safety pins on 1851 Colt

[Pistoleer]

Did all original Colt 1851 Navy 36 cal. revolvers have the safety pins on the rear of the cylinder? These are the pins that the hammer is notched for and that were used as a safety when the weapon had 6 loaded chambers.

And no, I do not consider it a safe practice, as loading 5 and the hammer on empty chamber is only way to sure.

Just asking because some repos of the Navy Colt do not have these "safety" pins on the rear of the cylinder.

I have looked at pictures of original Colt Navy's, and some have the pins and some don't, but over the years, they may have become flattened or damaged, so I can not be sure.

I know the 1860 Army revolver all came with these pins.

 

[pargent]

Drop down to Saftey pins how ?? and you will find all the twaddle you need :thumbsup:

 

[desi23]

There has been a lot of debate about the safest way to carry a cap and ball in previous threads. To give a simple answer to your question, the safety pin was introduced by Colt to allow his revolvers to be carried fully loaded. The Walkers, early pocket pistols and possibly the early Navies only had one pin (I would have to dig out my book on Navies to be sure). Later Colt started fitting multiple pins for ease of use.

Many users of the day carried their rovolvers in flap holsters. The early open top holsters that some used were usually fitted tightly and had leather high enough to shield the hammer. I would say the pins worked well enough with rigs of this type as long as they were undamaged.

Many reproductions do not have pins. One reason being that it is an extra expense during manufacture. Also, when the first repros appeared on the market there was much concern among collectors that the guns would be aged and faked to be passed off as originals. An early magazine article in my collection discusses how the makers made small machining changes that would make it easier to spot a humped gun. One of the things they did then was leave the pins out. However as time passed people wanted more authentic repros and some started to put the pins in.

 

[crockett]

To the best of my knowledge- yes.