Old Stumpy
Member
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2019
- Messages
- 1,451
I just took delivery of a Pietta Colt 1851 Army revolver.
No, I,m not mistaken. Since it's the .44 caliber version it must be an Army and not a Navy.
(That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.)
Anyway, since I also have a Pietta Remington 1858 Army revolver, I felt a comparison would be interesting.
Remington Advantages:
- one piece solid frame, with only two screws to secure the hammer, trigger, and cylinder bolt.
- more solid and stronger top strap design.
- easier disassembly with no need to disassemble the grip straps like the Colts.
- hammer spring just pushes out side of frame without screw to remove like Colt.
- better sights.
- rapid cylinder removal without wedge and barrel removal like Colt.
- no cap jams.
Colt Advantages:
- cylinder arbor design resists fouling better.
- ratchet and pawl design seems stronger and more wear resistant.
- some prefer the balance and grip better, but this is subjective.
All in all, if practicality is your preference, then the Remington is the way to go.
Certainly history has proven this with practically all subsequent revolvers, including cartridge Colts and most DA revolvers, incorporating a one piece top-strap frame. Even top break revolvers lock up to become a de facto one piece top strap frame revolver.
But then, what is practical about owning and shooting C&B revolvers for most of us?
What do you think?
No, I,m not mistaken. Since it's the .44 caliber version it must be an Army and not a Navy.
(That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.)
Anyway, since I also have a Pietta Remington 1858 Army revolver, I felt a comparison would be interesting.
Remington Advantages:
- one piece solid frame, with only two screws to secure the hammer, trigger, and cylinder bolt.
- more solid and stronger top strap design.
- easier disassembly with no need to disassemble the grip straps like the Colts.
- hammer spring just pushes out side of frame without screw to remove like Colt.
- better sights.
- rapid cylinder removal without wedge and barrel removal like Colt.
- no cap jams.
Colt Advantages:
- cylinder arbor design resists fouling better.
- ratchet and pawl design seems stronger and more wear resistant.
- some prefer the balance and grip better, but this is subjective.
All in all, if practicality is your preference, then the Remington is the way to go.
Certainly history has proven this with practically all subsequent revolvers, including cartridge Colts and most DA revolvers, incorporating a one piece top-strap frame. Even top break revolvers lock up to become a de facto one piece top strap frame revolver.
But then, what is practical about owning and shooting C&B revolvers for most of us?
What do you think?