1851 Navy .36 revolver at 100 meters? - the early history of replica gunmaking

[@ukwan]

If you're smiling and laughing that much whilst shooting it's obviously something you enjoy thoroughly! Rarely do I see anyone whose shooting on KZbin enjoying it so much.

[@deejayimm]

That's one of the hings that I loved about hickok back in the day. Just an ole gun guy out having fun.

[@jameshealy4594]

I'm not going to pretend that didn't confuse me momentarily...

[@renatovonschumacher3511]

The laughter is the expression of relaxation after each concentration. But that laughter after each hit has also got something sinister.

[@calgrenpete]

Whats the real ones going for. ?

[@tacticaltarzan7278]

videos like this are why i simply enjoy firearms

[@82c10]

I am very thankful for the Italian reproductions and people like cap and ball who educate us on them. They have opened my eyes to the joys of shooting black powder, and I would have never been able to do so otherwise without. A lot of good memories made with these. Thanks for all the good content!

[@deejayimm]

I am glad they are being made too, and affordable in the states.

[@sicsempertyrannis4613]

yeh I would love to see early 1900s remakes of various FN/Browning pistols and other firearms like the Remington Model 8 in a modern caliber. Main problem is the US market is so heavily invested in Modernized Rifles with lower cost parts that anything more traditional will be super $$$$ and made in limited numbers.

[@SandlapperSam]

I’m thankful too. Just wish caps were not so hard to find. That’s the only reason I wouldn’t recommend someone buying one right now. Maybe the cap shortage will make the prices of the revolvers go down some. That would be nice.

[@deandeann1541]

@@SandlapperSam Buy yourself a Prime All cap maker and the h-48 primer compound kit and you won't worry about a cap shortage. It takes a bit of practice and you need to add something to the kit to keep the priming compound from crumbling in the cap, but once you figure it out the process is very viable and the caps are very cheap - you get the metal from aluminum beverage cans and when you buy the ingredients yourself it comes out to less than a penny a cap.

[@SandlapperSam]

@ I thought about that but saw it wasn’t the easiest thing to do. I bought hundreds off cci #11’s off of gun broker and got ripped off but hey I was the guy willing to get ripped off lol.

[@anglerjj3089]

50 Meters, 75 Meters, 1oo Meters with a black powder Revolver, are you serious, unbelievable 😱 And after all these thousands of bullets you sent down range you still have so much fun when you hit a target, i love it 👍👍

[@3ducs]

We owe a large debt of gratitude to the replica makers, they do so much to allow us to experience the firearms of olden times.

[@ulpiotraiano3374]

Greetings from Italy, I always enjoy your videos !

[@terrysmith8714]

5 Years ago I bought a new in the box Uberti 1861 Navy. Cleaned up the action , as per Duelst1954, Not had the time to shoot it yet. 11 years ago I bought NIB 1851 Pocket Police. Shot n100's of rounds , hits great at 40 yards, not shot longer distances, no dought it would shoot well. Great channel. I am a big fan. West Point VA USA.

[@deandeann1541]

Has the pocket police been reliable? Since it is smaller I wonder if it is more prone to part breakage than the 1851 and more difficult to keep it running well. One youtuber had a difficult time with his but that may just be bad luck on his part.

[@denisdegamon8224]

I got my first black powder cap and ball revolver when I returned from my tour in Korea in 1976. It to was a Griswold and Gunnison 44 Uberti, imported by Navy Arms. I still have it to this day.

[@ronrobertson59]

Belgium made an excellent 1860 Army in the 1960's I have an unfired one in the original box. My first percussion revolver was an 1851 Navy made by Pietta imported by Lyman i bought in 1969. I own eight Uberti cap n ball revolvers.

[@deandeann1541]

Do you own the Pocket Police model?

[@Bjornvetr]

As in Italian, I'm really glad to see a bit of recognition for my fellow countrymen. I often read a lot of criticism towards the modern reproduction, but I guess there's a reason why they've been made here for such a long time! :)

[@capandball]

I am grateful to ALL repro manufacturers. I spent 2 decades in the gun industry, and I have to say they male real value for the money.

[@Bjornvetr]

@@capandball They're also very very kind when it comes to customer service: I could just e-mail Pietta and have them mail spare parts right to my doorstep. It's a pity they don't sell directly from their factory, though. I would gladly drive the 6 hours it'd take for me to get there otherwise!

[@varanid9]

Well, they might complain, but the guns still fly off the shelves.😃

[@Procket12]

@@capandball The repros are great, though I am curious about why some of the changes they make to them are made. An example being changes like the rifling being a different twist rate or being left or right handed as opposed to whatever the original used. It's those smaller changes that intrigue me.

