The Colt 1851 Navy you’re examining is a .36 caliber percussion revolver featuring a 7.5-inch rifled barrel with 1:30 twist and distinctive naval battle scene engraving on its six-shot cylinder. You’ll find a brass mainframe with steel barrel construction, weighing 2.6 lbs with dimensions of 13″ x 5.25″ x 1.75″. The single-action mechanism delivers a 5-7 lb trigger pull, while the tapered cone front sight aids precision. Modern market values range $600-900, varying by finish and condition. The legacy of this iconic sidearm extends far beyond its technical specifications.
Key Takeaways
- The 1851 Colt Navy was a revolutionary six-shot percussion revolver featuring a brass frame and .36 caliber chambering.
- Distinguished by its engraved naval battle scene on the cylinder and precise aiming system with tapered cone front sight.
- Measures 13 inches in length with a 7.5-inch barrel, weighing 2.6 pounds and utilizing a single-action trigger mechanism.
- Features a rifled barrel with 1:30 twist ratio and safety pins between chambers for enhanced accuracy and safety.
- Basic models started at $319.30, with premium versions reaching $806.56, while current market values range between $600-$900.
Description
The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver represented a significant advancement in percussion revolver design, combining a .36 caliber six-shot capacity with a lighter frame than its predecessors.
You’ll find the Navy’s brass frame, cylinder, and steel barrel complemented by a tapered cone front sight and notched hammer for precision aiming. The distinctive cylinder features an engraved naval battle scene depicting the Battle of Campeche.
Price Range
Original pricing for the Colt 1851 Navy revolver varied significantly based on finish and embellishments, with base models starting at $319.30 for brass-framed versions and reaching $806.56 for premium charcoal blue variants with ivory grips.
| Model Type | Price Range | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Brass Frame | $319.30 | Common |
| Standard Blue | $500-600 | Limited |
| Engraved Special | $375.78 | Rare |
| Charcoal Blue w/Ivory | $806.56 | Very Rare |
Today’s market values typically range between $600-$900 for standard models.
Specifications
The Colt 1851 Navy’s .36 caliber six-shot cylinder paired with its muzzle-loading percussion system made it a formidable sidearm during the mid-19th century. You’ll find its rifled barrel provided improved accuracy over smooth-bore designs of the era, while its brass frame and blued steel construction ensured durability in field conditions. The revolver’s dimensions reflect its military heritage, with critical measurements detailed below:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Barrel Length | 7.5 inches |
| Capacity | 6 rounds |
Weight
Weighing in at 2 pounds, 1 ounce, this percussion revolver packs its heft into a compact frame measuring 13 inches long, 5 1/4 inches high, and 1 3/4 inches wide.
You’ll find these dimensions translate to 33.02 centimeters in length, 13.335 centimeters in height, and 4.445 centimeters in width – proportions that complement the .36 caliber chamber’s balanced weight distribution.
Barrel Length
Standard-issue 1851 Navy revolvers featured a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel, though you’d also find variants sporting 7-3/8 inch and more compact 5-inch configurations.
These varying barrel lengths provided distinct advantages – the longer octagon barrel versions delivered enhanced accuracy and muzzle velocity, while the shorter 5-inch models proved ideal for mounted cavalry operations where maneuverability was paramount.
Material Made Out Of
Constructed with precision engineering, Colt’s 1851 Navy revolver combined a brass mainframe and trigger guard with a robust steel cylinder and octagonal barrel.
You’ll find the revolver’s brass frame contrasts beautifully with its steel components, including the rifled barrel and solid loading lever. At just over 2 pounds, this marriage of brass and steel delivers both durability and balanced weight distribution.
Chambered In
The iconic .36 caliber chambering defined Colt’s 1851 Navy revolver, positioning it perfectly between the lighter pocket pistols and heavier Army models.
You’ll find the Navy designation refers specifically to the .36 caliber chambering, not military service affiliation. With six rounds in the cylinder, this intermediate caliber offered superior ballistics compared to .31 caliber pistols while remaining more manageable than the .44 caliber Army revolvers.
