which one 1851 or 1860 revolver

1851 or 1860 revolver??

  • 1851 colt navy

    Votes: 25 46.3%
  • 1860 army

    Votes: 29 53.7%

  • Total voters
    54
  • Poll closed .
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Well, the 1851 is a .36, while the 1860 is a .44, so that's a bit of a difference. However, between the 1861 and 1851... comes down to looks imo.

I'd be torn up between the two, but would probably lean towards the 1851 in your spot.
 
midland man

Well the first thing that comes to mind is that one is in .36 caliber (Model 1851), while the other one is in .44 caliber (Model 1860). The grip frame of the Model 1860 is somewhat larger and the overall design of the barrel is more streamlined than the Model 1851. I voted for the Model 1860 as I think it is one of the most stylish and elegant looking of the Colt black powder revolvers.
 
I realize the 1851 was originaly in 36c but I wanted to go with 44c in steel frame due to owning a 58 Remington in 44c so that way I can shoot the same roundball! i am looking at a kit that you finish and its in 44c.
 
I prefer the looks of the 1860 and appreciate the improved loading lever. While I like the grip on the 1851, the larger grip on the 1860 fits my big hands better, gives better balance and a little better accuracy. So I voted for the 1860.

I've noticed that folks with smaller or at least average sized hands often prefer the 1851.

Jeff
 
I like the Model 1860 because the grip fits my hand well, which measures 4" across the knuckles. I've held a Model 1851 and can only get 3 fingers on the grip.
 
okay well Saturday I held a 51' navy and it fit right perfect and had a natural feel and felt like it was easy to point so I have a 58 rem, and the grips on it are little big for me but that 51 navy felt really good in my hands! so I was wonder what ya'll thought?
 
I realize the 1851 was originaly in 36c but I wanted to go with 44c in steel frame due to owning a 58 Remington in 44c so that way I can shoot the same roundball! i am looking at a kit that you finish and its in 44c.

Well my opinion is a little biased because I am such a history buff. Nostalgia would play a large part in my getting a C&B revolver so I would not want a .44 on an 1851 frame. I'm the kind of person that would think about it every time I shot it. I'm weird I know. lol

So if I wanted a .44 I'd go with the Army. Just my opinion. If historical accuracy isn't something you place a large amount of importance on, get whichever looks best to you.
 
midland man, If that 1851 grip felt comfortable, go with it. The major differences between the models is the loading lever. The 1860 version is supposed to be smoother, maybe more robust. But I've never had a problem with the rams in an 1851, 1860 or Remington so it's not that big a deal. As long as the grip size and balance suit you, you will be good. If you get the brass frame version, keep the loads on the lighter side and it will last for years.

As a bonus, that rear sight notch in the hammer is surprisingly effective. When I got my first Colt the rear sight seemed inadequate but I was wrong. Whatever model you end up with (probably the first of several) you will have fun.
 
In their original configurations, the 1851 Navy has a 7.5 inch barrel, the 1860 barrel is 8 inches. I have owned both and used both in cowboy action matches, and that extra 1/2 inch is a lot harder to draw quickly. For casual shooting where speed of draw is not important, you could ignore this difference. Pietta makes a lot of non-historical models with shorter barrels so this may not be an issue. I sold my 1860s and only have the 1851s now. (Full disclosure...most of the time I shoot Ruger Old Armies in matches.)

Internally the lockwork is the same. The 1860 uses the same basic frame as the 1851 but the water table (frame underneath the arbor) was machined out (rebated) to accommodate the larger .44 caliber cylinder. As far as the difference in loading levers and rammers, I prefer the 1851s cantilevered design to the ratcheting design of the 1860. The 1851 has never given me any problems ramming balls into the chamber (I load with the cylinder on the gun, rather than using a separate press.)

You can have a lot of fun with either one. You will probably wind up with one of each, eventually!
 
well I did it I sold my 58 Remington today along with a couple other guns and bought lee lead pot ,lee lead ladle, and two lee molds .440 and .454 to make roundballs for my soon to be 51 colt steel frame and 45c balls for my flintlock 45c Kentucky rifle so I can make my own ammo! http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_162_194&products_id=14235 this is a kit as I love kits and all it needs is finishing :) so here it comes thanks, guys!!
 
Don't forget, you can put a '51 grip on a '60 army
^This. The '51 and '61 Navy and the '60 Army have the same dimensions and screw layout where the grip attaches to the frame, which allows one to switch, for example, Navy grips onto an Army revolver, or vice versa. Some original Colt Army revolvers have been found fitted with Navy grips.
 
Well... why not both? Also, a 1861 Navy is pretty good, too!

The loading lever of the 1860 and later Colt cap and ball revolvers is the best loading lever design there is, which is an advantage worth noting.
 
Well my opinion is a little biased because I am such a history buff. Nostalgia would play a large part in my getting a C&B revolver so I would not want a .44 on an 1851 frame. I'm the kind of person that would think about it every time I shot it. I'm weird I know. lol

So if I wanted a .44 I'd go with the Army. Just my opinion. If historical accuracy isn't something you place a large amount of importance on, get whichever looks best to you.
I agree. A big part of shooting the black powder guns is the nostalgia and history of the firearms so I have a hard time understanding why someone would want the 44 caliber navies, particularly the so called confederate model Colts and Remington models that are completely made up and never existed until the Italians made it up.

If I want a 44 I would get the Army.
 
Since both can be had in .44, get which ever one looks and feels best to you. It's more or less an apples to apples.
 
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