Metropolitan Arms Company produced high-quality .36 caliber Colt Navy revolver copies from 1864 to 1867. You’ll find these revolvers feature 7.50-inch octagonal barrels, naval battle scene engravings, and case-hardened frames with walnut grips. The company manufactured approximately 8,900 units across three models, competing directly with Colt’s designs. While they matched Colt’s specifications in quality, Metropolitan’s brief history and limited production make these firearms particularly noteworthy for collectors.
Key Takeaways
- Metropolitan Arms Company produced high-quality copies of Colt’s Model 1851 Navy revolver in .36 caliber during the 1860s.
- The company manufactured approximately 8,900 revolvers that matched Colt’s specifications, including the 7.5-inch octagonal barrel design.
- Metropolitan’s revolvers featured detailed naval battle scene engravings and company markings, similar to Colt’s aesthetic style.
- The revolvers used the same single-action mechanism and half-cock safety position as Colt’s original designs.
- Metropolitan Arms faced direct competition from Colt, leading to business difficulties and eventual company failure.
Description
The Metropolitan Arms Company’s copy of Colt’s 1851 Navy revolver features a 7.50-inch octagon barrel in .36 caliber with a blued finish.
You’ll find a brass bead front sight and “METROPOLITAN ARMS COMPANY NEW YORK” stamped on the barrel. The six-shot cylinder displays 100% of its naval battle scene engraving and “BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS 1862” marking. The frame shows faint case colors with well-preserved wood grips.
Price Range
Modern collectors can expect to pay around $2,950 for a Metropolitan Arms Company’s copy of the 1851 Navy revolver, representing a significant premium over standard Colt models from the same era. The higher price reflects its limited production and scarcity compared to Colt’s production numbers.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| NEW | $2,950+ |
| Excellent | $2,500-2,900 |
| Good | $2,000-2,400 |
| Fair | $1,500-1,900 |
| Well used | $1,000-1,400 |
Specifications
The Metropolitan Arms Company’s revolver combines precision engineering with robust materials in its .36 caliber design. You’ll notice the distinctive blued barrel and cylinder paired with a color case-hardened frame, while the silver-plated brass backstrap and trigger guard add both function and aesthetics. The walnut grips provide a secure hold as you handle this 6-shot single-action revolver.
| Feature | Specification | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel | 7.5 inches | Blued steel |
| Frame | Standard size | Case-hardened steel |
| Cylinder | 6-shot capacity | Blued steel |
| Grips | Standard profile | Walnut |
Weight
Weighing approximately 2.5 pounds, Metropolitan Arms Company’s 1851 Navy revolver matched the heft of Colt’s original design. The 7.5-inch octagonal barrel contributed significantly to the overall weight.
You’ll find the brass grip frame and triggerguard added more mass compared to Colt’s production model. While individual revolvers varied slightly in weight due to manufacturing tolerances, the 6-shot cylinder maintained the gun’s balanced feel.
Barrel Length
Standard barrel length for Colt’s most popular revolvers ranged from 4 to 7.5 inches, with the 1851 Navy model typically sporting a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel.
During the Civil War, you’d find NEW YORK-made Colts with varying barrel lengths, identifiable by their serial numbers. The shorter 4-inch barrel became increasingly popular for concealed carry and close-quarters combat situations.
Material Made Out Of
Crafted with precision, original Colt revolvers featured iron construction for their essential components – the barrel, cylinder, and frame. When Metropolitan Arms Company copied Colt’s production of the 1851 Navy model, they maintained this iron construction while adding brass for the trigger guard and grip frame.
The .36 caliber revolver, designed for naval battle, includes wood grips that remain in good condition despite a small chip.
Chambered In
The Metropolitan Arms Company produced an exact replica of Colt’s 1851 Navy revolver, matching its .36 caliber specifications.
You’ll find the powder selection crucial for this six-shot revolver, as it determines recoil mitigation. The .36 caliber chambering requires a specific maintenance schedule to keep the 7.5-inch octagonal barrel and cylinder in optimal condition.
No other caliber options were ever manufactured.
Capacity
Each Metropolitan Arms revolver holds six rounds in its rotating cylinder, featuring the same capacity as its Colt Navy counterpart.
You’ll find the .36 caliber cylinder size perfectly balanced with the 7.5-inch octagon barrel type, creating optimal weight distribution.
The cylinder’s naval battle scene engraving remains intact while maintaining proper indexing function, ensuring reliable six-shot operation.
Trigger Pull
Precise trigger pull specifications for Metropolitan Arms’ 1851 Navy copy remain undocumented, though period-correct single-action percussion revolvers typically required 3 to 6 pounds of force.
You’ll find trigger responsiveness depended heavily on manufacturing precision and regular maintenance of internal components. The quality of sear engagement and trigger break would have varied based on the gunsmith’s skill in fitting and adjusting the trigger mechanism during production.
Safety?
Like most percussion revolvers of its era, Metropolitan Arms’ 1851 Navy copy relied primarily on its single-action mechanism and half-cock position for basic safety features. You’ll find no modern trigger safety or hammer safety on this .36 caliber revolver.
The cylinder safety depends on properly aligning the six chambers with the barrel and ensuring the loading lever is securely latched during operation.
Action
Building on its basic safety features, the Metropolitan Arms 1851 Navy copy boasted robust technical specifications.
You’ll find its smooth action delivered through a single-action operation with a pivoting link loading lever. The consistent action allows you to fire six .36 caliber rounds from the cylinder.
The single stage action pairs perfectly with the 7.5-inch octagonal barrel for reliable performance.
Optic Ready?
The Metropolitan Arms Company revolver featured traditional fixed iron sights, with a simple brass bead front sight and no rear sight configuration. You’ll find no optic compatibility on this model, as it wasn’t designed with any provisions for optic mounting.