[@siris1113]

Both Uberti and Pietta make exceptional reproductions. I have a pietta 1860 army and an uberti 1851 navy london and both got me into black powder shooting. nothing to complain about other than conicals being difficult to load in Pietta's. you cant beat either brand for the price.

[@diktatoralexander88]

To me, it was never about the black powder. It was about the elegance of these weapons. Amazing example you have. I've always loved your videos and have been following a long time.

[@robertrobert7924]

Cap and Ball, the Hungarian Wild Bill Hickock. Excellent shooting my friend. I have an Uberti 1851 that I converted to shoot .38 LC centerfire cartidges that was super accurate @25 yds. Unfortunately the .358 pure lead HBRNFP bullets are no longer available to reload. However you have inspired me to replace the conversion cylinder with it's original percussion cylinder and shoot it in it's original 1851 condition.

[@steelgila]

Western Moulds is no longer selling them?

[@robertrobert7924]

@@steelgila I found them recently and bought one of their moulds.

[@astainlessnoyb1038]

All these cap and ball revolvers have the loading lever fall often. Maybe use some electricity and magnetize the rod so it would be attracted to the barrel to help keep it in place without actually changing anything about it at all.

[@craigpennington1251]

Great shooting even with a replica of 60 years. Looks to be a very well made revolver. I've had some Italian black powder replicas over the years and they were great shooters and lots of fun. Clean them thoroughly & oil them likewise. They will give years of service and lots of smiles. Great video with lots of history. Thank you so much.

[@danthefrst]

Sutch a lovely little film Was laughing with you every time and felt the dissapointment too. Many great thanks

[@tommythompson2413]

I love the 51 navy so much I own two of them they shoot great and they hold a very special place in my heart loved the video

[@johnboy454]

My first black powder pistol was a Navy Arms Remington in .44, that was in 1971 and it was already well used by then. I have no idea when it was first made but it was a 3 digit serial number. I remember that I enjoyed it as much as you are obviously enjoying this!

[@kalaharimine]

100m on target with a classic BP pistol is impressive, not many new plastic fantastic will come close. Good shooting Sir.

[@markcooper6736]

Love your enthusiasm

[@johnlea8519]

The 1851 Colt Navy is my favourite revolver, mainly for the history but it's also the revolver I have used the most. You should fix that loading lever, it would annoy me falling down like that. Great video all the same.

[@Bowdock]

I know from where the laugh comes, and I Love it also. Thank you, and God Bless!

[@no-one3795]

Beautiful revolver. I like the engravings.

[@jd9119]

Uberti did a pretty good job with the replicas. I mean they're not 100% perfect replications. But these are also reasonably priced and for the price you're getting a lot.

[@harveydrake2324]

That was awesome! I smiled watching almost as much as you did shooting! I am learning a lot watching your videos.

[@rogerharris8081]

With 20 grains of Goex powder, I have found the 51 Navy to be very accurate on a steel target at 75 yards. Your success at 100 meters only using 15 grains, is most impressive. I really enjoy your channel and the videos you produce.

[@allenschmitz9644]

Squint real hard shot.

[@varanid9]

@@allenschmitz9644 Don't forget to flush afterwards.

[@darkoflight4938]

Just pure joy of the hobby! Happy times and thanx for the history lession!

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Awesome shooting and a beautiful Navy. Looking forward to the follow-up video!

[@drichi07]

I didn't realize the reproduction of the Navy began so long ago. I have several Navy Arms blackpowder firearms, including a Colt Navy 1851 reproduction from the 1980s. The ol' Navy is fun to shoot, but I never got enough accuracy out of it to even think about 100 yards. (I didn't really try that hard for accuracy, I used round ball and mainly shot for fun at 20-25 or less. And the sights? Those are sights? Good lord! ) I also carried it while black powder hunting in Washington state. The only time I ever used it was in 19995 or so to try to finish off a big muley I had shot with a .50 Hawken replica. Well, those .36 round balls don't break or penetrate bone, especially mule deer skull very well. I had to reload the .50 to finish the job. Next time I get back home though, I will have to take another look at the old 1851 and maybe try some conical in it. As always, an extremely interesting , educational, and well-done video! A good group at 25 yards is amazing with the Navy's sights, but decent hitting at 100? I'd say near impossible if I had not seen this.

[@ltgreen6626]

We were Blessed to have Mr. Aldo Uberti on this earth. What a Great Man.

