Michigan Mike
Member
What is a good screwdriver set to get that will work well with these narrow slotted screws on the Italian reproductions?
1851 Navy & beginner
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Brad_Bradsher
Member
Brownell's has a screwdiver set specifically for Colt single action screw slots:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...colt-single-action-screwdriver-prod25458.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...colt-single-action-screwdriver-prod25458.aspx
OP
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1861
Member
Thank you! That's just a smaller part of the accessories now, because since then I've bought tons of tools and a conversion cylinder - I'm moving towards the reloading.
ClemBert - I like the silver/gray finish of your revolver.
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OP
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1861
Member
I've spent insane amount of research on that subject last autumn and I've spent a lot of money on what are - I believe - absolutely the best screwdrivers in the world for Pietta 1851 Navy:
- GRACE USA PEACEMAKER SCREWDRIVER SET (HG-3)
- PB SWISS TOOLS 6460
- BROWNELLS NO. 9 FIXED BLADE
I bought all 3, but you don't really need all 3 - you need either a GRACE set, or PB SWISS TOOLS set, or BROWNELLS, but if you go for Brownells you can't buy just 1 screwdriver like I did, you need 3 different sizes of Brownells.
All are fantastic; if you want only one brand, I'd say go for Brownells, but make sure to order the right sizes which you need for your revolver. Of these three, Brownells are the most sturdy and have the best grip, PB Swiss supposedly have the best steel in the world, and Grace are supposedly made specifically for Pietta's Colt reproductions (I believe that), but they seem somewhat fragile when compared to the indestructable Brownells. All highly recommended.
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Michigan Mike
Member
Awesome info....thanks!
Michigan Mike
Member
OP
OP
1861
Member
You're welcome!
I'd like to have a few more Brownells screwdrivers in the future - they're that good.
Kaeto
Member
I need to get a set of those Brownells screwdrivers.
Michigan Mike
Member
Let me know if you find a good price.
BullSlinger
Member
1851 looks like your brass did tarnish on your flask. When they are cleaned after manufacture a thin coat of clear varnish is put over it so it keeps it shine for a short period of time. As suggested earlier clean and polish it with a metal cleaner from time to time. You could apply a thin layer of clear paint or even women's clear finger nail polish so you will not have to clean as often.
Good to see that you are still involved in shooting and have obtained a conversion calendar
I am fortunate that I live in the desert and tarnishing of metals takes much longer..
Good to see that you are still involved in shooting and have obtained a conversion calendar
I am fortunate that I live in the desert and tarnishing of metals takes much longer..
Steel Hayes
Member
The next in my long line of favorite calibers(.36), just received it today.
a 2016 Pietta 1851 squareTG(for $199.00 thanks to gunbroker).
Very nice!
Can someone explain when the squareback trigger guard was used by Colt and when Colt switched to the round trigger guard on the 1851? I actually prefer squareback trigger guards on these old style revolvers. My Walkers are the only BP revolvers I have that have the squareback.
Steel Hayes
Member
Something to do with the different generations of Navies.
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Michigan Mike
Member
What do you like about .36 vs .44?
Steel Hayes
Member
Just personal preference, I like the .36 because I seem to be able to control my shots a lot easier than the .44.
Michigan Mike
Member
Cool. I have a .36 that I need to shoot. I've only ever shot .44s and my Ruger Old Army.
OP
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1861
Member
I need that squareback trigger guard. I can't find it Europe. I understood it long ago that's not easy to obtain, but sooner or later I must locate one somewhere.
Steel Hayes
Member
I got lucky, when I bid on the Navy, this wasn’t what I was expecting. They used a stock photo which wasn’t what arrived, I’m not complaining at all.
OP
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1861
Member
You're probably one of those persons who wouldn't complain even if you win the lottery.
"A Liberal is just a Conservative that hasn't been mugged yet"
OP
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1861
Member
Still involved? I haven't properly even started yet
expat_alaska
Member
If that is indeed a 2016 Pietta it will have a date code [CP] and if so it is pretty much a rarity. Pietta has not updated their website since 2008, so it is almost useless to go there for info. That is a very good price.
According to '51 Colt Navies (Nathan L. Swayze, 1967):
Dixie Gun works still lists this Pietta 1851 Navy SB TG, says it is in stock, but it is misnamed as a London model. If anyone would order one, it might be wise to contact them by phone to confirm. I do not believe they can procure separate parts from Pietta.
https://www.dixiegunworks.com/index.../RH0850+Pietta+M1851+NAVY+YANK+LONDON+REVOLVE
I bought a Pietta 1851 Navy .36 in late 2014 with the round TG (last year of production for the "tail" grip style) from Cabela's for about $200. I contacted Taylor's in early 2015 about a SB TG and they ordered one for me that was included in a batch of other parts on their order. Long story short, it took about 2 months to receive it, especially due to Customs inspection. I really believe it was one of the last ones in Pietta's factory parts bins, and I consider myself lucky. In the past few months I have contacted both Taylor's and VTI about availability and have been told that that part is no longer produced or stocked for either grip style.
A word or two about the Pietta 1851 Navy grip style. Pietta started using CNC machining ~2000. The 2014 and earlier grip styles were of the "tail" design (hated by some but a collector item these days), and the 2015 and later guns had (as some might say) a more "conventional" profile. One may install a 2014 or prior year style on a 2015 or later style gun, and vice-versa, but it must be done as a 3-piece unit (trigger guard, backstrap, wood) on any 1851 frame and the fit will be just fine. The parts are not interchangeable amongst the two styles of grip profile.
I love Pietta interchangeable parts!
My 2014 [CM] pistol with the SB TG, Second Model.
My 2014 [CM] pistol as my favorite fantasy, an 1851 Navy .36 Dragoon with a part octagonal/part round barrel from my Pietta G&G and a smooth cylinder (no roll engraving). I wish Sam Colt had produced one like this.
I hope you squareback lovers can fulfill your dreams.
Regards,
Jim
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1861
Member
Mk VII - it's gorgeous!
expat_alaska
Member
The more I look at your new acquisition, the more questions I have.
It is obviously in LNIB condition
The rear backstrap appears to have a "tail" appearance, but the frontstrap of the TG does not have the curvature of the tail setup as found on the 2014 and earlier guns.
My Leech and Rigdon based upon a Pietta 2016 [CP] 1851 Navy .36. Note the similarities with the TG curvature but not the backstrap and the wood. And yours has the SB TG to boot!
I am very familiar with Pietta 1851 Navy types but yours is an anomaly, and that is not bad!.
If you ever want to sell it, I want to be first in line!
IMO, you may have a transition gun. If so it is very rare and replica collectors would give a mint for it.
You scored big time, sir! The seller had no idea what he had. To him/her, it was probably just another Pietta revolver.
Jim
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