[K.A.T.]

I'm looking to purchase a Colt Navy 1851, but I'm a little confused at the talk of low serial numbers, C series, I think some of them was assembled by different co. are something. Can someone give me the short version of what ever took place? I purchased a 1860 sig. series and couldn't be happier with it. Do I just need to buy one and forget about it? Help!

[Bad Flynch]

I pulled this from my current copy of the Blue Book online. I recommend that you get a subscription, as it is an excellent product.

Second Generation: Current firearms manufacturer with headquarters located in West Hartford, CT.
Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc. is the previous manufacturer of 2nd Generation Colt percussion revolvers located in Hartford, CT. Colt used subcontractors to supply rough castings for the manufacture of these black powder pistols. Throughout the production years 1971-1982, these rough castings were produced in Italy and the reproductions were completed in the United States. Initially, Val Forgett and Navy Arms provided these parts/components during 1971-73. Lou Imperato supplied these parts from 1974-76. In both instances, these revolvers were assembled and finished in Colt's facilities in Connecticut. Finally, from 1978-1982, Colt subcontracted both parts procurement and final production to Lou Imperato and Iver Johnson Arms in Middlesex, NJ. Colt percussion revolvers produced by Iver Johnson had frames, center pins, nipples, and screws manufactured in the United States. In all instances, these revolvers were manufactured in accordance with Colt's strict specifications and quality control. Additionally, Colt's performed final inspection for all models. All percussion models manufactured from 1971 through 1982, either by Colt or its subcontractor, are regarded as authentic Colt pistols and not Italian replicas.
The Colt Custom Shop also produced a limited number of special editions through the early 1990s from 2nd Generation production inventory. (Colt 2nd Generation models in the white are still known to exist.)

Signature Series: Previous manufacturer and retailer of 3rd Generation Colt Black Powder pistols and muskets located in Brooklyn, NY 1994-2002.
All 3rd Generation Colt blackpowder models are also referred to as Signature Series Models.
A reprise of the original Colt Blackpowder line, along with historic models not offered in the 2nd Generation, and a new series of Commemoratives, each model (with the exception of the Heirloom Tiffany 1860 Army and 1842 Texas Paterson) bears the Sam Colt signature on the backstrap. These 3rd Generation models were manufactured under an authorized licensing agreement with Colt Firearms by Colt Blackpowder Arms Company – the same company (and many of the same craftsmen) responsible for the 2nd Generation Colt revolvers. Although parts for the Signature Series were cast in Italy, they were fully assembled and hand finished in the United States using the proprietary Colt formulas for bluing and color case hardening.
Colt Blackpowder Arms Company Signature Series revolvers are regarded as authentic Colt pistols. The 3rd Generation models have original Colt markings, including the barrel address and serial number stampings. There are no foreign proof marks on these authentic Colt models.
Please refer to Colt Blackpowder Reproductions & Replicas – A Collector's & Shooter's Guidefor color pictures of the 3rd Generation Colt Blackpowder makes and models listed below. Third Generation Colts can be found on pages 23 through 37, and pages 77, 84, 85, 86, and 94.

This is copyrighted material and should not be further reproduced.

[K.A.T.]

Thanks BF,I will check out the online info.

[Old Dragoon]

Get a copy of "the Bluebook of Modern Blackpowder Arms" also, it is invaluable checking out those 2nd and 3rd Gen Colts, S/N's and any other modern BP arm.
I highly recommend an online subscription to both. the Scrips are good for a year.

[mike101]

http://www.gunsandammomag.com/ga_handguns/cap_ball/index.html

This is an excellant article from G&A, that should answer all of your questions.

The easiest way to tell the difference between a C Series and F Series 2nd Gen. is that the C Series came in a brown wood grain box. The F Series came in a black box. There is a C Series '51 Navy on Gunsamerica, right now, for $425.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/976885160/Guns/Pistols/Colt-Percussion-Revolver-Modern/Colt_1851_36cal.htm

[K.A.T.]

Thanks for the info, that sold at the first of the week,I called twice just to make sure.

[mike101]

OK, let's try again. There is another one for $600. Still not a real bad price. The ad doesn't say, but I'm sure it's a Second Gen. Can't tell which series, though.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/Classifieds/View/_976875668.aspx#

Did they sell that World Class Remmie?

[K.A.T.]

I see the one for $600,I have found another one that will work.I bought the World Class Rem. that is listed, it's in the mail.The Gun and Dive shop has a Walker listed,they told me they had a Stainless one also,I'm not sure if they meant a Rem. or a ss Walker,probally a Rem. I just got bit by this cap&ball bug about 2 months ago,and allready bought 2 guns. My wife is looking at me real hard,but I just counted her shoes and she has exactly 45 pairs. So I got a ways to go yet.

[mike101]

You bought the Remmie? Congratulations! Be sure to give us a report when you get it. I was wondering if, aside from fit and finish, they are better made than the standard stuff (hand fitting, better steel, etc.)

[Old Dragoon]

That 2nd Gen Colt on GA is a "C" series per S/N. 1975 or 1976 MFG.