[@Bayan1905]

I picked up an older Pietta made 1851 Navy made in 1981 and it's the steel frame model a few years back, I've had others but that older gun has the smoothest action and is the best shooting reproduction revolver I've ever owned. It seems some of the early Uberti or Pietta guns seemed to be better fitted and polished then some of the newer made guns.

[@1248dl]

Your knowledge and skill are both of high level. Your joy, though, is infectious and keeps me looking forward to your presentations. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

[@Miata822]

I ordered my first black powder revolver, a brass frame .36 Navy, by mail in 1971 when I was still to young to do so legally, but nobody checked. After winning my parents over a family friend helped my find the needed supplies and learn how to use that beauty. Today I have a collection of handguns from the first half of the 1900s but have been flirting with the idea of shooting black powder again. I miss the engagement, the hands-on experience, of shooting black powder.

[@cowboywoodard2569]

Great Video I follow you on so many weapons of past Era. I getting this revolver. MY Favorite of all videos,I the Whitmore Rifle Hex Bullet..Thanks From the Cowboy 🤠 here in Gonzales Texas.." COME AND TAKE IT "

[@fancyultrafresh3264]

That grouping at 25m is amazing.

[@rebeccaback3287]

I have a similar revolver like this 36cal. I like the 100 meter shooting, and the closer shooting. The group's were excellent. Interesting to see the folowerups. Like the engraving. David Back from Menifee county Kentucky USA.

[@99dsm1]

Always great to see your work

[@TacitusR]

I have a few Uberti C&B revolvers. Each is a good well made gun, however my Uberti Leech & Rigdon version of the '51 Navy is my favorite. An elegant, accurate, well balanced and nimble revolver, and a delight to shoot. Bless the Italian gentlemen that have given us so many wonderful options for converting black powder into smoke.

[@danielsmith5023]

You are a bloody good shot mate , I know a lot of people that can't do it with a modern firearm . Cheers from Australia kindest Regards Dan and Kerri 🤝

[@klimatbluffen]

I would also laugh so much if I managed to shoot like that 😂.. absolutely wonderful to see you and follow the channel.

[@anonymoususer1952]

Your channel is what got me into bp. Need to get in some range time with dad while he's still young enough to enjoy it as you do.

[@carlschmidt7522]

I talked with Val Forget in the early 1980's about the strength of his reproduction rolling blocks. The story he told me about strength testing the action was a hair curler. They are as strong as a Ruger #1 but I wouldn't recommend loading a 45-70 that hot. Fun stuff. Thanks for your production.

[@johnspizziri1919]

My favorite pistol. Good shooting, Pard!

[@garyruxton5226]

I've had my Uberti 1861 for 47 years that was made for Replica Arms June 19, 1970, according to their files. It is still a sweet shooter. A .375 chamber and .375 bore.

[@steelgila]

They actually made the throats and bore dia. to match? Must be pretty accurate all else being in compliance. Don't understand why they all aren't done that way?

[@Domnall1234]

The open top is the most elegant of revolvers. Good job.

[@stevebradburn2892]

Love the channel..I have a few uberti revolvers one is a 62 pocket police I found in a antique shop it was a mess and didn't function I took it apart and cleaned it very good..its from 1964 never fired but some day shortly it will

[@fabricewinch4467]

Beautiful schooting!!!!! I like model 1851 Uberti. Thank you.

[@Stevenyoung100]

My goals in life is to baffle people because of how accurate my black powder revolvers are. I feel like people dont even know bp revolvers exist but they would be absolutely amazed at their capabilities

[@kentowens2179]

I love my Uberti 1860 Armys, amazingly accurate revolvers. Great video, great shooting!

[@MCOult]

I bought my first BP rifle while stationed in Missouri in the early 1980s. A used CVA .50-cal. I was immediately hooked. In 1985, I bought my first BP revolvers: a '51 Navy and a '60 Army, both manufactured by Armi San Marco. Not the best quality, but good enough for a beginner. I tried a '51 Navy by Pietta, but had to return it because it had several problems; the second Pietta was just as bad. Returned it. That brought me to my first Uberti. What a difference in quality! I envy you for that 1963-manufactured Navy. And, you are an excellent shooter, producing wonderful videos! I'm looking forward to your next video -- and I'm now in the mood to order a Colt Army (Uberti, of course). 🙂 Time to go pop some caps! -- Old Matt

[@saltycastform2932]

I’ve seen ppl at the range with fully suited up handguns, optics and all that couldn’t hit anything past 25 yards and this guy is tagging torso size steel at 100 yards with a freaking black powder revolver! That is some impressive shooting 👌

[@davidfranklin1885]

Wow! Really enjoyed the story history and the shooting! A delightful personality and pleasing conversation. Used to have and shoot a Ruger Old Army .44 stainless. Sadly it was stolen. Now they are very expensive and no longer made Thank You!