Capacity
Featuring the proven six-shot cylinder design, Colt’s 1851 Navy revolver utilized individual paper cartridges loaded into separate chambers, each protected by an integral safety pin between chambers.
You’ll find this Civil War-era design particularly efficient, as the drop-out cylinder system revolutionized reloading speeds compared to earlier revolvers, while maintaining the standard six-round capacity of percussion firearms.
Trigger Pull
Sharp and responsive, the 1851 Navy’s single-action trigger mechanism delivered a consistent 5-7 pound pull weight that marksmen found superior to earlier percussion revolvers. You’ll notice the trigger’s crisp break and absence of creep, features that remained constant throughout its 22-year production run.
The lighter, more refined trigger pull distinguished it from the heavier Dragoon model, enhancing your accuracy during aimed fire.
Safety?
Consistently prioritizing user safety, Colt’s 1851 Navy incorporated multiple protective features that set new standards for percussion revolvers. You’ll find a safety peg strategically placed between cylinder chambers to prevent chain-fire accidents.
The combustible paper cartridges eliminate loose powder hazards, while the tapered barrel and single-action mechanism ensure controlled firing. These innovations established the 1851 Navy as a notably secure sidearm.
Action
The robust 1851 Navy packs impressive specifications into its single-action design, with a .36 caliber six-shot percussion cylinder mated to an octagonal barrel.
You’ll find the percussion revolver’s rifling makes one complete turn in 30 inches, delivering reliable accuracy. The right-side loading lever enables quick cylinder reloading, while the brass backstrap and trigger guard complement the blued steel construction, all weighing just over two pounds.
Optic Ready?
Modern optics weren’t compatible with this historic percussion revolver, as the 1851 Navy’s design predated telescopic sights by several decades. The Colt 1851 Navy Revolver relied on traditional fixed iron sights, which were appropriate for its black powder operation.
The octagonal barrel’s design didn’t include mounting points or rails, as these wouldn’t be developed until long after the revolver’s production era.
Review
You’ll find the Colt 1851 Navy revolver demonstrates remarkable durability in its brass frame construction while maintaining consistent accuracy through its 1:30 twist rifling.
The percussion ignition system proves reliable in fair weather but requires diligent maintenance to prevent flash channel fouling and cap fragments from disrupting cylinder rotation. Despite the slower reload time inherent to its drop-out cylinder design, the revolver’s smooth action, balanced weight distribution, and proven combat effectiveness explain its widespread adoption by military and civilian users throughout the mid-19th century.
Pros
Widely regarded as one of the most successful percussion revolvers ever designed, Colt’s 1851 Navy model excelled in several key areas. The Colt Model 1851 Navy’s popularity during the American Civil War stemmed from its exceptional balance of features.
| Feature | Advantage |
|---|---|
| .36 Caliber | Optimal power-to-recoil ratio |
| Drop-out Cylinder | Quick tactical reloading |
| Brass Frame | Lightweight durability |
| Single-action | Precise target acquisition |
Cons
While the 1851 Navy revolver earned its reputation through notable advantages, several mechanical shortcomings affected its reliability in the field. You’ll encounter frequent misfires due to fragile nipple and cone mechanisms, requiring constant maintenance. The brass frame’s lightness compromises durability, while the front-loading design slows your reload time significantly.
| Issue | Impact | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Fragile Nipples | Frequent Misfires | Regular Replacement |
| Loose Cylinder | Poor Accuracy | Wedge Adjustment |
| Brass Frame | Structural Weakness | Frame Reinforcement |
| Loading Design | Slow Reloads | Practice Required |
Reliability
Despite some documented shortcomings, the 1851 Colt Navy proved remarkably reliable through its 22-year production run, with over 272,000 units serving frontiersmen, military personnel, and lawmen.
