Evolution of Colt's 1851 Navy Revolver and a comparison of modern made replicas

In this historical documentary video, I’ll tell you the story of how Colt’s Model 1851 Navy revolver was developed.
The 1851 Navy had a 23-year long production run, and it underwent numerous changes during that time. Collector recognize four major models of the 1851 Navy, along with various sub-models. I’ll try to take you through them in this video.
Mike Beliveau links:
Patreon - / duelist
Website - mikebeliveau.com/
KZbin Channel - / @duelist1954
Rumble Channel - rumble.com/c/c-1886155

[@rezlogan4787]

The Navy is the finest balanced handgun I’ve ever shot. It fits perfectly on the hip, points naturally, and packs just barely enough power to be combat effective. I carry a full 7.5” barrel for winter carry. For summer, I attach a custom 5.5” 1861 barrel with the loading lever removed, so it carries lighter and fits under a light cover garment without the barrel protruding.

[@anthonypiranio7409]

That's cool I have to get my navy fixed up it's a great gun but cap jams seem to be a huge problem with the pistol but maybe if slix shot is as good as everyone says it might fix the issue but mine is the 44 I'm guessing your is historically accurate 36.

[@rezlogan4787]

@@anthonypiranio7409 I use .36 and it punches through whatever I need it to. I haven’t used slixshot yet. I handled cap jams by filing off any sharp edges on the frame, relieving the cap channel to the right of the hammer facing from the back so caps have room to fall away, and turning the gun sideways or flicking the wrist while cocking the hammer so they can’t fall into the action. I also pull back the hammer with some speed before they have time to fall into the action. One of the worst jams I ever had was when taking a first time shooter out plinking. She pulled back the hammer so slowly the cap had time to fall into the works and wedge itself inside the bolt spring. The hammer got locked in half cock. It wouldn’t go back or forward and I had to take apart the whole frame and detail strip out every part with a partially loaded cylinder on the ground until I could pull the cap out of the spring. These guns have a degree of personality. You have to learn what slick up job and shooting technique they like best and they’ll function perfectly.

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

Good info to know. I've never handled an original!

[@bubbajones5905]

I've always thought that the Square Back Colt Navy was the most elegant revolver ever made. Silver plated square back grip, Case colors. Walnut stocks. Octagon barrel. Engraved cylinder. This wasn't just a firearm, it was a work of art.

[@kevinamerio8105]

Mike ,you have one of my favorite 'go-to' channels for info and fun shooting. Always a blast to watch you shoot and have good info ! Im sure a lot of others feel the same. Thanks!!!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks Kevin. I appreciate it.

[@cpnolto]

Mike - You had me jumping up from my computer in order to eyeball my own 51 navies and taught me a few things I did not know (or ever notice) about them. Many thanks.

[@GreenMosin93]

My wife just bought me a Pietta 1851 in .44 for our 5th wedding anniversary. Needless to say, the historical significance of it isn't that big a deal to me, but I've been reading and watching everything 1851 related that I can. Can't wait to shoot it, and can't get enough 1851 content!

[@murraykriner9425]

I get regular notifications of your content, and enjoy a vast majority of the things you bring to your video's. This revolver holds a special place, as it was the very first firearm I bought by myself at age 15, from a local gun shop in Southern Indiana while working as a shoe salesman most of that summer. I kept it till I was nearly 50 years old, only gifting it to my former Father-in-law about 2012. Think it's the finest black powder revolver I've ever fired, and few could match it accuracy, even with a far pricier 1860 Army, or an 1858 Remington being shot on quite a few occasions. Mine was Italian replica made in the mid-70's, with a brass frame and blued octagonal barrel, in .36 cal. I miss it today, but they have become rather costly with all the fascination with these vintage cap-n-ball black powder revolver's. I recall a price of near $100 USD in the day. Made my own hogleg holster belt and shot the hell out of that revolver throughout the next three decades. Am thrilled to catch your thoughts on one the most legendary revolver's of both the Civil War, and the taming of the West, in all the territory's during this nations expansion across the continent of North America.

[@Atpost334]

I look forward to you doing one of these on the 1860 Army. It didn’t have as long of run, but fascinating gun with some definite changes throughout its production as well.

[@msharmony2001]

You are the primary reason that I can safely handle black powder guns. Thank you.

