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

[@ArizonaGhostriders]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bbbcfitchburg2563]

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

[@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.

[@paulbettes5307]

I have an original as described. It is a really great shooter.

[@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.

[@jimzarlatanes9139]

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

[@TheGunfighter45acp]

Well done! It's definitely an enduring design.

[@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.

[@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

[@msharmony2001]

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

[@45auto]

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

[@duelist1954]

Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@authormikemontie250]

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

[@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.

[@82c10]

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.

[@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.

[@71simonforrester]

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

[@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.

[@nicholassteel5529]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@stevebumstead9840]

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

[@nicklewis7291]

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

[@charlesgroves3096]

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

[@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.

[@chrisgibson6960]

Great video Mike. Thanks for the history lesson.

[@rickc5197]

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

[@alanhope1190]

Good to see you, Mike!

[@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.

[@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.

[@dennisatkins9837]

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

[@eulogio604]

excelente video de la evolucion del 1851 navy saludos desde españa

[@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.

[@jazzman5598]

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

[@franksmodels29]

Ah morning coffee and watching Mike 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻and yes I’m the same Frank that makes the pistol cases ..

[@Yosemite-George-61]

Hi.. I'm back... had to share this with someone who cares abour cap & balls... This morning at the club, here in France, we were sitting in front of the fireplace enjoying the fall in the forest when one of the old members (We are both in our 60s) handed me a revolver wrapped in a kitchen towel. "Here, this is for you, it's my first cap & ball revolver, it has over 40 years" "How much you want?" I asked... "Nothing, just give me the towel back, is the wife's" So there I was, owner of my first 40ish replica... It is a Griswold & Gunnison in .36 with the Navy Battle scene on the cylinder! I proceeded to run my mouth about 1851s and Griswolds... everything I learned from you... so now I'm considered the expert on the matter! Thanks to you... The guy that gave me the gun is an ex "Chasseur Alpine" (Mountain Hunter) of the French army, later became a spy... The revover was made by GAMI, who merged with Pietta in 78' is 72' model in top condition, it's grip is slightly smaller than my 2019 Pietta version an the cylinder is VERY close to the cone. Will shoot later. Thanks a lot for what you do. Cheers from Normandy.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks for the note, and congratulations on getting the G&G. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

[@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

[@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.

[@jacobmarley4907]

Great video Mike on the generational differences of the 1851 Colt. I concur that Uberti has an edge over Pietta with respect to QC and overall workmanship, however every now and then one will pick up a very nice Pietta. Are you planning to do another video and discuss the Colt 1860 army? I think that would be another interesting video on the Colts series of revolvers. I completed a Kirst conversion on my 1860 Army with a five and a half inch barrel. I have found that comfort and handling with respect to shooting, I almost prefer the 1860 to the later 72 and 73 cartridge Colts when I am shooting 45 Colt cartridges. It just feels real good in the hand and it's not as tall. Of course it's only five shot but a small price to pay for the way it feels in the hand. Thanks again for a cool video on the lineage of the 1851 Colt Navy.

[@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.

[@ROE1300]

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

[@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.

[@roblynch2809]

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

[@murphy4yt]

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

[@blackpowder-bulgaria]

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

[@garyhammond2213]

Thanks for the good videos on the 1851 Navy.

[@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.👍

[@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!

[@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! 😅

[@ronrobertson59]

Interesting video Mike thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@LundTwp]

Fantastic video Mike. Ive been looking for a 2nd gen Colt and this was very helpful to know how it falls in line with the originals

[@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.

[@CaravanTirana]

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

[@jayclark7237]

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

[@OhTheGeekness]

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

[@string-bag]

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

[@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?

[@stanallen1072]

Excellent analysis. Thank you.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

I appreciate the historical commentary! Thank you!

[@knight3930]

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

[@bewood9637]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@glenholmes9808]

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

[@pierre-yveschretien5868]

Merci Mike!

[@rickyburton4642]

Great job Mike! 😊👍👍

[@paulbedford507]

Thank you for the most educational content on this platform!

[@jakewayrewa5201]

FWIW, I didn't get the notification for this video, but I DID get the notification for the Remington evolution.

[@grantcook3739]

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

[@jamescooper2618]

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

[@Ostenjager]

Uberti looked at a few Colts and said "YEET!" on the features.

[@josephgioielli]

I love these education videos. It is so important to get this knowledge into the community.

[@fredjacobsen5025]

Thank you Mike for another a very video: I am loving it!❤

[@earlshaner4441]

Good morning from Syracuse NY brother and thank you for sharing your information on the weapons from history

[@duelist1954]

Hi Earl!

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon brother thank you for sharing this video full of information and the books you have study and shared

[@ParkerI-ti3zq]

Another good one!!

[@jimboote312]

Great presentation Mike!

[@galenhisler396]

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

[@Gunner-73]

Hey Mike, I was hoping you would shed some light on the 4 screw colt. I just started collecting colts this year. I picked up a couple 1860, 44 Army's, a couple 1851's both the Robert E. Lee and signature series. Thank you for sharing all that information. I'll watch it again and write the differences down. The amount of information was like taking a drink from a fire hydrant. Wasn't quite ready for all that. I been sick for the past 3 days , so only popping on 5 about cylinders.

[@davidvogel904]

Great, as usual!

[@jeffgrier8488]

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

[@jameswhite465]

Thanks for your historical context.

[@runnersmike]

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

[@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.

[@koalaslaw3790]

Any shop/website you could recommend for an original colt? Love the videos

[@JCP1152P]

Great presentation. Where did the London model fit in?

[@duelist1954]

The London model is a beast all of it's own.

[@robertwoolford5151]

Brilliant‼️‼️ Answered a lot of questions I was confused about. Liked & Subscribed ~ Thankyou…. looking forward to the next post 👍🏼 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@lennemoy1971]

Thank you

[@robertrobert7924]

Thanks Mike. Now I can look at my repros to see any differences.

[@thetraveler5798]

Glad to be along for the History Class !! ✅ Thoroughly Enjoyed it 😎👍👍👍

[@duelist1954]

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@markworden9169]

Good stuff ,lots I mean lots of ads on this one.

[@larrykapp3409]

Great video, Mike

[@scrappybobbarker5224]

Great video about my favorite gun!

[@stevehoefel47]

Well done, looking forward to the Remington vid...