This used revolver has a bright well maintained bore. This revolver is offered as used, but does not appear to have been fired. The cylinder has very faint markings in the blue finish from cocking. The walnut grips do not show any handling marks. Known as the Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, the term "Navy" indicates that it is .36 caliber. In all actuality, the U. S. Army bought more of the 1851 Navy Model revolvers than the U. S. Navy purchased. Notice the color case hardened steel frame. Unlike less costly revolvers made with a brass frame, this revolver has the rugged steel frame, and will handle full loads for years, without the tendency to stretch, which can be a problem with brass frame revolvers when they are abused. This revolver comes with the factory box and paperwork.
The .36 caliber barrel is marked F.LLI PIETTA - MADE IN ITALY on the right side. The left side is marked BLACK POWDER ONLY 36 CAL.. Our top view shows the 7-1/2" octagon barrel, which is factory blued. A pointed brass bead front sight is mounted near the muzzle. A notch in the hammer, serves as a rear sight. The notch in the hammer is small, for those who prefer a fine sight picture. Most modern target shooters prefer a larger notch. If you elect to enlarge the sight notch in the hammer, we recommend using our Swiss Pattern Needle Files, #FILE-SET-NEEDLE. One of these files has the perfect geometry to enlarge the notch. Go slowly, since the only other sight adjustment possibility is to shorten, or replace the bead front sight. Any gunsmith who replaces shotgun bead sights can easily do this, if you require a larger or taller front sight. We have an original 1851 Navy revolver in our collection, probably owned by a serious shooter, who reshaped the rear sight notch exactly as we described above. Our bottom view shows the color case hardened loading lever, wedge key, and the polished brass triggerguard and grip strap. The frame is color case hardened steel, and the triggerguard is polished brass, which is just starting to tarnish from long storage. The walnut grips are finished reddish brown, with no handling marks. The cylinder is factory roll engraved with a Naval battle scene, as found on the original Colt 1851 Navy revolver.
The bore is rifled, with seven equal lands and grooves, fast twist, and the factory recommends a .375" round ball. The action is crisp, and the cylinder locks very tight. Trigger release is smooth and as light as the factory dares to make it. Disassembly for cleaning is easy. Drive the wedge key out of the barrel, using our brass wedge key punch. Slide off the barrel, and cylinder. Wipe down the frame and grip, but avoid disassembly. It is wise to completely strip and clean the action about once per year, using a well fitted screwdriver made to fit the small screws. Remove the nipples with our #NW-140 nipple wrench, and wash the barrel, nipples, and cylinder with a bottle brush, in hot soapy water. Dry the parts with a cloth, or rinse them in boiling water, and apply oil. Apply a touch of Birchwood Casey's Choke Tube Lubricant to the threads of the nipples, before re-installing them. This anti-seize will prevent the nipples from becoming stuck, a real problem with neglected revolvers.
This percussion revolver is offered in excellent used condition with a bright bore that is ready to shoot. It will be a joy to shoot at the range or at your next cowboy match. Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
