Traditions 1851 Navy (sic) .44 Caliber Revolver

I am looking for feedback on a Traditions #FR18512 (made by Pietta) 1851 Navy Black Powder Revolver chambered in .44 caliber. I realize that an authentic reproduction 1851 Navy Revolver would be chambered in .36 caliber (as Wild Bill Hickok and many others would testify), but I am leaning towards buying the .44 for several reasons.

1) I already have an 1858 Remington cap and ball revolver chambered in .44 caliber so I figured that would keep my BP handgun shooting more simplified than adding one in .36 caliber. 2) The cost on the Traditions .44 1851 Navy model is hard to beat for a steel framed revolver at about $215. 3) I am only shooting for recreation and my own enjoyment so having an 'incorrect' revolver chambering does not bother me.

Has anyone shot the Traditions P/N: FR18512 revolver? Does the larger caliber throw off the balance and feel significantly? I imagine that eventually I will find a steel framed .36 caliber 1851 Navy at an agreeable price and get it just so I can see for myself if it is one of the best balanced and most natural aiming revolvers of all time to shoot, but as seldom as I have a range day featuring BP shooting, I figure the .44 version will give me a taste with plenty of 'bang for the buck'.

Thanks for the replies.

Waiting for the November / Black Friday type sales is a good idea, but ... my nicest shooting weather, and the time I usually get out the BP, is generally during the month of October. And ... I have a couple of hundred dollars saved up for it now.
I may go ahead and get the .44 caliber 1851 Navy now, and keep my eyes open for a great deal on the genuine article .36 caliber in a couple of months. Guess I just realized my mind may already be made up!

Pictures of my new Traditions / Pietta 1851 Navy Revolver in .44 Caliber.



It will be a week or two before I can take it out and shoot it, but it sure feels good in hand.

Thanks for all the replies. I will follow up with a range report when I can.

1851 Navy .44 caliber revolver cleaned, lubed, loaded with BP snap caps https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/nipple-snap-caps.771875/ and ready for some dry-fire fun.

drobs said:

Where'd you buy it?

Click to expand...

LGS - ended up costing $225 plus tax. State of Illinois classifies black powder revolvers as regular firearms (that is also the case for pellet guns >.177 caliber!) so the rules for transfer are the same as if you bought a Glock 19 or a S&W Model 500.

drobs said:

I escaped from IL in 2010.
Bought my 1st house in rural Missouri.

Did you have to do a 4473 on the gun?

Click to expand...

No, but Yes - "the rules for transfer are the same as if you bought a Glock 19 or a S&W Model 500." A non-licensee must do a 4473 and background check with three day waiting period. I did not, since I am an 01FFL dealer and purchased the cap & ball revolver from my own shop as a Licensee (still had to pay the sales tax, though).