[@oregonoutback7779]

Very interesting video. Learned a bunch. Got out my Uberti '72 open top & did some measuring and comparing. It was fun holding one in my lap and comparing as you went thru the various models. Thanks for another highly educational video.

[@jimzarlatanes9139]

Very informative. Learned quite a bit about the 1851 generations.

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done! It's definitely an enduring design.

[@bbbcfitchburg2563]

Thanks Mike! I really enjoyed this one! Cut my teeth on single actions. Still consider it my favorite revolver.

[@user-jb8fx8sb4e]

You hit the nail on the head with this video, Mike! Awesome content. Glad to finally see a good, fair, accurate comparison and explanation about the Ranger/Navy revolver on this platform.

[@jedcurry8560]

That was a very informative video and i'm sure most people wouldn't have known the different variations on the 1851 Navy Model,....i know i didn't so i've learned a lot. Thank you Mike,..that was fantastic.

[@45auto]

I give you a thumbs up because of the quality of the content, as always.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@johncanzoneri4771]

Mike, your a treasure for us collectors and just old fashioned pistol shooters, I have a few years on you but you taught an old dog some new information every episode. Thank you

[@nicklewis7291]

I appreciate the indepth information you share about the history of guns. Please keep doing what you're doing.

[@ianmcclellan7695]

Great video, thank-you for posting. I know it’s not easy for you to make videos featuring historic firearms. I’m still halfway through watching but I was particularly interested about how the pistol is put together and the development of the trigger guard. Very geeky and very interesting to learn about. Thanks again.

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you're enjoying it.

[@authormikemontie250]

Interesting as always Mike. I have a Pietta in .44 so I enjoy the history of it.

[@71simonforrester]

Interesting stuff, especially at the end where you pointed out various variations from the Colt original in the reproduction guns

[@bobbyheitz9881]

Love the look into the model. Please consider doing the 1860 and 1861 Colts and the Remington. Been a cap and ball fan for years.

[@nicholassteel5529]

Definitely enjoyed this evolution of the Colt Navy. Really well done. 🙏thanks. 👍

[@stevebumstead9840]

Thanks Mike. Excellent presentation of the Colt models as well as the imports.

[@roberthough2459]

I've been a black powder shooter for three generations now, so it's nice to hear and I appreciate your knowledge in regards to the old guns of my youth that I had fun with and still do, thank you. R. H.

[@swathdiver489]

Great video Mike! I like the square guard and of course the larger round ones, the Johnny Reb '51s are my favorites to shoot but to collect, it's those early 1970s Colts!

[@charlesgroves3096]

The historical videos are extremely interesting. Looking forward to more.

[@chrisgibson6960]

Great video Mike. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@tannstang]

You are a wealth of knowledge Mike. I enjoy these sessions immensely.

[@stevenhorney7735]

Fascinating video! Thank you for all your work on presenting this historical data.

[@jeffw1246]

Before I got serious into reloading I had cap n ball revolvers for my first "big" guns. This vidio was really fun to watch as I've been considering a cartridge conversion 45, possibly a 38 as second choice. I'm a fan of Pietta although I have Uberti 1873 type revolvers and will take a very close look at how the Pietta conversions compare. I'd consider a cap and ball but for the price and scarcity of the caps.

[@dennisatkins9837]

Great video Mike. My brain is now bigger but it does have a leak. BTW I do get your notifications.

[@Miningpastpresentfuture]

I know this is about 7 months late- so you may not read it. However, your clear descriptions of the various models and and comparing it with modern replicas made me take out my old re-enacting pistol. I was actively re-enacting from about 1988-1996. I portrayed an early confederate mounted cavalryman from 1862. I had forgotten what I had bought for that. I had started out with a 1849 pocket model and then upgraded to an 1851 navy. When I took it out of my safe the first thing I rediscovered was it was an EMF import of an Army San Marco made 2nd model Navy. It looks very similar to the General Grant model you showed in your video. Loading lever screw came in from the right small loading and capping windows and either a polished steel or silver plated brass grip frame and trigger guard. If silver it is evenly tarnished but I will need to clean it up and see. It has a thick ramrod support. It has the hole for the wedge but it has the longer grease grooves of a later model. The wedge hole in the arbor and barrel do not quite line up right so the wedge cannot be driven quite all of the way in without pinching the barrel up tight against the cylinder a restricting its rotation. It never came loose on me event when getting bucked off a couple of times so that did not cause a real problem. Thanks for inspiring me to go take a look and remembering some good times on the battlefield.

