1851 Navy: .44 as good as .36?

[OrangePwrx9]

Heard so much good about the Colt 1851 Navy, that I'd like to try one.

Cabela's sells Pietta made 1851s in both .36 and .44. I'm aware that the .44 is historically incorrect. However, I'd like to go .44 as my other BP revolvers are all .44s. Normally, my BP revolvers are only used on the range.

Is the .44 caliber 1851 as good a shooter as the .36? Is there any good reason to choose the .36 over the .44?

 

[swopjan]

Historically inaccurate and cheaper (slightly) to shoot are the only things I could think of. Guys that shoot the .44's tend to love them, the rest of us just don't buy them.

If it's brass just remember not to use as much powder as a steel frame.

 

[Gaucho Gringo]

I had .44 steel framed 1851 that I wish I had never have sold. Liked it better than my current .36 1851's. Just one man's opinion.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

When I was a kid in 1968 I bought my very first revolver, a brass framed 44 caliber 'Navy' replica made by Uberti. Borrowed my Dad's car and drove down to the old Navy Arms showroom in Ridgefield NJ to buy it. Too many 30 grain loads eventually stretched the frame. I still have it, but it is a wall hanger now.

Moral of the story, if you are going to buy one, be sure to spend a few extra $ on a steel frame.

 

[Patocazador]

I just bought a .44 Pietta "Navy" from Cabela's. It is more accurate at 15 yards than my EuroArms .36 Navy when shot with equivalent loads. However, The above is only an anecdote and cannot be used as a general fact since they are different guns from different manufacturers shooting different caliber bullets. It only is valid for my revolvers and should not be considered valid for any other guns.

 

[EljaySL]

If the historical aspect doesn't bug you, get whichever one you want. If you want everything the same get the .44. If you want to try a .36 to see what you think or for variety get the .36. Don't overthink it. They both work fine.

If you can get a serious deal on one of those brass framed .44s I'd say go for it, as long as you're OK with running light loads. Otherwise get the steel which gives you more flexibility. By "serious deal" I mean Cabelas had them at $139.99 with free shipping the day after Thanksgiving.

 

[BCRider]

I jumped in the deep end of the pool and got both .44 and .36 guns. The .36's are up for sale and I'm keeping the .44's. The "THUMP!" that they give compared to the .36's "bump.... " is just too much fun....


Because the .44's do pack more of a thump I'd stay away from the brass framed versions for the reasons mentioned. Or be aware of the issues and load light. But in that case you may as well get the brass frame gun in .36.... which brings us back to the satisfying "THUMP!" from the .44's....

 

[Rom828]

The .44's are fun but my .36's shoot longer because less powder= less fouling.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Be historically accurate. Get the .36 in the Navy and if you want a .44, get the 1860 Army.

 

[Fingers McGee]

Is the .44 caliber 1851 as good a shooter as the .36? Is there any good reason to choose the .36 over the .44?

Properly tuned and loaded, there is probably no discernible difference between the .36 and .44 1851 Navy style revolvers. My first pair of matched '51 Navies used in CAS competition were .44 caliber Pietta Civilian models. While I liked these pistols and they served me well; they were not historically accurate, so I traded them off for a pair of .36 caliber 2nd Gen Colts and with only a couple exceptions (Pietta, engraved US Marshall models); have only bought .36 Navies since.

The .36 Navy is historically correct; the .44 isn't. The .44 usually takes more powder and lead per round - although it can be accurate at reduced powder levels. Personal preference would be the only good reason to choose one over the other.

With that said; whatever you buy, make sure it has as steel frame.

 

[dickydalton]

Just buy a few of every size. I've got 5 .36s, 3 brass .44s, an 1860, some ROAs, a .50 Trapper and a flint 45, just in the short gun category.
I have a lot of fun when I take a bunch out!

 

[Lunie]

Be historically accurate. Get the .36 in the Navy and if you want a .44, get the 1860 Army.

I think we have a winner.

Or get an 1851 in .36, an 1851 in .44, and 1860 in .44... And a Walker, and a few Dragoons...

 

[EljaySL]

Yeah, you're going to get all of them anyway, it's just a matter of prioritization. I just buy whatever's on sale that I don't have yet. (I'm only slightly joking)