Like its predecessor, the Colt 1851 Navy, there was no optic availability, and the design didn’t accommodate aftermarket optical sight additions.
Review
You’ll find the Colt revolver offers exceptional reliability due to its simple mechanical design and time-tested action, which has proven itself through military service and civilian use. The revolver’s primary advantages include consistent accuracy, smooth double-action trigger pull, and minimal maintenance requirements.
Its main drawbacks are limited ammunition capacity compared to modern semi-automatics, slower reload times, and a relatively heavy trigger pull in double-action mode.
Pros
Made with exceptional craftsmanship, Metropolitan Arms Company’s 1851 Navy revolver offered impressive build quality that rivaled its Colt counterpart. You’ll find remarkable accuracy from its 7.5-inch octagon barrel and aesthetic appeal through its blued finish and silver-plated brass components.
| Feature | Quality | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Barrel | Premium | 7.5″ octagon, blued |
| Frame | Superior | Color case-hardened |
| Grips | Classic | Walnut construction |
| Hardware | Elegant | Silver-plated brass |
Cons
Despite its impressive build quality, significant drawbacks plagued Metropolitan Arms Company’s 1851 Navy revolver in the market. The company faced overwhelming competition from larger competitors like Colt, while serial number duplicates suggest inflated production figures. When reduced demand hit after the Civil War, high tooling costs and low volumes proved unsustainable.
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Serial Number Issues | Questionable Production Claims |
| Colt Competition | Market Share Loss |
| Post-War Demand Drop | Sales Decline |
| High Production Costs | Financial Strain |
Reliability
While not achieving Colt’s legendary status, the Metropolitan Arms Company’s 1851 Navy revolver proved itself a reliable sidearm through consistent field performance.
You’ll find the revolver’s action functioned well, with proper cylinder indexing and loading lever operation. Though quality control wasn’t quite at Colt’s level, the gun’s durability and consistent performance made it a trusted choice among police departments and civilians.
Similar Models
The Metropolitan Arms Company produced near-identical copies of three popular Colt revolver designs – the 1851 Navy, 1862 Police, and 1861 Navy models.
Their manufacturing quality closely matched Colt’s specifications, featuring .36 caliber chambers, blued barrels, color casehardened frames, and walnut grips.
The 1851 Navy copy maintained the original’s 7.5-inch octagonal barrel and 6-shot cylinder.
Total production numbers reached approximately 8,900 units across all three models.
Similar Models From Other Manufacturers
Several major firearms manufacturers produced revolvers that rivaled Colt’s popular designs during the mid-1800s. You’ll find Smith & Wesson’s Models 1 and 2 competing directly with the 1851 Navy, while Remington’s New Model Army gained market share in the percussion revolver segment.
Starr Arms offered double-action alternatives, Manhattan Firearms focused on pocket-sized options, and Whitney Arms produced the .36 caliber Whitney Revolver.
Maintenance
Maintaining a Colt revolver requires regular cleaning and inspection to prevent corrosion and ensure reliable operation.
After usage, you’ll need to disassemble the revolver and clean each component with appropriate solvents. Inspect all parts for wear, paying special attention to the cylinder and barrel.
For storage, apply a light coat of gun oil and keep your revolver in a cool, dry place.
History
Following Samuel Colt’s innovative designs, Metropolitan Arms Company emerged in 1864 when five New York gunmakers formed a consortium during Colt’s temporary factory shutdown due to fire.
The early founders focused on producing .36 caliber copies of Colt’s Model 1851 Navy Revolver. Their manufacturing tactics included using dual serial numbers to appear larger, but market competition and declining percussion revolver demand led to the company’s failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Sought After Colt Revolver?
You’ll find that the Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolver, also known as the Peacemaker, stands as the most sought-after Colt revolver.
Early production models from the 1870s command the highest prices, especially in pristine condition. Antique condition variants with special features or documented historical provenance are particularly valuable.
While modern replica designs are popular, they don’t match the collectible appeal of original SAAs made between 1873 and 1941.
What Is the Rarest Colt Revolver?
While you might think the Single Action Army Bisley would top the list, the Colt Ranger actually stands as the rarest Colt revolver, with just 131 units produced between 1868-1894. Serial number variations confirm its extreme scarcity, making it highly sought after among collectors.
Production quantities were severely limited due to manufacturing challenges, and collector demand has driven prices to extraordinary levels. You’ll rarely see these appear at auctions or in private collections.
Do Colt Revolvers Hold Their Value?
Yes, you’ll find that Colt revolvers consistently hold their value exceptionally well. Strong collector demand keeps prices stable and often trending upward in the secondary market.
If you maintain your Colt in good condition, you can expect it to retain or increase in value over time. However, be aware that restoration costs can impact overall value, so proper maintenance is crucial.
The combination of historical significance and limited availability continues to drive their investment potential.
How Much Does a Colt Revolver Typically Cost?
You’ll find that Colt revolver prices vary widely based on several key factors. New production models typically cost between $500-$1,000, while used revolvers range from $300-$3,000.
The model, production numbers, and popular calibers significantly impact pricing. Collector-grade pieces, especially those with historical significance, can fetch over $10,000.
Modern variants in common calibers like .357 Magnum or .45 Colt are generally more affordable than rare or discontinued models.
Conclusion
You’ll find the Colt Metropolitan Revolver stands as a testament to precision engineering, like a finely tuned watch. Since its introduction, it’s maintained its reputation for reliability and accuracy. The specifications you’ve reviewed demonstrate its competitive edge in both price and performance. When you’re considering maintenance, remember it’s built to last through decades of use, just as its predecessors have since Colt’s early days.
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