Which Cap & Ball revolver is better

[duelist1954]

I’m writing a “Guns of the Old West” column about which cap and ball revolver is better, Remington’s New Model Army, or the Colt 1860 Army model. So I’d like to conduct an informal poll to use in the column. If you’re a cap and ball shooter please let me know what you think.

1. Which revolver is better:
a. Colt 1860 Army
b. Remington New Model Army

2. Why do you prefer it? (optional)

2. Do you own both revolvers?
a. Yes
b. No


Thanks for your help.

 

[whughett]

1; 1860, 2; Colt more shots before cleaning is needed,better looking 3; yes.

 

[J-Bar]

1860 Colt

The Colt grip shape is much more comfortable and controllable.

I own 1860s, have shot borrowed Remmies, and decided not to buy Remmies due to grip shape.

 

[dickydalton]

1. B
2. optional, faster loading and better sighting
2. a, Yes

 

[Crawdad1]

1) The Remington is better by far over the Colt.

2) I prefer the 1860 Colt because of its balance and grips.

3) I have owned both a Remington and the Colt.

The reason I say the Remington is a better shooter is it can digest stronger loads and throw them down range more accurately. I've tested this as the Colt can be just as accurate with lighter loads the Remington can blast heavy loads down range with ease.

 

[medic15al]

1. 1860 Colt
2. More shots before fouling. Superior ergonomics.
3. Have owned both

 

[bannockburn]

1) a. Colt 1860 Army.
2) Superior feel, handling, balance, and design ergonomics.
3) Have owned both.

 

[Flatbush Harry]

Mike,

I own both in Uberti replicas. I think the Rem 1858 is the better revolver because of better sights, stronger frame design and ability to change cylinders more quickly. That said, I enjoy shooting the 1860 more because of grip size and shape and balance for me.

I'll look forward to your article.

Best regards,

Harry

 

[Tommygunn]

I’m writing a “Guns of the Old West” column about which cap and ball revolver is better, Remington’s New Model Army, or the Colt 1860 Army model. So I’d like to conduct an informal poll to use in the column. If you’re a cap and ball shooter please let me know what you think.

1. Which revolver is better:
a. Colt 1860 Army
b. Remington New Model Army
In what way? The Remington is a more modern design and, with the top-strap, is a stronger design. The wider grooved arbor gives the Colt an advantage with maintainance and reliability.

2. Why do you prefer it? (optional)
Over all I prefer the Colt because it looks more "1800s" than the more modern design Remington.

2. Do you own both revolvers?
a. Yes
b. No

Yes...Various types and makes of each.


Thanks for your help.

*****

 

[RonC]

1. 1860 Army
2. It fits my hands much better than the Remington
3. I own both, Piettas

That said, I really like the way the Remington looks! But, given a choice of which to shoot, my selection is the 1860 Army.

Thank you for working on this article!
Ron

 

[Whacked]

1860

Good feel & balance

No, do not own a remmy but have fired one. It is on my list to purchase, a bit down that list but on there none the less.

 

[Ed Ames]

1. Which revolver is better:
b. Remington New Model Army

2. Why do you prefer it?
I don't. I prefer the 1860. However, the rem has a stronger frame, better sights, is easier to use with conversion cylinders, etc.. The 1860 is technically inferior but I enjoy using it more.

2. Do you own both revolvers?
a. Yes

 

[duelist1954]

This is just so I know where I am on the spread sheet. Thanks for the replies so far

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

1. B (Remington NMA/1858)

2. FIRSTLY - If it is one of the later ones with the taller front sights like my EMF/Pietta Hartford model, I find it is more accurate and easier to maintain an on target grip than the 1860. The older, short-sighted models that I have fired shoot high and have me estimating how high above the sight tip I must hold them to stay on the paper. SECONDLY - I reload using multiple cylinders preloaded at home and capped as I put them in battery so not having to fumble with a wedge makes my expensive range time more productive. THIRDLY - I like the look of both revolvers as each is beautiful in its own way!

3. A (And have shot both!)

 

[duelist1954]

Marker

 

[72coupe]

1860.