Samuel Colt’s Navy Pistol earned praise for its solid brass frame and efficient powder-loading system. The revolver’s single-action mechanism and steel cylinder delivered consistent performance, with legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok validating its dependability in frontier conditions.
Similar Models
The Colt 1851 Navy spawned several notable variants that branched out into different calibers and roles.
You’ll find the heavier .44 caliber 1860 Army model with its reinforced frame, while the 1862 Police offered a compact .36 caliber package.
The 1861 Navy improved upon the original Colt 1851 Navy’s design with a stronger frame.
For smaller carry needs, the .31 caliber 1849 Pocket version proved popular.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Competition drove several manufacturers to develop their own percussion revolvers rivaling the Colt Navy.
You’ll find the Remington New Model Army offered a larger .44 caliber option, while the Smith & Wesson Model 1 provided a more concealable .22 rimfire design.
The Whitney Navy closely mimicked Colt’s design, while Starr introduced double-action capability, and Savage incorporated an innovative rebounding hammer mechanism.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance protocols ensure your 1851 Navy Colt remains in peak operating condition.
You’ll need to regularly clean and oil your Colt Percussion’s moving parts, particularly the cylinder pin and rotation mechanism. Inspect the hammer, trigger, and sear assembly for proper function.
After firing, thoroughly clean the bore with appropriate brushes and period-correct solvents. Store your revolver in a moisture-free environment to prevent corrosion.
History
Masterfully engineered by Samuel Colt, the 1851 Navy revolver emerged from Hartford’s manufacturing floors to become one of America’s most influential percussion firearms.
Following the success of Walker Colt revolvers and Colt Dragoon, this .36 caliber pistol dominated the market with nearly 250,000 units produced. You’ll find its legacy in the hands of Wild Bill Hickok, Doc Holliday, and even Ottoman forces abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Caliber Was the Colt 1851 Navy?
You’ll find the Colt 1851 Navy was chambered in .36 caliber, a size that perfectly balanced power and accuracy. The handcrafted barrel’s precision rifling and manageable recoil made it renowned for its exceptional accuracy at medium ranges.
You’d appreciate how the smaller caliber, compared to the .44 Army models, allowed for quicker follow-up shots while maintaining the firearm’s legendary quality of craftsmanship that’s evident in every hand-fitted component.
Is the Navy Revolver Rare?
You’d be amazed at how frequently these legendary revolvers actually turn up! With over 215,000 domestic units and 42,000 London-made pieces, the Navy isn’t particularly rare in terms of production numbers.
However, you’ll find that collector demand remains incredibly strong, especially for special variants. While standard models are relatively obtainable, you’ll need deep pockets for presentation-grade pieces or those with factory engraving, which can command astronomical prices at auction.
What Caliber Pistol Did Wild Bill Hickok Use?
When you study frontier gunfighting techniques, you’ll find that Wild Bill Hickok primarily used a .36-caliber pistol, specifically the Colt Navy 1851 revolver. If you’re interested in historical reenactments, you’d want to note that this caliber was considered highly effective for its time, offering the perfect balance between stopping power and controllability.
Hickok’s expertise with this particular caliber made him one of the most feared gunfighters on the American frontier.
What Is the Difference Between 1851 Colt Navy and Army?
You’ll find the key differences are in caliber and size – the 1851 Navy uses .36 caliber while the Army model chambers .44. Though they share similar trigger mechanism designs and sights configuration, the Navy’s lighter frame makes it more maneuverable.
You’ll notice the Navy has a more refined, streamlined appearance compared to the Army’s bulkier profile. While naval officers preferred the Navy model, both revolvers saw widespread use across military and civilian sectors.
Conclusion
This legendary six-shooter that rests in your hands like a sleeping tiger was the crown jewel of mid-19th century naval arms. You’ll find its .36 caliber ball, combined with the 7.375-inch octagonal barrel, delivers remarkable accuracy at 25 yards. When you’re maintaining the percussion cap mechanism and brass frame, you’re preserving one of Samuel Colt’s finest achievements in firearm engineering.
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