Just got my first colt cap and ball

[Russell13]

Hey gang,

I just got my first colt black powder pistol. It’s a 1851 colt navy .36 steel frame. I love the look of this gun. Reminds me of my favorite spaghetti western’s. I’m really excited to take it out and see how it shoots.

[Captainkirk]

Welcome to the world of black powder revolvers! Glad you've joined us here! Hope you'll call it home.

[ShotgunDave]

Yessir, welcome indeed!

We're big on pictures around here. If you can swing it, let's see yer new acquisition!!

[Hawg]

Those are the best. The 61 might possibly be a little better but I'm a sucker for an octagonal barrel.

[Russell13]

Here they are

[Russell13]

Here they are

I’m not sure what is better. I got the 1951 because I wanted a steel frame and found it at a good price. I also wanted something in .36 cal and it’s cool that the ‘51 was originally in .36 cal.

I have a question for you guys. I’ve noticed that army’s were usually.44 and navy’s were .36. Someone told this is because of cavalry. A .44 could stop a horse and a .36 probably would not. Do any of you know of this is true or just some made up BS???

[G Dog]

That came from the Texas Rangers and Colt Walkers.  The eponymous Captain thought it would sometimes be advantageous to shoot a Comanche in his horse.

But that has nothing to do with Walkers and Dragoons being called Horse Pistols.

Great choice on your first two.  Those and the 1860 are foundation stones.  Congrats. 

[Hawg]

Here they are

I’m not sure what is better. I got the 1951 because I wanted a steel frame and found it at a good price. I also wanted something in .36 cal and it’s cool that the ‘51 was originally in .36 cal.

I have a question for you guys. I’ve noticed that army’s were usually.44 and navy’s were .36. Someone told this is because of cavalry. A .44 could stop a horse and a .36 probably would not. Do any of you know of this is true or just some made up BS???

It was true of the Walkers and dragoons but during the war the army bought navy revolvers also.

[G Dog]

True dat.

During the war reams of mounted units on both sides used The Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber (AKA ‘51).  The term ‘Navy’ comes from the scrolling on the cylinder.  The Army has that too but for the previous ten years people just got used to calling an 1851 a Navy. 

Nomenclature is often just a matter of popular usage.  It doesn't always have make sense.

I’ll prophesy (prophesise) that you gonna really enjoy owning those two.

I’m not sure what is better.

I don't think there is a "better".  Each is its own iconic self.  You'll see.

[Russell13]

The pistol I really want is the LE Matt. It looks so cool and is such an iconic gun of the Civil War. I’ve read about them and it seems they’re very hard to get working right and even harder to keep working right. But it’s  so unique.

[Hawg]

I don't think I'd call them iconic. There were less than 3,000 of them made. Generals J.E.B. Stuart and P.G.T. Beauregard carried them, does that make them iconic? ???

[ShotgunDave]

You have a couple great looking pieces there Russell13. Can't go wrong with a Navy.

I get what you mean about the LeMat. It does have a certain status associated with it, because of Stuart, Beauregard and such. I'd love to have one myself, but the cost always turns me off. I can buy 2+ Colt's for the cost of a LeMat.

[Captainkirk]

Consider also that you can probably purchase a half dozen revolvers for the price of a LeMat...IF you can find one.

[ssb73q]

The pistol I really want is the LE Matt. It looks so cool and is such an iconic gun of the Civil War. I’ve read about them and it seems they’re very hard to get working right and even harder to keep working right. But it’s  so unique.

Hi Russell, I agree that the LeMat is a cool revolver. However, after using one for a while it became a safe queen. It's heavy and only serves use as a curiosity. This is my experience with the LeMat:

https://blackpowdersmoke.com/colt/index.php/topic,3010.0.html

IMO the 1851 Navy is the greatest cap and ball revolver ever produced. It's a joy to shoot, it's accurate, and uses minimal powder and ball.

Regards,
Richard

[Captainkirk]

Russell, is the Remington also a Navy (.36) caliber?