Shooting Colts Robert E Lee Commemorative 1851 Navy Model

Today’s video will have me shooting the Colt Robert E. Lee 1971 Commemorative Navy revolver.
This is the gun that started Colt’s 2nd generation of cap & ball revolvers. Some experts consider it to be the best of the best, when it comes to 2nd and 3rd generation Colt black powder revolvers, and I agree.
In this video I’ll discuss the history of the gun. I’ll demonstrated loading, both with loose round balls, and with paper cartridges. And I’ll shoot the gun.
Robert E. Lee Commemorative 1851 Navy First look video:
• Colt Robert E Lee Comm...
Mike Beliveau links:
Patreon - / duelist
Website - mikebeliveau.com/
KZbin Channel - / @duelist1954
Rumble Channel - rumble.com/c/c...

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving! Among many other things, I'm thankful that so many of you enjoy the channel.

[@davidscarborough8106]

Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@davidgolden1726]

Thanks Mike, enjoy your holidays !!

[@NullB]

@duelist1954 Happy T day and good vid sir!

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

Happy Thanksgiving, Duelist.

[@blackriverparanormalinvest4796]

Happy Thanksgiving Duelist1954

[@robertrobert7924]

I was named after Robert E. Lee, so you can imagine how I drooled over this Commemorative at my local gun shop. I was a young husband and father of 2 toddlers, so I did not have the money to buy it. I will be making paper cartridges during the cold dark Winter to keep me from sucumbing to insanity by cabin fever. Thanks for the 1st and 2nd videos on this lovely revolver.

[@Man_Cave]

Robert E. Lee never had a 44 in an 1851 configuration.

[@robertrobert7924]

@@Man_Cave Did I miss something? Who said anything about a 1851 in 44 cal. The one in this video was in the standard .36 cal.

[@Man_Cave]

@@robertrobert7924 My mistake. You're right.

[@robertrobert7924]

@@Man_Cave I remember some Italian reproductions (Pietta?) were made on 1851 frames, but in .44 Cal. I can't remember if they had any factual basis in history or if (Pietta?) was just trying to sell more revolvers because they looked different?

[@DBag-1212]

@@robertrobert7924 1851s were never made in .44 caliber. Pietta likely just makes them because people want a little more boom on a beautiful gun

[@alexgeorge2993]

I love the 1851 Navy Colts, in my eyes and opinion they are the best looking revolvers ever made.

[@johnlea8519]

Great informative video, the 1851Navy has always been my favourite, I had a Uberti 1851 for years and it always got a lot of interest from the semi auto guys but sadly the British gun laws made even owning a cap n Ball revolver difficult as you can only use them on a approved range. Please keep these black powder videos going, so much more fun than something with a double stack magazine.

[@drmachinewerke1]

If you ever cross over to this side of the pond. Take yourself to any range. Tell the shooters you are from across the pond. I do not need to say anything else.

[@independentthinker8930]

Love the history as much as the gun

[@JoseyWales44s]

Wow, I can actually see the shockwave in the air as the ball plows through the air towards Evil Roy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@redsky8509]

weather or not, a Fantastic revolver.

[@wizbang16]

I really love your videos. You are a treasure trove of knowledge. If I find some caps I'm going to the range! Thank you!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@waynerobinson2656]

Wizbang16. I got tired of waiting for caps to come to market again and started to make my own. I’ll never buy any more.

[@JRB781]

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for the very interesting video. That's pretty cool that the original gain-twist rifling was used in the barrel, even though it would be more difficult to manufacture it that way. Despite the fact that some Italian parts were used to build the revolver, the 1970's steel that was used to manufacture those 2nd gen models was of a much higher quality than what the 1st gen. models were manufactured with. I've found that it's good to keep some CCI #10 caps on hand because the Piettas manufactured in the past few years also seem to have slim nipples/cones.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jayclark7237]

I always enjoy your informative narative, period clothing, and pleasant demeanor. As a 1953 model myself, I urge you to take care of yourself so we can have many more years of your videos!

