more artistic and classic compared to the top-strap design of Remingtons.

How does the internal mechanism of Colt revolvers contribute to their perceived strength and maintenance?

Colt revolvers feature a large, thick arbor and a substantial wedge that secures the barrel. The arbor also has lube grooves, allowing it to hold grease effectively, which extends shooting intervals between cleanings and contributes to the gun's longevity.

Are Colt revolvers prone to any specific malfunctions?

Yes, Colt revolvers can be more susceptible to cap jams due to their open-top design. Spent percussion caps can sometimes get pinched by the hammer notch and fall into the frame, potentially causing a 'catastrophic cap jam' that requires disassembly to clear.

Can paper cartridges be used with Colt revolvers without modification?

For certain Colt models like the 1851 Navy and 1861 Navy, paper cartridges (e.g., 17 or 20 grains) can be used directly from the factory without any modifications, enhancing the shooting experience for black powder enthusiasts.

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