1st Generation Colt's

[Fingers McGee]

Second Generation Colt's are getting scarcer and scarcer to find. Especially the presentation and limited edition models - it's next to impossible. So, I've decided to take my collecting in another direction; First Generation Colt's percussion revolvers - specifically 1851 Navies and 6 shot 1849 Pocket Models. My first foray into this is winning the bid on a Rock Island Auction lot that had one of each. Took delivery today on an early 3rd Model 1851 Navy made in 1852, and a 6 shot 1849 Pocket model made in 1863. Both are in what I would consider great shape for their age with some traces of original finish and fully functional with good lockup. All markings and cylinder scenes are present and legible. I may have paid too much; but I don't care.

[ShotgunDave]

Those are both beautiful Fingers. Nicely done.

Will you shoot them at all? Or strictly for display/collecting?

[Hawg]

Nice. You are going to shoot them right?

[Fingers McGee]

It's entirely possible.

[bigted]

I have to say ... good job bro! Those are very cool. And no talk of " originals were" those ARE original.

Let me help you down the path brother ... shoot em ... old Sam built em to go to work.

[Necessaryevil]

Congrats, very nice too.

A good old boy who I know here in Spain sold me a Colt Navy made in 1852. He wanted rid of it and asked me for three hundred Euro for it. I nearly wrenched his arm off !

It's not in as nice condition as yours but she shoots like like a precision target revolver.

[ssb73q]

Hi Fingers, very nice!! I look forward to your shooting report for them. 

So when are you going to get an original Paterson?

Regards,
Richard

[Captainkirk]

Sweet, Fingers!
I say shoot 'em.

[Fingers McGee]

Hi Fingers, very nice!! I look forward to your shooting report for them. 

So when are you going to get an original Paterson?

Regards,
Richard

As soon as I can afford one. 

[Bishop Creek]

Nice looking pistols Fingers!

[Hewy]

Congratulations and happy 4th. Excellent examples of good old American knowhow, these are beauties.
The single thing beyond their condition is the curve of the grip back strap that Pietta tried to copy and came
close. So called Pietta tail..........here it is.
Hewy

[Fingers McGee]

I spent an hour or so this afternoon stripping the Navy down for a good inspection.  All of the screws and nipples came out with little effort.  I even used my zero torque $5 electric screwdriver getting them out.  The nipples are unlike any I've seen before.  The flash hole is too small for my nipple pick, the bottom is domed, and the sides are straight up & down, not tapered, and they are like new.  The mainspring is about twice as thick as a Uberti or Pietta, which explains the extremely heavy cocking force required.  It's sporting a  standard Uberti spring now.. Cylinder cleaned up nicely, and the bore was worn & pitted as would be expected, but isn't really that bad.  I didn't take any pictures during the process, It is sitting in the in safe ready to go out & make smoke.  Plan is to do so this coming Saturday.

Tis pistol is in fine shape.  Who ever had this before me took very, vey  good care of it.  It may have cost me a petty penny; but I think it was worth it.  I just hope I have he same opinion after it gets used.

Tomorrow I'll get on the Pocket Model

[Len]

Wow, Fingers. Those originals have the looks. Seem to be in very nice condition for their age (just like we are). They sure are meant for shooting.

[bigted]

I spent an hour or so this afternoon stripping the Navy down for a good inspection.  All of the screws and nipples came out with little effort.  I even used my zero torque $5 electric screwdriver getting them out.  The nipples are unlike any I've seen before.  The flash hole is too small for my nipple pick, the bottom is domed, and the sides are straight up & down, not tapered, and they are like new.  The mainspring is about twice as thick as a Uberti or Pietta, which explains the extremely heavy cocking force required.  It's sporting a  standard Uberti spring now.. Cylinder cleaned up nicely, and the bore was worn & pitted as would be expected, but isn't really that bad.  I didn't take any pictures during the process, It is sitting in the in safe ready to go out & make smoke.  Plan is to do so this coming Saturday.

Tis pistol is in fine shape.  Who ever had this before me took very, vey  good care of it.  It may have cost me a petty penny; but I think it was worth it.  I just hope I have he same opinion after it gets used.

Tomorrow I'll get on the Pocket Model

Fingers, just a thought here concerning the navy, I have contemplated this very thing a bunch as I do believe that the first gen's were readily reliable and consistently so.

My thought is this ... if the mainspring on yours, is very heavy, then I wonder if this may be the secret to the cap sucking and action jam's.

This has been one of my thoughts for a long time. My second gen '62' has an inordinate heavy spring and it does not suck caps like my Italian guns. Now I have obtained a second gen 51 and it too has a much heavier spring in it.

Now wouldn't it be something if such an oversight in the aftermarket revolvers were to fault for these malfunctions that have been a constant pain in the ass for all these years.

Just thinkin is all. Still not convinced the Italians have it rite. But not sure what the answer's are yet.

[Fingers McGee]

I spent an hour or so this afternoon stripping the Navy down for a good inspection.  All of the screws and nipples came out with little effort.  I even used my zero torque $5 electric screwdriver getting them out.  The nipples are unlike any I've seen before.  The flash hole is too small for my nipple pick, the bottom is domed, and the sides are straight up & down, not tapered, and they are like new.  The mainspring is about twice as thick as a Uberti or Pietta, which explains the extremely heavy cocking force required.  It's sporting a  standard Uberti spring now.. Cylinder cleaned up nicely, and the bore was worn & pitted as would be expected, but isn't really that bad.  I didn't take any pictures during the process, It is sitting in the in safe ready to go out & make smoke.  Plan is to do so this coming Saturday.

Tis pistol is in fine shape.  Who ever had this before me took very, vey  good care of it.  It may have cost me a petty penny; but I think it was worth it.  I just hope I have he same opinion after it gets used.

Tomorrow I'll get on the Pocket Model

Fingers, just a thought here concerning the navy, I have contemplated this very thing a bunch as I do believe that the first gen's were readily reliable and consistently so.

My thought is this ... if the mainspring on yours, is very heavy, then I wonder if this may be the secret to the cap sucking and action jam's.

This has been one of my thoughts for a long time. My second gen '62' has an inordinate heavy spring and it does not suck caps like my Italian guns. Now I have obtained a second gen 51 and it too has a much heavier spring in it.

Now wouldn't it be something if such an oversight in the aftermarket revolvers were to fault for these malfunctions that have been a constant pain in the ass for all these years.

Just thinkin is all. Still not convinced the Italians have it rite. But not sure what the answer's are yet.

Ted, The reason for a heavy hammer spring has been acknowledged as being present for eliminate cap sucking, and other maladies prevalent with lighter springs.  That's why I'm going to compare this Navies performance with the original and a Uberti full power hammer spring.  I'm also thinking the tiny orifice in the cones plays into it as well.