[@asherdog9248]

For anyone interested the Richmond museaum of the South has Lee's original 1851 on display.

[@louisianagray8618]

Some might think it was too long but I cannot get enough of you Mike love the video thanks and I hope you have a great Thanksgiving

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@IamtheIZ0D]

I've used Wambaugh and White in the past for Confederate Frock Coat and drawers. Their stuff is very authentic. They also offer pretty good kits if your willing to put in the work sewing it together.

[@archer721]

I have the Grant model. Out of the box, with no polishing work, it’s the smoothest functioning black powder revolver I’ve ever owned… way smoother than any Uberi, Pieta or Traditions out of the box. - great video. Thanks.

[@1boortzfan]

Thank you Mike for enduring the hardships of the outdoors to produce this video. You sure do make me want to put an 1851 at the top of my list.

[@donaldlivingston970]

I think I mentioned after your unboxing video that I have the Grant commemorative. I bought it 10 or 12 years ago and as far as cap and ball revolvers go it was my very first one. Mine too was unfired but it took me about 5 years of debating before I finally decided to shoot it and really enjoy it. Mine also had the very narrow nipples. Those are the only thing I've changed about the revolver. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine.

[@fabricewinch4467]

Bieutifull gun !!!! My guns favorite, i have 1851 and 1860 army Uberti. I schooting moment Pedersoli continental dueling target. I was on vacation New York and new England, i m not looking " cap & ball"😢. Sorry, not speak English, i am Frenchy.

[@dennisatkins9837]

Robert E. Lee, what a wonderful start to a thanksgiving day! From Tennessee, Have a great Thanksgiving Mike

[@HD-J.R.]

People would be surprised at how many manufacturers contract with Ruger to make cast parts for firearms. They are the gold standard for firearms parts casting and they've been doing it longer than anyone. I'm not surprised Colt contracted with Uberti for some parts. Few manufacturers make everything. Ruger is setup to do nearly everything, yet they still contract for many magazines and wood pistol grips. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@453421abcdefg12345]

I think the wise move was in using forgings, and not castings, much better grain structure, although on a black powder gun not essential. Chris B.

[@jeffreygardner2591]

Happy Thanksgiving, Mike. Great feeling shooting those old Colts, isn't it. Got a pair of the old C series 51s and a Cavalry Commemorative set for my 60s. Either CD Suttlery or C & D Jarnigan are where I've gotten mine.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@graypatriot1299]

thank you.

[@davekrembs4607]

I have "shimmed" spouts to desired charge with a rolled soda straw or brass shim stock. The external looks not altered and shims are removable. Another wonderful video Mike !

[@krissorensen4133]

Happy Thanksgiving c&c sutlery is a sight for civil war clothing

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@Duckman558]

Bought a Rob E Lee like yours few years ago....in box....with paper wrap and original paper sleeve over box.....and colt papers....was a work of art

[@firearmsaddictloveguns]

Great video on a beautiful revolver.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@P61guy61]

I enjoyed this one. Thank you for posting. Lighting and wind were handled well.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@bobstark441]

I have a grant new in the box but mine came with balls also. Happy Thanksgiving

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@RickDelmonico]

Original caps were thicker and the caps didn't come apart on firing like the new ones.

[@jasonbuck489]

Wow... That is a Sweet Heart!!... I don't know what it is about the Fall Season here in PA that always makes me want to go out and shoot Black Powder...I have a farm so I can do it anytime, but it just seems more appropriate in the cooler weather...Infact, that's my plan for later this afternoon... (Before over eating and falling asleep in my chair before 7pm).... HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Hummelstown Pa!!.....

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@swathdiver489]

I forgot about the gain twist rifling in the C-series. Great video Mike and you and the missus have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@coltonregal1797]

I know Blockade Runner used to do custom sizes for garments. However I don't know if they still do. I've heard that they've had a rough time with illness recently.