Not at the moment.

I prefer the grip, balance and ease of reloading and capping.

I have owned both. I shot the nicest Centennial 1860 I have ever seen to destruction in 1968. Loved that gun.

 

[duelist1954]

Marker

 

[Erwan]

I'm coming just after the battle I think, but I'm coming from far in the east side of the map...

- In first the Remington NA 44.
- In second the Colt 1860 Army.

- The reason for the Remington is the first: modern, good for my hand and no big job to do for it become very accurate and when it is good it stay good: can't move...

- The reason I chose le Colt 1860 Amy in second choice: is te more beautiful Colt but not so efficient in time like the Remington and it's very difficult to make it very accurate for the long time: the barrel and the hammer can move in time with a bit slightly strong shot (axle, hammer and wedge may be)...

- If I have those two revolver I must say no, I don't have any Colt but I 'll get an Colt 1860 next week I hope but only for pleasure: beautiful beast...

I do have four Remington for six handguns...

 

[desidog]

I also prefer the 1860.

I have had 1860's by Colt, Uberti and Pietta; and an 1858 NMA Pietta stainless. The NMA shoots very high and the grip is too small for my hand. (I also prefer the '60 to the '51 colt for the additional grip length.)

Also, although nobody asked, I like the fact i can buy additional barrels and swap them out on the open tops. I have a 12", 7", and a 2.5" barrel in the works for my 1860 Pietta.

 

[vagunmonkey]

1. Remington

2. Better sighting, solid frame (top strap).

3. I own both.

 

[BCRider]

1- I like the Remington for the better engineering with the closed loop frame. But I like the 1860 and 1851 for being so much different than anything of modern design. So for me it's a wash and I take out whatever needs sunlight and a good exercise run on any given day. Both have great eye appeal BECAUSE Of the difference in designs.

2- I dislike that the Italians from either camp can't seem to learn how to make and match the arbors on the open tops so that they fit correctly and that the wedge locks the nose of the arbor correctly against the bottom of the hole in the barrel. I feel that this is a big detraction from the lure of the open top guns. I prefer the stock sights on the Remington but I've filed out that cruel little joke of an almost invisble "v" in the hammers of the Colts to be a more usable and fuzzy eye friendly deep and wide "U" shape so now it's a wash on the sights. So all in all the Remington pattern is more approachable for those that just want to buy and shoot. But once these little issues on the open tops are addressed they are ever bit as usable, reliable and durable.

The sets get used a couple of times each per year for cowboy action shooting as well as a few times a year one gun at a time for a day of fun shooting.

3- I currently have a pair of Uberti Remingtons and a pair of 1860s, one by Uberti and the other an older Navy Arms.

If I had to sell one set or the other I'd be torn over the decision. As far as I'm concerned the only proper answer to the question is "Yes please, one of each".

Best of luck with the article. I know it'll result in a lot of feedback from the two camps. And there you'll be right in the middle stirring it all up....

Let us know when the issue is on the stands please? Being in Canada I can't say I've ever seen "Guns of the Old West" up this way. It would be worth a special trip down to Washington state to pick up a copy of this one.

 

[Mike OTDP]

1. Remington

2. It's more accurate, wider trigger (meaning reduced apparent trigger pull), better sights.

3. Yes...originals in both.

 

[BSA1]

1. Remington.

2. It is better choice for buffaloing drunk cowboys.

3. No. At least not yet.

p.s. I prefer the 1851 Navy but that is not listed as a choice.

 

[BullRunBear]

1. Colt 1860

2. Better ergonomics resulting in better accuracy and the grip is more comfortable for my large hands. I can also shoot more before needing to clean.

3. I own and shoot both. The Colts are Uberti and Pietta. The NMAs are Pietta.

 

[44 Dave]

I own both.
The 1860, fits in my hand more comfortably, fowls less, and easier to clean.
The Colt open tops just point and shoot better, I would prefer in in close combat.
I was at our range with a retired police officer who was not doing too well with his old service revolver. Offered him my 1860, first ever shot with it was a bulls eye.
All time fav. will always be the '51 Navy!