Colt 1851 Questions...

[Nalapombu]

Hey all,

I have been wanting one of these for a long time to just play around with and see how the whole BP shooting thing is. I have never done it before and I think I would enjoy it. Anyway, I wanted to ask a couple of questions about the 1851 Colt.
I see them both in 36 caliber and 44, which one was the most widely used by the troops and in general? Which one is the best to get in a replica? I also have looked at a number of replicas ranging from Uberti to Cableas and seemingly endlees places in between, generally speaking, what is the best brand to go with if you want a nice looking and nice fitting replica? Where is the best place to buy them at?
Thanks for the help and assistance. I am also planning on getting the Remington 1858 and the Colt 1860 to complete the trifecta. That is if I like it...

Nala

 

[Old Fuff]

The original Colt 1851 Navy was only made in .36 caliber, excluding a handfull of experimental ones in .40 caliber. Colt made the 1860 Army based on a modified Navy frame with a rebated cylinder (bigger at the front then at the back). Some modern makers make a hybrid using the 1860's frame and cylinder with everything else from the 1851 model and the barrel bored to .44 rather then .36. Some like them because they are slightly smaller and lighter then the 1860 Army. But like I said they don't have an original counterpart.

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Most of these guns are actually manufactured by two or three companies in Italy. For you're first time out I would buy one in the middle-price range. If you want to buy a better one I would get what's called a "London Navy" which is nothing more the an ordinary 1851 Navy with the backstrap and trigger guard made out of steel rather the brass. As black powder fouling stains brass the steel is easier to take care of. Relative strength isn't a factor though.

Colt also made what is called the "1861 Navy" which is a revolver which looks like a 1860 Army, but is the same size as the 1851. You might consider a reproduction of that too.

Dixie Gun Works, In Union City, TN. carries all of the popular reproductions and accessories you might need. You'll find them at: www.dixiegunworks.com Very good people too deal with, and their glad to answer questions.