[@tomallen6073]

Great video for a thanksgiving morning. Very informative, I’m off work this following week and will be taking some of my black powder pieces to the range. So looking forward to it.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@64samsky]

Happy Thanksgiving Mike!

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@gregjaussaud7198]

Happy Thanksgiving! Lorenzo TX

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@ronrobertson59]

These molds casts undersized balls and it gets super hot. Fun video Mike glad to see you shoot it. I have an unfired Belgium made 1860 Army still in the box I've had for 20 years and never fired it. Maybe I will. If I recall The Log Cabin gun shop in Lodi Ohio had a Blue & Gray commeritive set in the early 70'sitting in their display case. .

[@oasis6444]

Just love your channel! Keep going. We all share the same passion and you sure know how to get yours across.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@acratone8300]

Another vote for C&C Sutlery online. They have several original color shades of Confederate grey, not just one. They customize sizes if you wish. They have 2 distinct lines: a cheaper imported line and an expensive domestic uniform maker.

[@williamcrawford7982]

Beautiful pistol, awesome audio best ever, thanks for all your hard work. 🇺🇸✔

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@therealhawkeyeii7888]

I have a C-Series Second Gen Colt 1851. Not overjoyed with the squared trigger guard, but otherwise a pretty nice gun.

[@jasonbuck489]

I'm sure you know where Kinsey's is down off 283... Anyhow they had an absolutely gorgeous Colt 32 cal Cap and Ball Pocket Revolver months ago... It was new in the box... I wish I had the extra $1,200 laying around to bring it home.... I'm not sure if it was New Colt Production or New Old Stock, but it was unfired in the box.... I had never seen a 32 cal before....

[@jonathansongco4302]

Classic.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

Beautiful pistol Great American

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@franksmodels29]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and you family and enjoying coffee watching you shoot .. great 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well

[@davefellhoelter1343]

having watched your RUMBLE it "ALMOST?" hurt me to see this Work of Art SHOT 1st time out the Box! BUT? Guns are Ment to be Used! I feel Better now! Thank you Sr! Keep Your Smoke Ploes SMOKING!

[@marcosaraiva9205]

Beautiful gun !

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@gunsnwater2668]

Nice gun, great information as always.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@mrmicro22]

Even in these times, we have much to be thankful for, including our heritage.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good evening from Syracuse NY brother and everyone else

[@terryschiller2625]

Happy Thanksgiving Mike. Great video even with that awful weather for filming and being outside. Thanks for all your hard work and time Sir. 🤠

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@billjulian9496]

Thank you for an informative video on a great subject, Colt and their derivatives..Thank you for the explanation on the different series and who made them. Great stuff as always, Hope you and yours had a Great Thanksgiving!

[@duelist1954]

Yes we did, and I hope you did as well.

[@SlickSixguns]

Happy thanksgiving Mike

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@robertdungan6848]

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!!

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@banditone00]

First off, I hope you and your family have had a blessed Thanksgiving. Your Lee Colt is beautiful. I have had the discussion a lot recently about how much I love seeing guns like this experienced. One cannot experience the gun by simply squirreling it away in a safe. It’s a fine weapon and deserves to be shot. I’m glad to see that it found its way into your hands. I’ve been having the discussion because I recently acquired an unfired Detective Special. My friends were all shocked that the first thing I did was take it home, clean the grease out of the chambers, and shoot it. Then to make it worse, I carry it to work in a pocket holster. I love it! It shoots great, I carry 148gr wadcutters because I don’t think hollow points will open anyway, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I carried new guns in Mil/LE for my whole adult life, and I enjoy in this phase being able to carry a python backed by a dick special or a National match backed by a 380 pocket hammerless. I greatly enjoy your content. I wish you and yours the best.

[@duelist1954]

I know what you mean.I have a 1972 vintage Colt Cobra that I shoot, and carry in a pocket holster in the Summer.

