Questions on the '51 Navy

[Tearlachblair]

I'm thinking about picking up a pair of '51 Navys from Cimarron in the hopefully not to distant future (Either the London model or the squareback model), so I have two questions that need answerin'.

First off: Round triggerguard or squareback triggerguard? It looks like they are both the same price. Which style would you recommend and why?

Second: Packin' leather! I'm thinking I'd like to do a double shoulder holster rig for these two pistols (a la American Outlaws/The Mummy) Does anyone know of a good shoulder holster that is made to fit the '51 Navys with their 7.5 in. barrels? Also, is it really that comfortable, or would you recommend going with, perhaps, the 5.5 in. Remington pistols?

 

[Tommygunn]

I actually have a 1851 with a roundback and another with the squareback. It's a matter of taste, really.
With the sq bk the middle finger can be used to push the revolver upard, allowing the thumb to reach the trigger a tad easier. So what? A cute trick, which is nice, but the roundback is easy to handle and no one has a problem cocking the 1851.
Consider it aesthetic.
Can't help with the holsters, sorry. You might look for someone who works with leather to help you, or some other member will chime in with help.

 

[Donny]

River Junction traders has a nice shoulder holster for the Navy revolvers. Reasonably priced too as I recall. Don't know their web address off hand but I'm sure you can find it easy enough with a google search.

Don

 

[Desert Scorpion]

Get the square back it has a great look to it, I bought one and put a great looking ivory grip from www.dixiegunworks.com. Now my gun looks really neat especially on my belt. Many people will give you compliments. Brag about how they were the same model Wild Bill used.

 

[Tearlachblair]

So the squareback guards don't have any sharp edges that wear on your middle finger? If they don't, that is spectacular, since I love the look -- looks like I'll be orderin' myself a '51 Navy "just like what Wild Bill Hickock used!" with a River Junction skeleton shoulder holster!

Desert Scorpion, you said you got some grips from Dixie; and on their site they say that they are oversized and may need fitting. What was your experience?

 

[WV SCROUNGER]

You got a point there! The size of your hand makes the difference. I shoot a .36 Spiller and Burr and the triggerguard is the round type and I have fairly small hands......but after about 30 shots the triggerguard wears a heck of a blister on the middle finger. I have no problems with the 51 colt cause the frame is a bit bigger....
it would be best if you could handle the revolver before you purchase...
but sometimes it aint possible....

 

[mike101]

IMO, the squareback is prettier. Only the first 1100 or so '51 Navies had them.

Cimarron has some pretty nice speed rigs on their own website, too. I wonder if one for a Colt SAA might work for a Navy.

 

[Old Fuff]

Cimarron has some pretty nice speed rigs on their own website, too. I wonder if one for a Colt SAA might work for a Navy.

The Colt 1873 Single Action Army has a larger cylinder, and the frame has a topstrap. Therefore a holster should be way oversized for an 1851 Navy.

Also as a matter of history, folks that carried '51 Navies didn't use "speed rigs," as they hadn't been invented yet.

 

[Desert Scorpion]

They sell many types on there web site. They are oversized on the edges only. When buying them they will ask you what gun it is for. Click on navy, when you get them it will include directions for fitting. They are just allitle oversized so that they can fit the diffrent sized grips of diffrent companies, which all vaty slightly. Mine also included directions on how to age them and make them more yellow. Usually you use steel wool to rub off the oversized part. Expect to take around 3 hours if you are a perfectionist. I however recommened them, you will always get compliments, and you can brag you fit em on yourself. If you get the grips with the detailed engravings like the eagle or saloon girl pair. Remember they are very fat grips and may not fit in certain peoples hands. Especially women. I bought the marshal star version as it isnt fat. Good luck.

 

[Tearlachblair]

Definitely going for the saloon girl pair, but I have bigger hands and always found the navy grip just a little small. Woot! Sounds good to me, as long as they send directions. And don't worry guys, as soon as I get it all in and finished I'll post pics.

 

[Desert Scorpion]

I was so close to getting the saloon girl pair, but it was out of stock at the time, so I got the star instead. Still good though. Good luck fitting and When I get my dig camera back from a friend I will also post picks. Happy hunting.

 

[Tearlachblair]

Ordered a square-guard model from Texas Jacks, but they just sent me an email saying that they are out of stock :-(. Be anywhere from 30 to 90 days till they get them in! *sigh*...

 

[Desert Scorpion]

No worries I know a few sites were you can still get it. When I saw that you were getting it from texas jacks I knew they may not have it in stock because they never do:banghead: :banghead: So I found another one for you they have both cimarron and Uberti square backs in! Last I checked which was 3 days ago. I know becasue I ordered another one. Here it is www.arms2armor.com:)