Colt vs. Remington: Close Up

Published on October 4, 2025
Duration: 8:25

This video provides a detailed close-up comparison between the Colt 1860 Army and the Remington New Model Army, both popular 44 caliber cap and ball revolvers. The presenter, Dustin from Guns of the West, discusses aesthetic preferences, mechanical differences like frame design and loading lever mechanisms, and practical considerations such as cylinder swapping and sight accuracy. While acknowledging the Colt's classic appeal, the video highlights several advantages of the Remington, particularly its superior sights and ease of use with paper cartridges.

Quick Summary

The Remington New Model Army offers advantages over the Colt 1860 Army with its closed-frame design, superior integrated sights for better accuracy, and significantly easier cylinder swapping. It is also better suited for loading paper cartridges without modification.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Colt vs. Remington 44 Caliber
  2. 00:28Common Question & Facebook Poll Results
  3. 01:09Visual Comparison: Side-by-Side
  4. 01:19Frame Design: Open Top vs. Closed Frame
  5. 01:20Barrel Length & Caliber
  6. 01:25Cylinder Size Comparison
  7. 01:27Grip Size Comparison
  8. 01:37Front Sight Comparison
  9. 01:44Loading Procedure: Cap and Ball
  10. 02:07Loading Lever Mechanism
  11. 02:16Cylinder Swapping: Remington vs. Colt
  12. 03:04Colt Cylinder Removal Process
  13. 03:37Importance of Cylinder Swapping
  14. 04:14Sight System Comparison: Remington Advantage
  15. 04:37Colt Sight System: Notch in Hammer
  16. 04:57Accuracy Comparison
  17. 05:29Paper Cartridges: Remington Advantage
  18. 05:48Remington's Paper Cartridge Groove
  19. 06:24Overall Comparison: Length & Loading Lever
  20. 06:48Frame Design & Aesthetics
  21. 06:56Engravings & Case Hardening
  22. 07:01Grip Close-Up
  23. 07:18Grip Comfort
  24. 07:25Summary of Wins & Personal Preference
  25. 07:41Call to Action: Comments & Subscription
  26. 08:04Outro: Like, Subscribe, Social Media

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Colt 1860 Army and the Remington New Model Army?

The Colt 1860 Army features an open-top frame and a hammer-based rear sight, while the Remington New Model Army has a closed frame and integrated sights for better accuracy. Cylinder swapping is also significantly easier on the Remington.

Which revolver is better for shooting paper cartridges, the Colt 1860 Army or the Remington New Model Army?

The Remington New Model Army is superior for paper cartridges due to a frame groove that aids loading. The Colt 1860 Army typically requires modifications to load paper cartridges as easily.

How do the sights on the Colt 1860 Army and Remington New Model Army compare?

The Remington New Model Army has a taller front sight and a rear sight cut into the frame, leading to much closer to point-of-aim accuracy. The Colt 1860 Army has a short front sight and a rear sight notch in the hammer, which can be less consistent.

Is cylinder swapping easier on the Colt 1860 Army or the Remington New Model Army?

Cylinder swapping is considerably easier and faster on the Remington New Model Army, typically involving removing a single pin. The Colt 1860 Army requires removing a wedge and the barrel, making it a more complex process.

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