[@kirkboswell2575]

I started out with a 44. Grew up with "large bore" guns, so they are my first thought. A while back, (OK, maybe more than "a while"), I got my first 36. And you are quite correct. They are elegant. I was pleased enough with the 36 that I also got a pocket 31. I can understand why Colt sold more 31's than any other gun.

[@johnreed4962]

Every time I think of some random cool gun to do a video search for, its this guy! Great videos.

[@crazycrowoutdoors9770]

Love your videos, makes me pleased every time I watch them. Cheers from Canada, time for some coffee. 😊

[@cal30m1]

When I was a teenager I bought an original 1851 made in 1863. When I completely disassembled it to clean it, I found a spent cap inside the mechanism. I often wonder if it was busted back in the civil war…

[@LarryDeSilva64]

I have an 1851 sheriffs model but it has a short 4" barrel my 1860 Navy is in 44 Caliber has a 6" barrel and are both replicas made by Uberti and the navy is made by Pietta . I have never shot either at a distance that far good to see it is fairly accurate at those distances. Thanks for sharing.

[@Flederratte]

Awesome shooting! I really enjoyed this video. It is the perfect mix of shooting, story telling, information and humor :) Have a great time!

[@czyhorse482]

Great shooting, I'd be lucky to put 3 of 6 on target at 25m, but I have a lot of fun doing it.

[@gregorypennell1755]

I had an 1851 repro that I got from Dixie Gun Works in the early 70’s. Great little pistol…I passed it on to a friend’s son years ago…but recently acquired an 1860 Army by Pietta. Can’t wait to get some trigger time with it!

[@billskinner623]

I don't care if that is serial # 3, I'd have to replace that latch spring on the loading lever. I have one that did the same thing, a Sheriff's Model 1851 made by Uberti and imported by Navy Arms. And it drove me nuts until I fixed it. Great video, those are some really fun guns.

[@capandball]

Or just filing on the angle of the catch will solve it. The spring is weak for sure.

[@redtra236]

From my understanding this was an issue on the original guns too. Seems like an unacceptable design flaw to me but theres several ways to fix it.

[@Thekarlskorner]

My first cap and ball revolver in 1971 was a beautiful Navy Arms 1851 Navy in .36 caliber. Later I purchased a Euroarms .44 Remington which I still own. I wish I would have kept the Navy Arms Navy as it was a quality revolver with beautiful color case hardening. I now have the Man with no Name version in . 38 Special made by Uberti.

[@_FNQ]

Outstanding shooting.

[@deletdis6173]

Another pupper cameo, and more Colt repro action. Best Easter ever.

[@vbence12]

I got into black powder shooting recently, got my licence at the beginning of this year and incidentally my first pistol was also a vintage uberti 1851 navy sheriff from 1970. Sad to say I still didn't have the time to go out and shoot it but it's a beautiful piece.

[@EarlSoC]

Your videos sound awesome and are super relaxing, and this is an awesome gun. Thank you!

[@greywuuf]

Was interesting to see the loading lever drop, I have never experienced that in a '51. Thought that was a early walker and heavy charge thing.

[@Sman7290]

I just picked up an 1851 Navy repro made by Uberti in 1989. It's my first .36 caliber cap and ball revolver. Now, all I need is .36 caliber paper cartridge formers and bullet molds.

[@Pusse1978]

Very enjoyable video as usual. The 100 yard smile is absolutely priceless! You briefly mentioned proper sized bullet. I would really like a dedicated video on slugging, measuring, sizing and loading for best accuracy in a percussion revolver! ...or a link if you already done one and i missed it :-)

[@bigbore442001]

Nice presentation. I was impressed with the shooting ability of that revolver. Just a side note, I noticed the woodlands of your range. It reminds me of the woods in northeastern Connecticut.

[@ericstefanelli3423]

Great revolver, great experiment and great shooting !

[@76kz400]

I love it! I recently picked up a G&U marked 1851 myself. It has the date code for 1963 as well. I’ve only had the chance to shoot it once but it was a lot of fun!

[@humansvd3269]

I live near Griswoldville, Georgia and got myself a Pietta Griswold and gunnison in 36 cal. It likes 375 round balls and shoots them high and to the right. The nipples are not good and the drill holes are inconsistent sizes. I'm replacing them but I'm happy to have taken the plunge into BP.

