1861 Navy

[oncewas]

Hello all,
I thinking of getting an 1861 Navy. So far I purchased two revolvers and 1851 Navy and a 1858 Remington both are Pietta's and I want to buy a 1861 Navy but I notice the Pietta is an 8in barrel. So now I'm concerned with whether I should pursue that purchase or not. I know it's just a half inch difference but those that have them do feel it make a difference? Or should I look at Uberti's 1861 which is the correct length? I really like the actions so far of both Pietta's and am not sure if the 1861 Ubertis have the same issues of the 1851 Ubertis experience.

 

[leadhoarder]

Isn't that the model that never really existed? If so there is no right or wrong.

 

[Gee Dog]

All open top Uberti's have the arbor issue. I have an 1861 Pietta bought new in 1997. It's a fine shooter. Although I'm big on historical accuracy I've learned to live with that extra half inch. It's a tack driver.

 

[B P Arn]

I have one. Uberti is my favorite repro manufacturer. This gun did not have the typical short arbor for which Uberti has become known. Mine has a CA date stamp.

Even if it had come with the short arbor, as had all my previous Uberit's, I would not have been disappointed, and would have easily and quickly adjusted it myself.

 

[B P Arn]

Isn't that the model that never really existed? If so there is no right or wrong.

No, Colt made an 1861 Navy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_M1861_Navy

 

[nkbj]

My 1970's production Navy Arms 1861 has always felt muzzle heavy.
Hmm, does the new Uberti have 1860 size grips?

 

[leadhoarder]

Yeah I think I had that confused with the 51 army.

 

[B P Arn]

My 1970's production Navy Arms 1861 has always felt muzzle heavy.
Hmm, does the new Uberti have 1860 size grips?

All revolvers are muzzle heavy IMHO.

1861 grip size is identical to 1851.

 

[45D]

B P Arn, your Uberti does have a short arbor. What have you done to check it?

Mike

 

[B P Arn]

No, this one does not have a short arbor. All of the others I have owned did require adjustment. This one has a very small gap even with the wedge driven in fully.

 

[William Lincoln]

Aldo Uberti took great pride as a gunmaker. Since the Beretta
people bought him out, they went to CNC computer machining and the
quality has held. Along the way, Pietta has perfected their revolvers.
It can now be said that they are pretty much equal in build
quality. Because of price and importer's marketing, Pietta is
the BP revolver most people own. I would buy the one that
offered the best deal. Also, consider the Police versions.
While not mentioned, Pedersoli makes competition 1858 NMA
Remingtons with gain-twist rifling like the originals had. But
they cost double. and yes, Pietta's are very accurate in certain
calibres--esp .44. Why? Can say only that from years back,
even when Piettas were sloppy builds, the barrels shot excellent
and surprised everyone. Before the ROA the Piettas were the
match kings --or top contenders. Buy the best deal: Pietta.

 

[smoothshooter]

My 1970's production Navy Arms 1861 has always felt muzzle heavy.
Hmm, does the new Uberti have 1860 size grips?

Muzzle heavy is good.
Steadier on target.
Less recoil.

 

[oncewas]

Okay I guess I can deal with an extra 1/2 inch. It's not like I really care if it's truly authentic just reasonably so. And I just have a lot of faith in Pietta.

 

[kh54]

I have a 2018 manufacture Uberti 1861 Navy, my first of over 30 reproduction revolvers I’ve purchased. Even before firing it I did all the fine deburring and polishing of internal parts such as described by Blackie Thomas and Mike Bellevue in a number of videos. It has the finest action of any of my revolvers, which include (or have included) others by Uberti, as well as Pietta, ASM, ASP, Palmetto, Colt, and a couple I can’t identify.

The other Ubertis I have include a Walker, a 3rd model Dragoon, an 1849 pocket (new to me), an 1851 Navy, and two early Griswold & Gunnisons (1851 Navy clones). They are all almost as nice as the 1861. I also like that now, at least, Uberti’s proof marks are barely visible and they put their name and BP warning on the underside of the barrel, something Pietta just doesn’t get. And yes, they are all as accurate as my poor skills will allow. I would choose an Uberti every time.

 

[oncewas]

I can understand that. You like Uberti’s and I wouldn’t mind going that route if they were in stock but they aren’t. The Pietta’s are in stock and I don’t care if they have writing on the barrels I’m not trying to pass it off as a colt. I care if it shoots well. And the 1851 navy pietta I have does. So it looks like that’s the way I’ll go. But thanks for your input.

 

[45D]

No, this one does not have a short arbor. All of the others I have owned did require adjustment. This one has a very small gap even with the wedge driven in fully.

That doesn't matter and is not a definitive test. Dropping a washer in the arbor hole and assembling the revolver is a definitive test.

Mike

 

[nkbj]

Just a trick for adjusting washer thickness... hold the washer down on sand or emery paper using the eraser on a pencil. The eraser conforms to the hole in the washer, makes it easier to hold it while sanding it down.

 

[kh54]

I can understand that. You like Uberti’s and I wouldn’t mind going that route if they were in stock but they aren’t. The Pietta’s are in stock and I don’t care if they have writing on the barrels I’m not trying to pass it off as a colt. I care if it shoots well. And the 1851 navy pietta I have does. So it looks like that’s the way I’ll go. But thanks for your input.

I'm sympathetic. I purchased my 1861 Navy from DGW in 2018. All of my other guns I've bought at gun shows, online sites such as Gunbroker and Gunsinternational, or from ML forum members. It has been worth it to me to hold out for good deals through these sources. I wish I had one to offer to you. Good luck!

 

[B P Arn]

That doesn't matter and is not a definitive test. Dropping a washer in the arbor hole and assembling the revolver is a definitive test.

Mike

No, that is not a test.

 

[45D]

No, that is not a test.

Oh, OK.

Mike