[@johngurnee793]

I had the same issue with the nipples on my 1971 Colt Navy. I ordered number 11 nipples from Track of the Wolf, works great.

[@blackriverparanormalinvest4796]

I did the same to my 1851 Fllpetta. Stainless steel #11 from track of the wolf.

[@smokinwithredbeard]

I own a pietta .44 colt 51 I love this thing ita in my lap right now actually (I know historical hand cannons were 36 to be a navy mines bored out in army caliber) I love this thing its amazing great video I always enjoy a good duelist vid

[@mikewysko2268]

The case hardening appears to be well done. Colt were the master of fit and finish when that revolver was made.

[@Mike-cp3xr]

Happy Thanksgiving ! Stay safe and warm ! God's blessings on you and yours ! ✝️

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@1956BM]

Thanks Mike great video and I learned something about my Lee and Grant Navies.

[@humbledsparrows4687]

Thank you from East Texas, enjoyed the video.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@connorpope5434]

Omg I am a proud owner of this model.

[@noapologizes2018]

Happy Thanksgiving Mr. Mike. I have been waiting for this video, ans you did not disappoint. I would love to own a Colt Second Generation 1851. she is a beauty.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@tomcurran8470]

Happy Thanksgiving all. I understand that Iver Johnson was run by the Imperatos, the son who runs Henry Repeating Arms today. I have a leather Rebel cap that I got for a deal in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. It is brand new if you need it.

[@duelist1954]

Thanks, but I'm all set on hats.

[@williambeichler9053]

Excellent job!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@Ostenjager]

Maybe you could compare the REL Commemorative against an Italian made navy replica, to see if there is an accuracy difference between the progressive rifling and standard rifling. I think that would make for an interesting video.

[@dannydorito301]

Great vid!

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@dennismitchell5414]

Have a look at C&D Jarnagin in Corinth Mississippi and The Regimental Quartermaster in Gettysburg Pennsylvania . Both have online catalogs and I've done business with both of them and never been disappointed .

[@duelist1954]

Thanks

[@johnndavis7647]

Thanks for all you do.

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

Imagine the shitstorm if they tried to "commemorate" Robert E. Lee today.

[@independentthinker8930]

It shows their sthpidity

[@curtwuollet2912]

Or Grant, he'd be hated too. The woke are equal opportunity haters.

[@jakubfabisiak9810]

@@curtwuollet2912 Wonder what their take would be on John Singleton Mosby, aka The Grey Ghost of the 43rd (if memory serves) Battalion of Virginia Cavalry. There's even a Disney movie with a 16-year old Kurt Russel called Mosby's Marauders.

[@rogerclyde2720]

My point of view only! Lee had the North whipped but at the end he didn’t have what it takes to finish the Job handing the advantage to the North.Just to add a bit to what I’ve already posted, but kind Hearts don’t win Wars and Lee was reported to be a very kind hearted man. Andrew Jackson on the other hand may have returned a quite different result had he lived long enough. Just an observation.

[@richardw.johnson2875]

Sad times we live in!!

[@hanke2456]

I'm in Maryland not to far from you and would love to get together with you target shooting the Navy Colt 44Cal and Army 44Cal Black Powder Pistols 1st week of December. I've had the Navy Colt for awhile now but I just got the 1860 Army Colt 44Cal and can't wait to go target shooting with it ! Contact Ann's Fabric who maybe able to help with Uniforms not a guarantee but I'd give them a call. God Bless

[@bill7778]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@duelist1954]

Same to you.

[@bosse641]

So nice.

[@edwardlove4300]

I always enjoy watching your historical videos. And a happy Thanksgiving to you. Edward from Osaka Japan

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@hawssie1]

if you ask me, and Im all about buying American, but what made Colt popular originally when these were current was of course quality but also being competitively priced. Buyers back then would never pay 4 to 6 times the price than say an Uberti or Pietta just to get a bit better gun with a nicer finish and a fancy box. Today these are bought by completely different people for completely different reasons than when Americans purchased these 150 years ago. If someone wants to emulate the persona of Americans back then than you probably would be a closer match with the purchase of an Uberti.