[@bluescatreimer]

Geat shooting! Love your videos!

[@rezlogan4787]

My favorite pistol by far and one I shoot well. I’m having a custom 5.5” barrel made for my .36 Navy to make it more comfortable to carry.

[@rogerjclarke]

Very enjoyable, entertaining and informative.

[@ronferrari8103]

He's right..at 100m it is really tiny. Nice shooting! Love your stuff

[@michaeldelucci4379]

I fell in love with cap and ball pistols after watching the film The Outlaw Josie Wales

[@michaelmarkert7397]

If you are not familiar with making your own percussion caps an outfit named something like 22lreloader sells a kit to make your own and they work great. Included is priming compound you have to mix.

[@Makhpiyaluta2]

Once you go black you never go back. I love shooting the holy black powder. Been shooting the stuff for three decades now. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@dropnoelfield295]

Very good! Interesting and informative show. I enjoyed this. Thanks mate 👍

[@JWKirK-fr5cn]

Excellent gun and an excellent shooter as well 👍 Just like Wild Bill Hickok hits the target 70 yrds away with his Navy Colt. It's fun to see your fun 😅

[@Stevenyoung100]

Love these demonstrations! 😜

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I make paper cartridges for my old cap and balls. Find it easier to load in the woods. Especially with the pepper box. I take the 1851 out hunting during muzzle load season.

[@hazcat640]

For elegance I like the looks of the1861 but they are both great fun to shoot. My 61 is my 'snake gun' when I'm walking around my Arizona property.

[@threeoeightwadcutter2820]

Absolutely great. I am looking to get a license for collecting this pieces in Germany. I think they are very valuable as parts of our history. Thanks for sharing

[@janerkenbrack3373]

Wild Bill Hickcok made that 75 yard shot in the street of Springfield, Missouri in a shootout with Davis Tutt in 1865. Shooting one handed, he put one shot through Tutt's shoulder and into his heart.

[@RobertAllen-x4s]

I ve also read that bill supported it with his weak hand wrist ,like looking at a watch.it was still a boss shot to hit him at the distance, original colts both army and navy were zeroed at the factory to hit @75to 100 yards.i have read of 200 yard shots as well

[@johngaines8877]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you.

[@bernhardlamprecht9111]

Dear Sir, yes IT works. I was using my 1851 Navy converson Revolver. IT was clear to try IT, because I'l to elarge more funn

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

I did NOT expect that (at 2:36).! April over there.? By Jove it looks like Christmas.. A contagious laugh you have Sir. And that Great Shooting it was..!!

[@lukecymer251]

Smile on Your face - priceless. Thank You for Your movies. I agree that Colt 1851 is most beautifull revolver

[@ryannolfe9051]

Great videos. I've recently started black powder shooting. Fun hobby. Informative videos. 👍

[@A.R.American1]

I love cap and ball revolvers I think the colt clones are some of the best looking revolvers made.

[@sudosden3567]

The gun is accurate, but the shooter is VERY accurate. Congratulations 👍

[@gunedict]

Theres just something about these old revolvers i gotta tell

[@freman007]

I would wrap a bit of wire around the barrel to keep the loading lever from falling down on every shot. This does look like a lot of fun, though.

[@markstambaugh3273]

Nice video with a lot of good history.

[@happymark1805]

my 1851 uberti is a bit younger, I think 1975, the .375 ball isnt shaving so I use a .380 ball, the funny thing is that it doesnt matter that much if you shoot accurate, I have never seen a black powder shooter without a smile comming off the range no matter how bad you have shot ;-)

[@zumbazumba1]

Its all the fumes that hit you in the head each time you fire.

[@Strutingeagle]

That is very nice zhuting of zee cap and ball revolver at 25 meters.

[@bertroost1675]

You should request a tour of the Uberti factory.

[@capandball]

Been there! 😀

[@bertroost1675]

@@capandball Is there a video?

[@mkultraification]

People say the .36 is underpowered, but it's still thumping that steel pretty good, even at 100 meters. That's 108 yards and 2 feet.

[@johndufford5561]

Wonderful video! You DO realize that every time you laughed out loud after a shot, we were all laughing, too, right? Question: were you tapping the powder flask after each shot from the bench to help displace the spent cap? Best shooting channel on all of KZbin. Very enjoyable. Thank you very much!

[@azcoueshntr]

From Arizona, you made Wyatt’s ghost proud. Good job, hard to do.