Cylinder for Pietta 44 cal 1851 Navy Pistol

Anyone have an old but useable cylinder out there? Could use one on a rebuild.

 

It looks like all of the ones on ebay are new (or almost new) right now but they often have oldies as well. I have a saved search of "cylinders" in Sporting Goods/Hunting. You can never have enough of them you know because you never know when you might get in a shootout!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pietta-Colt...455265?hash=item1a0d031421:g:KSkAAOSwwTlUow4-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pietta-Gris...152006?hash=item1c6071c106:g:De0AAOSwnDxUkIyD

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Pietta-...428093?hash=item1a0d02a9fd:g:YBEAAOSwj0NUkJKC

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-New-Pie...123942?hash=item1c60715366:g:uokAAOSwMmBVy6jb

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pietta-Colt...154463?hash=item1c6071ca9f:g:FXIAAOSwAYtWKrDF

http://www.ebay.com/itm/COLT-1860-A...700268?hash=item3a94cf0c6c:g:9G8AAOSw7NNT2liV

 

Cabela's has new cylinders for $50

http://www.cabelas.com/product/shoo...ssories/_/N-1100207/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_104218380

Yes, it's a new cylinder, but I think the price is great. Wait for one of Cabela's $99 free shipping deals and you can get two with no shipping costs.

 

I remember a few years ago they were $30.00 with specials at $20.00. Wish I had bought a bunch then.

 

Tip Curtis from the frontier shop had some pistol parts a while back. Might be worth a call to him.

 

I left you a response on the SASS Wire; maybe I can help. Send me a PM.

 

Thanks for responses gents. I did reach out to J Bar.

Impatience, which is my strong point usually costs me money. If I needed a new cylinder, Cabelas would probably be best for me. Have one nearby. Since this pair of pistols is pretty rustic with nice patina an older used cylinder would probably fit best.

 

Well, thanks to J-Bar was able to get two cylinders that were antiqued so now I have a matched pair of rust restorations.

Thanks to all.

 

I have one of these pistols that I intend to refinish as an antique. Is there a how to somewhere?

 

Not really aware of how to. There are a number of YouTube videos that help. The pistols are really pretty simple in theory. I have been working on all types of revolvers for many years. Just make sure you have the right tools and bring your patience. It is embarrassing to go to your local gunsmith with a gun in parts. I've done that too. In a his case these were both pistols given to me as throw always. So about $50 in parts and a few/several hours I think I have two nice play toys that will be fun to shoot.

To remove the rust I completely disassembled the pistols and used a commercial rust removing gel I purchase at Home Depot. Made quick work of both rust and bluing. Then took fine scotchbite pad and did quick buff. I like the look so decided to leave it.

The thing you need to understand is that most parts you may buy are not exactly drop in.

One pistol needed a hand and spring. The part that rotates the cylinder when you cock the hammer. First try would not move the cylinder as it was too long. Then i slowly started filing the end a very little at a time. After the fifth time or so it worked fine.

The other needed a trigger and bolt spring. Even this simple part would not work when first dropped in. The long side was a bit too long. Out came the file and after three tries it would go to half cock only then on the fifth try finally worked perfectly.

You get real good at assembly and disassembly real quick.

Just have fun as long as you feel comfortable. If you have expensive firearms a gunsmith is the way to go.

I do work on my colts and Rugers but go right to smith when I don't feel I have the expertise.

 

I use Longshot Logan's procedure:

http://www.theopenrange.net/articles/Antiquing_SAA_Revolver.pdf

 

I don't have any problem with the mechanics. I was just wondering what other people use to approximates 150 years - or 50 - of wear. The last one I did I used Plum Brown, which turned out fine but did not have the aged look I sought

 

Those are handsome. Like little dragoons.

 

Except for the rebated cylinders and the cut water table.

A better representation of a fantasy 1851 Navy "Dragoon" is a Leech and Rigdon .36 cal.

I made mine from a Pietta 1851 Navy steel .36 and the barrel/cylinder from a Pietta Griswold and Gunnison .36.

Jim

 

I thought the 1851 Navy is a .36 caliber revolver but I also see cylinders that are .44 caliber. I'm confused now???

 

You are absoulutely right archangel, 1851 navys are .36 caliber. But nowadays they reproduce them in .44 as well as .36.

 

The 1851 Navy .44 caliber pistol is a "fantasy" pistol in that Colt never made one for market. Pietta, and possibly other Italian makers, made those for shooters and not for historical representation.

All original production Colt 1851 Navy pistols were .36 caliber (hence the "Navy" designation).

I have come across pics/info about a Colt 1851 Navy .40 caliber pistol that was a factory trial which never went into production. The following link also somewhat addresses .44 rebated cylinders for the 1851 pistol.

https://www.joesalter.com/category/products/Rare-Colt-1851-Navy-Prototype-Enlarged-Caliber-Revolver

I can't afford it and I see no reason for that ".40" caliber dimension to be actually .385" bore when the 1851 Navy ".36" bore diameter is .380".

Jim

 

It was the 1860 Army that was a .44 Cal revolver, correct? If so why bother turning the 1851 into an 1860? Why not just produce the 1860 Army?

 

They make both the 1860 and 1851 in .44
In the 19th the 1851's were .36 and the 1860's were .44

 

Thanks for the info. Sorry I went a little OT.

 

No worries. That's how we learn things, by asking.