[@rickc5197]

Love this content Mike. Thank you! Looking forward to the Remington lesson!

[@timothybagrowski643]

Outstanding, I was literally just scouring the KZbin last week looking for History on the 1851 Navies, for some reason, I can never get enough of the percussions.

[@alanhope1190]

Good to see you, Mike!

[@blackpowder-bulgaria]

Here in Bulgaria we love your videos Mike. Thank you for them!

[@scottfoster9452]

Thank you Mick, I found this presentation of the seminal Colt 1851Navy revolver evaluation, very interesting. Please take good care of yourself, and please keep this sort of content coming, as it is greatly appreciated.👍

[@MillerSean]

Great video. The Pietta 1851 Navy was my first gun. My scout troop took a trip to the Cabela's in Hamburg, PA on my 18th birthday, and they were having a sale. Asked my Scoutmaster if I could buy one, and he said "You're 18. If you want one, get one." First time I shot it, I got a ball stuck in the barrel. Lucky I didn't blow my fingers off! 😅

[@jayclark7237]

Every video you produce is informative. Thanks for the effort!

[@blueduck9409]

I heard the 1861 navy was sam colts favorite, because it had all the refinements he wanted. I guess i could be wrong. Good video!

[@Atpost334]

I think it is a fine line difference. The way I understand it, Colt’s favorite was the 1851 Navy, but he thought that his most attractive gun was the 1861 Navy.

[@roblynch2809]

Mike, l think you enjoyed making this as much as I enjoyed watching it. Thank you

[@longrider42]

I have the Pietta reproduction. It looks very much like the late 4th model. I've yet to shoot it. But it is very well balanced, timed and trued.

[@gregoblv5561]

Great video and I learned a lot about one of my favorite guns. I think they are the heart and soul of the gun lineage, where my modern guns are the work horses. My real intro to the Colt Navy was in the mid 70's from an article about the intro of the presentation cased Navy and may have been the Lee/Grant like yours, I don't remember. I have always wanted one and I now know I will get an Uberti Navy soon. I have a Pietta 'Sheriff' model in 36 with 6 round cylinder, which is 30+ years old and I have never shot. You have spurred me to get the things needed and go shoot it. Thanks for the info and nudge to get the Uberti and shoot them.

[@davidslone9776]

Always an excellent presentation. To stray from the 1851 Colt navy subject, I was wondering, since the Lyman Great Plains rifle has been discontinued, will any other manufacturer fill the void of producing a reasonably priced Hawken rifle? I know Pedersoli made the "Signature Series" for a bit, but that too seems to have been discontinued. As always, thank you Mike, for all you do for us.

[@TXGRunner]

Pedersoli still makes the Missouri River and Rocky Mountain half stock plains rifles (different caliber choices) in both walnut and maple. I have the Lyman, which I like and the Rocky Mountain in 54. The Pedersoli is a much nicer rifle, especially the wood. I don't know if it is $500 better. Through a narrow quirk in location and temporary upside down Euro to dollar exchange rate, I was able to buy in Euros in Poland for $300 less than in US. So, for me - and having at least one firearm in Europe, it was worth it. In the US, I'd rather buy a nicer lever gun, or just go full hog and get a custom plains rifle for $500 more.

[@paulbedford507]

Thank you for the most educational content on this platform!

[@murphy4yt]

Great in depth look at the 1851 Navy Colt. Thanks. Looking forward to the Army revolver video.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Really nice tour of the different Colt models and comparison with the current reproductions.

[@glenholmes9808]

Thank you very much Mike. Really enjoyed the video. Learned a lot! Keep up the great work! Cheers

[@cmonsterz]

Fantastic video, Mike. Very educational and thoroughly enjoyable!

[@msharmony2001]

I now have several 1851 New Navy Colts. Most recent, the Wild Bill Hickok. White grips and very beautiful engraving.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

I appreciate the historical commentary! Thank you!

[@terrysmith8714]

Great video Mike. Thank you for all you do. Cheers.

[@josiel152]

never would have thought there were all these changes and sub changes to the 1851 Navy, enjoyed your presentation. I'm going to go get my Pietta 1851 now and look for these changes your discussed

[@garyhammond2213]

Thanks for the good videos on the 1851 Navy.

