1851 Colt Pietta Wedge Size: .36 vs .44

[MikeEasy]

Does the same wedge fit both Pietta 1851 Colt Navy replicas (both .36 and .44)?

I want an extra wedge for a. 44 caliber 1851 Pietta Colt but neither trackofthewolf.com nor vtigunparts.com list 1851 Colt Navy wedges by caliber.

 

[nkbj]

That's a great question. I hope the parts are interchangeable whether or not they were on the original revolvers!

 

[necchi]

Dixie Gun Works lists it like this;

Barrel wedge with spring for reproduction Colt 1851 Navy , 1860 Army revolver., 1861 Navy and Colt 1851, 60, and 61 originals and conversions.

So it's a pretty good bet a wedge is a wedge.
Consider also that most wedges on new guns need to be filed a bit to fit the shooter/owners personal fit preference, it's still a good bet a wedge is a wedge. :wink: http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_434_435_440&products_id=1059
part # PP1808

 

[MikeEasy]

So it's a pretty good bet a wedge is a wedge.
Consider also that most wedges on new guns need to be filed a bit to fit the shooter/owners personal fit preference, it's still a good bet a wedge is a wedge. 1851 Navy Wedge at Dixie Gun Works

Thanks for the link: you saved me $6!

I hoped someone with both .36 and .44 caliber models might post an answer. My thinking (likely incorrect) was that the stresses on the .44 might be sufficiently different to warrant a different wedge. Absent someone posting here soon I'll take a $10 (+ shipping) gamble and find out.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Though I've never actually miked any wedges, all the Colt revolvers from the 51' through 62' were all basically the same frame. The 1860 is basically a Navy frame with rebated cylinder and more streamlined barrel. The 1860 was actually feasible due to steel improvements since the early 1850's. Bigger caliber and load in the same size package. Add longer grip and voila!...bigger boom in the same size gun, using all the same parts you were already making.

 

[MikeEasy]

Yes. I have just received two wedges from Dixie Gun Works and am happy to state that both fit properly in the wedge slot of Pietta's 1851 Colt Navy replica in .44 caliber.

 

[tsafa]

I have found from observing my Pietta 1858's in .36 and .44 that they use the same exact frame and cylinder and just drill the holes smaller on the .36. For this reason the .36 is heavier then the .44. No reason to get and carry a .36 unless it is going to be lighter then the .44.

The original 1858's in .36 where much lighter.

So... as you found out already... most parts on the .36 and .44 are interchangeable.

 

[sail32]

Check the VTI Gun parts site; http://www.vtigunparts.com/store/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=66&cat=Pietta+1851+Navy;
It looks like part 3456 fits all Pietta cap & ball.

 

[MikeEasy]

Thank you, tsafa! This explains some recent puzzlings I had.

I wanted a .36 Pietta 1851 Navy replica for the "lighter weight" but all vendor websites showed the Pietta .36's weight to be the same as the Pietta .44.

And indeed I got my wrong idea from reading about the original Colts and assuming the Pietta .36 was identical to those originals.

I hesitated a week - long enough to miss Cabela's sale on the Pietta 1851 Navy .36 ($149 but now the usual $179). Oh well, it was too heavy anyway!

 

[tsafa]

The Uberti's are more historically correct. So you will be better to get a .36 cal from Uberiti for lighter weight. I have had my mind on getting the Uberti Colt 1862 as a light carry gun for the woods.

I do own more Pietta's because they are cheaper. And that is a good reason to buy Piettas.

There is another benefit to getting a Pietta 1858 cal in .36.... Given that the gun is way overbuilt for its caliber... I have had the confidence to do some "Unholy" experiments with it that have yielded 400 ft-lbs of energy.