The greatest Colt ever made

[Fingers McGee]

If numbers sold and copy cats were the criteria; it would definitely be the 1911 and it's variations.

As to greatest strictly BP model, it would have to be the 1848/1849 pocket model followed by the 1861 Improved Navy

[Captainkirk]

1851 Navy and it's variations.
I like my Dragoon almost as much but the '51 is King in my book.

[LonesomePigeon]

Greatest is such a subjective term. Among Colt percussion revolvers I would say the 1860 Army was the greatest in terms of function; lighter than a Dragoon, more powerful than a Navy and it has a blade front sight. 

[ssb73q]

Hi, I found all the replies very interesting, thank you for your closely held belief. Other than the Dragoons, I have and regularly use all the other Colt models. The most accurate by far is the 1851. The most wonderful to fondle are the 1849s, the powerful light weight 1860 a real joy to shoot. However, for raw power to do any big jobs necessary, it's the Walker.

IMO after the Paterson, Colt finally got it right with the Walker.

BTW, a closely held belief is a terrible thing to waste. 

Regards,
Richard

[Stillwater]

For function and pure beauty the 1851 wins at a walk, it is iconic and represented the state of the art until the arrival of the peacemaker. Don't take my word for it, Samuel Colt in COLT, THE MAN AND HIS MACHINE by I. P. Freeley is quoted: "Wicket's right, damn boy's always right, the 1851 was the pinnacle of my art."

The pinnacle of the Colts firearm art was the 1851. Just look at how the 1851 Navy's design affected the pistols designed after it.

Having 10 Colt 1851 Navy revolvers hasn't affected my opinion one bit... RIGHT?

Bill

[G Dog]

Don't take my word for it, Samuel Colt in COLT, THE MAN AND HIS MACHINE by I. P. Freeley is quoted: "Wicket's right, damn boy's always right, the 1851 was the pinnacle of my art."

It appears our man Wicket has been around the block.  Ya can't argue with credentials like that.

[soundguy]

I'd have to go walker as well.

Its got the colt open top, long bbl for good sighting, and as stated, can punish a target downrange.

[Hawg]

COLT, THE MAN AND HIS MACHINE by I. P. Freeley is quoted:

He also wrote Yellow River.

[Krylandalian]

Mine!!!

[G Dog]

An M1860.  The Colt C&B apogee.

[Captainkirk]

Hard to beat a nice '51 Navy.

[G Dog]

I highly regard an 1851 too.  What it lacks in throw weight is nicely made up for in ease of handling and beauty and wouldn’t be so iconic, I suppose, if it had not reliably gotten the job done.  I love mine to have, to hold and to shoot and heaven forefend that we should not have our Navies, but an 1860’s just plain more gun (without weighting four pounds, of course).

[45 Dragoon]

Lol!!
 Nothing wrong with a little weight to help one hold steady .  .  .  .  .     


Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com
Follow me on Instagram @  goonsgunworks

[99whip]

If the criteria for "greatest" was numbers sold, Fingers is right, would have to be the 1849.  But, I think the 1851 probably had greater influence on future handgun design, size, and was a good platform for moving the market towards cartridge capability.

Personally though, 1861's just flip my switch. 

[Mad Dog Stafford]

Well, to me so far...my 1851 Colt steel frame .44cal is the best shooter. This thing just shoots and aims the best for me. I love it!