Colt 1860 Army vs 1861 Navy?

[Millermpls]

From those that own both, are these models the same frame size? Is the cylinder on the Army a broader diameter to accommodate the larger caliber, or the same size with slimmer chamber walls? I would presume difference in weight of barrel and cylinder due to caliber difference (less metal on the 44)?

Thanks in advance for the education!

 

[Wes/Tex]

Basically, they'er the same frame. Advances in metallurgy in the late 1850's allowed Colt to make a .44 on the M.1851 Navy frame with the simple expedient of milling back a bit of the frame top to accommodate the slightly enlarged cylinder front used on the M.1860 for it's larger bore. The M.1860 had the longer grip for comfort with what was considered a kicking handgun who could use a near Dragoon charge. The M.1861 Navy was an updated 1851 with the streamlined barrel with creeping loading lever introduced by the M.1860. The M.1862 was just an updated 1847 using the same frame cutout expedient and sleek lines to make a .36 caliber pistol on a .32 frame. In a nutshell, the M.1860 and M.1861 are just .36 and .44 versions of the same gun, less enlarged cylinder and longer grip frame on the .44.

 

[Millermpls]

Thanks Wes, precise and concise. Exactly what I was seeking.

 

[jaxenro]

The back of cylinder is the same size for both the front of the 1860 cylinder is belted to create the greater diameter at the front

 

[Millermpls]

Thx Jax. I appreciate it.