Reprocussion 012: Colt New Model Navy "Model 1861"

Published on April 21, 2026
Duration: 33:55

This video provides an in-depth review and historical context of the Colt New Model Navy, also known as the Model 1861. Professor Otias Griffith details its specifications, compares it to its predecessor and the New Model Army, and discusses its production history and military adoption. The review highlights key design changes like the round barrel and creeping lever, and offers insights into its handling and historical significance.

Quick Summary

The Colt New Model Navy, or Model 1861, is a .36 caliber percussion revolver that refined the design of its predecessor. Key improvements include a creeping loading lever for more consistent bullet seating and a cost-effective round barrel assembly, replacing the octagonal barrel of the Old Model Navy. It served with both the US Navy and Army during the Civil War.

Chapters

  1. 00:13Introduction & Sponsor
  2. 00:36Colt New Model Navy Overview
  3. 01:04Physical Specifications
  4. 01:44Reproduction Disclaimer
  5. 01:59Colt Model Evolution
  6. 03:22Development of the 1860 Army
  7. 04:30Old Model Navy vs. New Model Design
  8. 05:52Colt's Product Expansion
  9. 06:32New Model Navy Introduction (1861)
  10. 06:58Cylinders: Fluted vs. Unfluted
  11. 08:12Reproduction New Model Navy Features
  12. 08:59Comparison: Old vs. New Model Navy
  13. 10:20Creeping Loading Lever Explained
  14. 11:05Barrel Length & Rifling
  15. 11:42New Model Navy vs. New Model Army
  16. 14:04Production & Presentation Samples
  17. 14:19US Navy Contracts & Debates
  18. 15:57Navy Purchases & Pricing Issues
  19. 17:01Pre-War & Wartime Navy Purchases
  20. 17:31Collector Markings: Navy Navies
  21. 18:23Army Purchases of Model 1861
  22. 19:15State Militia Purchases
  23. 20:03Post-War Purchases & Production Totals
  24. 20:59Shoulder Stock Compatibility
  25. 21:12Centerfire Conversions
  26. 21:23Handling Impressions (May's Opinion)
  27. 22:11Ergonomics Comparison
  28. 24:00Shooting Utility Differences
  29. 24:22Sight Preference
  30. 25:08Loading Lever Comparison
  31. 26:31Overall Preference: New vs. Old Model
  32. 27:03New Model Army vs. New Model Navy
  33. 27:39Recoil & Reset Time
  34. 28:03Preference: 1860 vs. 1861 Reproduction
  35. 29:03Weight & Grip Comparison
  36. 30:50Final Preference: 36 vs. 44 Caliber
  37. 31:37Final Pick: 1861 for Marshall Colt Revolvers
  38. 32:41Acknowledgements & Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Colt Old Model Navy and the New Model Navy (Model 1861)?

The Colt New Model Navy (Model 1861) introduced a creeping lever for the loading ram and a smooth, round barrel, which were manufacturing cost-saving measures compared to the octagonal barrel of the Old Model Navy. While the frame and grip size are similar, the New Model Navy is a refinement focused on production efficiency and updated mechanics.

What caliber is the Colt New Model Navy (Model 1861)?

The Colt New Model Navy, also known as the Model 1861, is chambered in .36 caliber. It is a scaled-down version of the .44 caliber Colt New Model Army.

What were the main reasons for the design changes in the Colt Model 1861 Navy?

The primary drivers for the design changes in the Colt Model 1861 Navy were to reduce manufacturing costs through simpler shapes like the round barrel and contoured frame, and to incorporate the improved creeping lever mechanism for loading, which offered more consistent bullet seating.

How did the Colt Model 1861 Navy perform in military service?

The Colt Model 1861 Navy saw service with both the US Navy and US Army during the Civil War. While the Navy initially debated caliber choices, they eventually settled on the .36 caliber Model 1861. The Army also purchased a significant number, appreciating its balance and power for its size.

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