[@darrenvanderwilt1258]

Excellent and well in-depth video. I just purchased a Pietta 1851 through Midway, and can’t wait for it to show up so I can start smoothing out the rough edges as you describe in another video.

[@triple9fine]

Mike I'm so grateful I have a fountain of knowledge at my finger tips. You are an amazing teacher and are very entertaining to listen too.

[@CaravanTirana]

Awesome video. Your channel is by far my favorite ! Greetings from Brazil !

[@ericgleixner4074]

Only 11hrs and allmost four thousand views your certainly doing something right regardless of you tube bias. Glad to watch your videos as always thumbs up. Thank you.

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for the video Mike, i really enjoyed it and it's much appreciated!

[@isaacademy]

Awesome content as always!

[@jameswhite465]

Thanks for your historical context.

[@stanallen1072]

Excellent analysis. Thank you.

[@blairroth1812]

Lots of great info keep them coming

[@DanTheWolfman]

Kinda feel like Chris's crush on Gun Jesus is astronomical! Nice vid Chris

[@normanschreiber4182]

Outstanding video Sir! Thanks You

[@ronrobertson59]

Interesting video Mike thank you.

[@darrellrankin5064]

Great video. Thank you for all you do. Really enjoy your videos.

[@artmonk5907]

Great info! Thanks Mike!

[@bluescatreimer]

Great video Mike, very much enjoyed it!

[@OhTheGeekness]

I love firearms history and this is a great channel for that. I appreciate your work!

[@knight3930]

This was awesome. Great work on the history of this wonderful pistol.

[@jamescooper2618]

Nice video Mike! I learned some things about the gun I never knew. Thanks!

[@DCA1340]

Great video, lots of good info, VERY interesting.

[@duanebutt6743]

Great video lots of good information. Thanks

[@doomkopf]

Excellent and very informative! Thanks!

[@grantcook3739]

Love the content, this is good information I am going to utilize in purchasing my next 1851!

[@thomasgarrison3949]

Great video, thanks for the info.

[@jimboote312]

Great presentation Mike!

[@galenhisler396]

That was fantastic! Thank you. Now I will watch it on Rumble🤠

[@skiphinson8620]

Excellent and informative video

[@rickyburton4642]

Great job Mike! 😊👍👍

[@runnersmike]

Thanks a lot for a good history and tech lesson! Invaluable!

[@jcools734]

Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge!!!

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Mike if you look at the trigger at 28:33 one can see flash on the bottom rear of said trigger that was not removed. Also, on the reproductions I noticed that quite a few of the lines are supposed to be parallel like on the octagonal barrel do not line up that well. Mike, I always give you thumbs up and have been a subscriber for quite a while now. Thank you again Mike for a nice presentation.

[@dfedko]

Great video I enjoyed it very much.

[@string-bag]

Can't wait for the Remington video. Thanks Mike!

[@Webcrawler45]

Love the video as always.....Thanks.... Just got two new Uberties 1851 and planning to deburr them as you show in one of your videos and build a nice white oak case for them. Thanks for the content, greatly appreciated.

[@terryschiller2625]

Great video Mike! Thank you Sir I really appreciate you and all your hard work.

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@e.foster1284]

This was really interesting and informative! I had no idea there were so many differences in the 1851. If the 1860 Army went through so many iterations that would be interesting too. Keep up the great work. Good shooting!

[@couteauxdecollection]

Mike, you are the best ! 👌🏻

[@bisonuberti]

Well enjoyed. Thank you Mike.

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@jittychitty]

Excellent video... my hats off to you

[@Sam.2zo]

I luv history

[@darkoflight4938]

Thank you for this! Very informative!

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@bewood9637]

Great video, love the comparison between Uberti and Pietta..

[@jazzman5598]

Mike, you Sir are a treasure. Thank you for helping keep this part of American history alive! Thanks

[@johnlea8519]

Thank you for a very interesting video on my favourite revolver, learned a lot that I didn't know about the evolution of the 1851 Colt Navy, thanks again.

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@BillL-ct3bk]

Enjoyed the video a lot, especially the discussion of Pietta vs Uberti. Maybe it's just the revolvers I had, but it seems like the chambers on the Uberti are slightly larger than Pietta. The Pietta will shave off a ring of lead on a .375 round ball, where a Uberti will not. Have you experienced this?

[@pierre-yveschretien5868]

Merci Mike!