[@44hawk28]

I suggest you measure it because the small oval gun had a four of its trigger guard much closer to the trigger than that 1 shows. That appears to be the large oval, which is not substantially larger than the small oval. But just cuz it's oval doesn't mean it's small. And I still prefer the Dragoon style trigger guard because my favorite gun happens to be the 44 Super Blackhawk, and that will destroy your knuckles when you're using the oval trigger guard. I know black powder guns do not realistic leave recoil, at least I've never fired any of them, that dead even the Walker way so much that it's recoil is almost negligible. But then again I'm used to shooting a 44 Mag.

[@olskool3967]

oh, i have some goex too:))

[@modelcars2978]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. 🤟🤠👍

[@duelist1954]

Happy hanksgiving!

[@terryqueen3233]

What a beautiful box and it's contents. Happy Thanksgiving

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@rogerclyde2720]

I have the Uberti, Cap jamming is quite common No. 10 Caps fit tight and can be hard to push on. No. 11 fit snug but flare and Jam the Weapon.

[@tomcleave308]

Happy Thanksgiving! And thank for putting up with the weather, I'm just getting int to the black powder thing and so far only have cap and ball long guns as well as trap doors and rolling blocks. No pressure but your my main soar! Lol.....

[@Drizo41]

God bless you sir and thank you for your knowledge and info you provide

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@ftargr]

thank you for the video, civil war content is always appreciated

[@snappers_antique_firearms]

Great video

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@Rumblestrip]

Try C&C Sutlery out of Idaho. Theyve done me pretty well over the years.

[@pierre-yveschretien5868]

Merci Mike...très bon vidéo !

[@duelist1954]

Merci!

[@farmdoc9252]

Nice video Mike. Thank you.

[@manyrounds5468]

Perfect day for some history on Colts work, very sweet pistol. Thanks Mike.

[@mkultraification]

If only uberti could make quality like that.

[@sgtmajtrapp3391]

What a wonderful firearm. Sorry but if I had one I'd have to shoot it. This allows you to enjoy and experience history. Great job very well done really enjoy the history. Thank you for your hard work and excellent presentations

[@hettro-cv6082]

Happy thanksgiving! In Gettysburg are two sutlers. the S&S sutler and the Maryland sutler. Dirty Billy, who is also in Gettysburg, makes authentic hats. Then try Fall Creek sutler they should take special orders.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@jeffgrier8488]

Thanks for the video Mike, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@catyear75]

Happy Thanksgiving Mr Bellevue! I’m thankful for all your interesting , informative and entertaining videos ! God Bless !

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@trentnichols5075]

Wow, this great 😃

[@duelist1954]

Thanks!

[@geraldinzinger5768]

Hello Mike, I am from Austria and a big Fan from you. Your Videos are fantastic and the tips and tricks in them are very helpful. Since last Year I am the proud owner of a Colt Navy 1851 Lee Commemorative (REL816). This gun is also unfired. I am not sure yet if I'll shoot him. Thanks again for your channel.

[@duelist1954]

You picked up a great gun. I really like mine.

[@alanhope1190]

Fall Creek Sutlers have done well for me…

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@robertlittle7407]

Cool man cool

[@45calibermedic]

Is it true that Lee carried a single Navy in a pommel holster? Happy Thanksgiving!

[@ronaldomello4463]

Arma muito linda.

[@TheShveyn04]

Happy Thanksgiving! This is when the day is celebrated from North America. Only in the United States and Canada.

[@duelist1954]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[@victorshults242]

👍💪🇺🇸 Love your videos

[@kevinsnow8300]

Thanks been waiting on this video.