Difference between Colt Navy 1851 and 1861

[StrawHat]

The octagon barreled 1861 mentioned in the catalog is a misprint.

Not uncommon in this day of non editing prior to printing.

There was an octagon barrel and round barrel version of the 5 shot 36 colt.

As for the .380 vs .375 round ball. I like the 380 as it provides a tighter seal in the chamber. Also gives a tiny belt to be engraved by the rifling.

Oh yeah, it is also th only size I have,

 

[Old Fuff]

Regardless of the ball's diameter, it will be swedged down to the chamber diameter. The larger ball might give you a little more bearing surface, but I doubt that it would make a difference in hand-held accuracy. The reason for recommending the .380 ball is in case someone has larger chambers in their revolver. If so, an undersized ball could cause problems.

 

[StrawHat]

The reason I would recommend the larger ball is if you have more than one 36 it takes the guess work out of which one uses which diameter.

I like to keep things simple.

The less variables the more enjoyment.

 

[Pancho]

Well sorry to say Mac Attack that we couldn't help you make a decision on what to buy based on the caliber. You can believe it when I say whatever you buy it won't be the last. Just ask Scrat.
Myself I have 7 sidelocks 3 inlines and 3 C&B revolvers and everyone of them is a different mystery to be solved.

 

[Pancho]

Oh yeah, Not to forget that when things slow down you can get into molding your own projectiles. That's when you know you're not only hooked you're flopping on the bottom of the boat.

 

[scrat]

hey wait i have about 10 molds.

yep your going to get hooked. i guess the only think i can recomend because it will happen. Go out and buy the best priced 1851 or 1860 model you can. Then when money is good buy the other one. Thats what i did. Now im hunting for some more.
I just have to get a bigger safe. As im out of room again.

 

[Old Fuff]

NEWS FLASH!

The Old Fuff has just learned that since they are addictive, all black powder revolvers have been determined to be controlled substances. All such revolvers, along with associated propellants, caps and projectiles are to be sent to the Old Fuff for proper disposal...

All of the above should be delivered by common carrier, such as Fed-X or UPS. Said projectiles should not be delivered in another way you might be thinking of…

(Old Fuff runs to take cover…)

 

[Macmac]

Oh it isn't to bad until you find you can do more things with a ball mold than you thought it should. Then yer addicted!

 

[mykeal]

Mac Attack and Pancho - There is no octagonal barrel 1861 Colt Navy or 1862 Colt Police. That has to be a typo.

The link I provided was to their 2007 catalog. It has since been replaced with a 2008 catalog with new prices, and unfortunately the Euroarms 1860 Army for $185 is no longer offered. So the prices and listings in that link are obsolete.

The new catalog also claims an octagonal barreled 1861 Navy, so that typo has continued. I'm sending them an email asking about it. I'll post whatever their answer is.

The 1862 .36 cal gun with an octagonal barrel is called the Pocket Navy; the round barrel is the Police or Pocket Police.