Which one?

[makattack]

I'm about to purchase from Cabelas an new revolver. I'm torn between the 1851 Navy and the 1860 Army. What are the pos. and neg. of each, and was the .44 considered to have a masive amount of power compared to the .36? Also, which would the average civilian/ scout carry in the early to mid 1860's?

 

[Charley Hart]

Get them both!

These are opinions, so no one start yelling...

If it is your first revolver, I would recommend buying a 1858 rem. It is Stronger and imo easier for range work. I can change to another cylinder easily and also clean up to prevent binding at the same time! The other thing I like is the rems are easier to disassemble and reassemble than the colts.

That aside. It depends. The .36 is I believe historically correct so if you are wanting that then go with the 1851...but the 44 is going to have more power if anything due to the increased bullet size. When I shoot metal plates my .36 had a harder time knocking them over. The 44 on the other hand would just whack them over! Also the 1860 has a taller sight which I prefer cause I usually shoot a max of 25 yards.

So it depends on what you want in a gun. I will give you advice a buddy gave me once.

I had to choose either a 1861 Springfield or a Lymans GPR and he said "Shoot. Charley you are eventually going to buy them both so what does it matter!?"

I smiled and went with the Springfield. He was so right!

 

[Don]

Makattack,

Both those guns would be a good choise. Yes the Remingtons have their advantages. I like the way they shed spent caps without binding up the gun. However, I like the looks of the colt repros better. The cap problem with the colts is managable though and they can be suprisingly acurrate. My most accurate revolver is a cheap brass frame colt.

Don

 

[peashooterJoe]

I have 2 1860 and 7 1858 Remmies, Just got the 1860's for Christmas, I have to say the Remmie is far easier to repair and not as finicky as the Colt to assemble and fire.I do like the 1860 for plinking. I had a new learning curve with the Colts and I also agree with Don about the Cap situation on the 1860.

I got to thinking if I was a Scout , Murphy's Law kicks in.. drawing on my own experiences lost wedge, lost screws in grip and backstrap,barrel loose in holster, hand spring broke, cylinder locked up (cap fell inside). (I think you get the drift) My 1860's (have a Uberti and Pietta) I have to constantly re tighten the screws on them.

I don't have that kind a problem on the Remmies. I repaired my newest target Remmie today and it took 20 minutes to fit a cylinder bolt and replace the cylinder pin. Remmie is by far simpler to disassemble and reassemble with less parts.I also read some where the Government had a Big contract for Remingtons about The Civil War time period.Just my experiences so far.. If you want to shoot more go with the Remmie. I hunt with my Ruger Old Army and tote my Remmies as a hunting backup.I am going to try to kill a turkey with my Target Remmie this year,that is if he will cooperate (I've been practicing .

My wife likes the Colts look and to plink with go figger. She calls the 1860 a Civil War toy.

The best advice is to hold each one in hand to see which fits you better with sight picture and feel.If it feels wrong you will never be happy with it no matter what or how much money you put in it.

 

[makattack]

I already have an old Lyman 1858 Remmy and love it. If the Remington was such a better weapon, why was the Colt more popular? Gotta go, still making paper cartridges. :grin:

 

[rebelyell62]

IMHO,,,
For balance and pointibility , I prefer the 1851 navy. I have an 1858 police and don't particularly like the way it feels in my hand. The remmies are quicker to assemble/ disassemble, but the colts are not that difficult either.I would not hesitate to have another 1851. Don't much care for the 1860's either.

 

[ol vern]

Colt was more popular because it had been around about 30 years before the Remingtons came on the market.

The Rem. was a modern design that Colt got around to copying when they brought out the Colt Army mod of 1873

 

[mulegunner]

Being the owner of both colts you mention..(58 Remington is next on my list), I prefer the 1860. I have large hands and the grip of the 1860 fits much better. However, you have to go with the one that speaks to you the most! :hatsoff:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Use Loctite, or your wife's nail polish on the threads of the screws, to keep them from backing out. Plain varnish works for the guys who aren't married. There is no reason to be losing wedges, or screws from any gun. It can sneak up on you if you don't check the screws after every shooting session, whether hunting or range. I had a loose screw on a .44 revolver 32 years ago, and used loctite on it. Haven't had to worry about it since.

Your decision on which gun to keep or use should be based on grip size, caliber, sights, and overall workmanship.

 

[John Taylor]

use the blue loctite, you might want to take it apart some day and the red stuff will brake the screw driver trying to get the screws out.

 

Although the Colt revolvers are prettier in my opinion, I would not trade my 58 Remington for any model of Colt. They are sturdier and more accurate. I used to own several Colt revolvers over the years and sold them but have kept my Remington. Been thinking about buying anothern ta match. :thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

You can get the screw out with the red loctite if you heat it up with a torch first.

 

[Legionair]

Unless it's holding the grip on.... :haha:

Legion

 

[evildog]

Just personal opinion, but I've always loved the looks of the 1861 Navy. The sleek lines of the 1860 Army but in 36 caliber.