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Reprocussion 010: Colt New Model Army "Model 1860" - Module A

C&Rsenal
Published on January 13, 2026
Category: Reviews
Duration: 49:07

This module provides an in-depth look at the Colt New Model Army "Model 1860" revolver, detailing its historical context, design evolution, and technical specifications. It highlights key features such as the fluted and rebated cylinder, the creeping loading lever, and its chambering in .44 caliber. The video also includes a hands-on assessment of its handling, ergonomics, and performance, comparing it to earlier Colt models.

Tags

Colt New Model Army
Colt Model 1860
44 Caliber Revolver
Percussion Revolver
Civil War Era Firearm
Single Action Revolver
Fluted Cylinder
Rebated Cylinder
Creeping Loading Lever
Samuel Colt
Firearms History
Reproduction Firearm

Quick Summary

The Colt New Model Army (Model 1860) is a .44 caliber, six-shot percussion revolver known for its .44 caliber, fluted and rebated cylinder for weight reduction, and a creeping loading lever for consistent bullet seating. It typically features an 8-inch barrel and weighs around 2.5 pounds, making it a more manageable cavalry sidearm than earlier heavy models.

Chapters

  1. 00:42Introduction to the Colt Model 1860
  2. 01:01Physical Characteristics and Specs
  3. 01:32Chambering and Ammunition
  4. 01:56Reproduction vs. Original
  5. 02:43Evolution of Colt Percussion Revolvers
  6. 04:32Development Challenges and Innovations
  7. 06:00Samuel Colt's Personal Life and Business Ventures
  8. 08:24Design Departures and the Root Prototype
  9. 09:53The Importance of Cylinder Fluting
  10. 10:26Caliber Debates: .36 vs. .44
  11. 11:08Lightening the Dragoon Revolvers
  12. 11:50The Rebated Cylinder Solution
  13. 12:48Assembly of the New Pattern
  14. 13:35Trial Revolvers and Army Testing
  15. 14:27Production and Model Variations
  16. 14:54Close Look at the Reproduction Model 1860
  17. 15:22Comparison with Previous Army Revolver
  18. 15:45Comparison with 1851 Navy
  19. 16:22Sights and Action
  20. 16:37Hammer and Safety Pin
  21. 17:06Frame and Barrel Assembly Aesthetics
  22. 17:23The Creeping Loading Lever Mechanism
  23. 18:36Cylinder Expansion and Barrel Modification
  24. 19:26Cylinder Comparison: Old Navy vs. New Army
  25. 20:19Cylinder Fluting and Steel Quality
  26. 20:59Steel Improvements and Strength Claims
  27. 21:09Other Features: Capping Groove and Stock Provision
  28. 22:13Lockwork and Single-Action Operation
  29. 23:46Production Timeline and Pricing
  30. 24:13Colt's Army Nemesis: Henry Knox Craig
  31. 24:41Colt's Associates in Government
  32. 25:21Government Revolver Needs
  33. 25:49Price Increases and Congressional Hurdles
  34. 26:11Patent Lawsuits and Amendments
  35. 27:02Attempts to Circumvent Patents
  36. 28:31Secretary Floyd's Scandal and Resignation
  37. 29:19Seeking New Markets: The American South
  38. 30:00Tensions Leading to the Civil War
  39. 30:44Lincoln's Election and Model 1860 Production
  40. 30:51Samuel Colt's Political Stance
  41. 31:26Southern Orders Begin
  42. 32:33Commercial Sales Growth
  43. 32:38Samuel Colt's Illness and Family
  44. 33:16Colt's Mandate from Cuba
  45. 33:39Largest Southern Order: Texas
  46. 34:25Colt's Return and Press Scrutiny
  47. 35:14US Government Purchases Resume
  48. 35:29Confederate States of America Orders
  49. 36:03Model 1860 in Southern Cavalry
  50. 36:24Southern Rearmament and European Imports
  51. 36:36Confederate Workshops and Navy Caliber
  52. 36:54Handling the 1860 Army with May
  53. 37:17First Impressions: Fancier 1851, Larger Caliber
  54. 37:29Grip Feel and Size Comparison
  55. 37:51Reach and General Feel
  56. 38:04Overall Disposition: Very Positive
  57. 38:14Aesthetics: Tapering and Reduced Buildup
  58. 38:47Loading Lever Enshrinement
  59. 39:31Potential Loading Lever Flaw
  60. 39:50Basics: Trigger, Hammer, Ease of Aim
  61. 40:00Loading Process with Root-Style Lever
  62. 40:19Capping and Hammer Operation
  63. 40:39Single-Handed Cocking Capability
  64. 41:16Cap Jams and Firing Cone Issues
  65. 42:39Trigger Feel
  66. 42:48Aiming: Front and Rear Sights
  67. 43:27Firing and Recoil Management
  68. 44:43Comparison: Dragoon vs. Model 1860
  69. 45:14Comparison: 1851 Navy vs. Model 1860
  70. 45:56Negatives of the Model 1860
  71. 46:45Overall Positives of the Model 1860
  72. 47:08Model 1860 as Pinnacle of Percussion Colts
  73. 47:19Future New Models and Shoulder Stocks
  74. 48:29Special Thanks and Further Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key specifications of the Colt New Model Army (Model 1860)?

The Colt Model 1860 is a .44 caliber, six-shot, muzzle-loaded percussion revolver. It typically features an 8-inch barrel, an overall length of about 14 inches, and weighs just over 2.5 pounds. It is a single-action firearm.

What design improvements does the Colt Model 1860 offer over earlier models?

The Model 1860 incorporates a fluted and rebated cylinder to reduce weight, a more elegantly contoured frame for strength and lightness, and a creeping loading lever for more even bullet seating, which helps maintain accuracy.

How does the Colt Model 1860 compare to the Colt 1851 Navy?

The Model 1860 is a larger caliber (.44 vs .36), has an improved tapered front sight, and a more robust loading lever. While the 1851 Navy is lighter and some prefer its grip, the 1860 is generally considered a more capable firearm due to its power and features.

What is the historical significance of the Colt Model 1860?

The Colt Model 1860 was a significant firearm during the American Civil War era, serving as a primary sidearm for U.S. mounted troops. Its development addressed issues of weight and power, making it a more practical and effective cavalry pistol than its predecessors.

What are the main features of the Colt Model 1860's loading mechanism?

The Model 1860 features a creeping loading lever, which provides more even leverage when seating bullets into the cylinder chambers. This design helps prevent deformation of conical bullets, leading to more consistent ballistics and tighter shot groups.

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