Thanks for the history of this gun. I was given a Pietta model some years ago as payment for a debt. My interest in the gun was not in me at the time. Within the last few years, my interest has increased and the pleasure of shooting has greatly appreciated as a result of the videos you and others publish. Since then I have been able to share its history and the fun of shooting it with others. Again, thank you.
I was joking with my wife and mocking bill nye when I saw the title of this video. “Millions of years ago a chunk of iron poked its little head out of the dirt and sprouted a handle. Lighting struck it and formed the barrel and mechanisms. Then some human got the idea of melting lead to make precisely sized balls so he could swing the weapon and hurl the projectile. This secret has been closely kept by colt.” I love your videos thank you for posting regularly.
You have vastly increased my knowledge of black powder pistols and rifles especially with this last series of videos. No one else is going into this much detail about these types of firearms. Keep em coming.
Gotten into several debates with the young bucks out there about the word ''pistol''. The word was a common reference for any handgun for several centuries. Glad to finally hear someone getting it right. Thanks for putting it out there.
"Pistol" is absolutely correct for ANY handgun. Colt's official name for the Dragoon was, "Revolving Holster Pistol"; the Navy was the "Revolving Belt Pistol", the Colt .31 Pocket was the "Revolving Pocket Pistol". So if Colt officially called 'em "Revolving Pistols" then those getting their panties in a wad over "pistol" are chafing their butts for no reason whatsoever.
All revolvers are pistols, not all pistols are revolvers. At least that was the way I was taught many many years ago. The exception being the revolver rifles. But, the inclusion of rifle in the name already separates them from the group.
Always loved the Colts more than the Remingtons. I think they look way more authentic western and they run better when heavily fouled. It’s a treat to listen/watch your videos in the morning as I start my day.
If only teenage me, deep into Italian westerns at the time, could have owned the Euroarms 51 navy or the Pietta 1860 army revolver I have now. Cap & ball revolvers are a good intro for a youth, just as they were for Elmer Keith & many another and they lead into reloading cartridges for the more modern pistols. I had to dig & scrape for this information, now it's all readily available on your channel.
I still remember right before I turned 18 back in 2014, and I was binging your videos for knowledge regarding all things black powder. Fast forward to today- I own over fourty guns of all stripe, but I still have a lot of fondness for my first gun I ever bought- my Uberti New Model Navy which I still shoot all the time.
I had a Remington 1858 but for my large fingers it was hard to cap. I don't have that trouble with my Colts, a Navy in 36 a d 44 or the 1860. The 1860 is just so sleek looking. Thanks for the history lesson.
Mike, thanks for another interesting episode. The 1860 Army was obviously an important stepping stone along the route to the Model P Single Action Army and these models clearly established Colt as a leading manufacturer of revolvers. Here in the UK we once had many competing revolver manufacturers, but none of them became as famous as Colt.
Converted the left hand Uberti 51-5.5 Navy's; The Right hand lost its loading lever and gained a Howell cylinder; Wells Fargo Style. remodeled the grips. 2015 Uberti's still shooting every week as 38 long colt.
one of my favorite cap and ball as well, my sbsolute fav is the 1862 police or the 1862 pocket navy. both a real fun time and feel so good in the hand. if the big bore is needed for the task at hand, the 1860 definitely fills the role the best! thanks for a great video!
Just shot my 2023 Uberti 1860 fully fluted last evening and I am impressed with the quality of the gun. All I did was clean all the packing grease and oil off it, checked all the nipples and screws for tightness, and went shooting. Love it. It's my first Uberti, and I think it's making me a convert from Pietta. Of the 6 Pietta I own only the 1861 Navy is a favorite.
Then you spent the rest of the evening taking it apart, cleaning it, oiling it, and putting it back together until next time! Just be sure to use proper-fitting hollow-ground screwdrivers to avoid "boogering" up the screw slots.
You are an artist at doing videos. One has to learn after watching one of your videos. You are straight to the point and no unecessessary chatter or noise. I watch all your videos and your English is correctly phrased and spoken. Loving the subject matter as I do helps, but I do a lot of surfing on a variety of topics and your style affects greatly my reaction. God Bless.
What a great video to watch as I polish up my Pietta 1995 Army Mike! A very interesting history indeed. I’ve always Loved the old firearms more than modern ones because of the craftsmanship/art and the technologies of the day. I held a 1750 York made flintlock that was superb art of any period. I didn’t have the $15,000 to buy it but just holding it was an honor. Of course there are some Lovely modern guns as well and I’m very thankful for the Italian repros. I also have an 1829 Army issue N. Starr 69 cal. Musket I restored that I recently bought the proper items to fire this historical piece. Indeed I had several gunsmiths check it out and clean the bore. The History, the Makers and Ancestors associated with these gems make it all mysteriously Lovely! And shooting them a major connection with centuries of life,,,,,and death. I tan hides to leather I use for my projects and made holsters for my Army and Navy based on period military styles. So I feel even more connected to these firearms. Was I born into the wrong times? Well some of us have to be here to maintain an understanding and glory of the bases upon which we stand. Kind Thanks for all you do Mike! Please know that many Appreciate the history and knowledge you bring into this world far more complex submerged in trash,,,,,sure feels this way at times. Many Blessings and more Great Shootin! DaveyJO in Lancaster Co. Pa.
I like Colts myself. I want to thank you for doing all this research on these pistols and I'm sure it took quite some time to acquire all the information for this so again thanks so much for all your work on this and thanks for bringing it to us. I have a Traditions 1860 and it shoots okay I mean it will go bang and that's probably about it. So again thanks and may God bless you.
22:12 I wonder if you were able to get the 37 grain charge into the chamber without loading through the barrel while the cylinders were still being fully bored at the rear.
I love having coffee in the morning with Mike. This was an excellent video showing the prototypes. I wish someone would make attachable shoulder stocks for the Walker, Whitneyville, and other dragoons. I have one for my pietta 1860 and love it. I even made a pommel holster for it with the buttstock holster on the left side and the revolver holster on the right side. I think the Italian Remingtons have superior sights and accuracy, but the Colts are easier to clean and have superior aesthetics.
I know this is an older video and you probably won't see this comment. But in the event you do, the knowledge you're passing on to us is much appreciated. I got into black piwder revolvers back in the mid 1980's after being infatuated with the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales. My first BP revolver that i still shoot today after being rebuild 6 or 7 times, is an old CVA imported Armi San Marco 1858 Remington. I now have several other Remingtons, but I do prefer Colts now, with the 1960 being my favorite. Thanks again. I always look forward to your new videos.
These long, detailed vids are valuable. It takes the confusion out of looking at these firearms and wondering the what and the why of their variations. Having taught at NAVSTA, Newport, RI (I believe you worked in RI also?), my favorite town was Bristol with its Colt State Park. This had been owned by Samuel P. Colt, who was the nephew of Sam Colt. His rubber business evolved into the Uniroyal tire company. I had always wondered if these two Colts had any business interactions, maybe rubber grips for Colt guns, etc. His wife's family (DeWolf) were slave traders...a part of RI history that is not emphasized today. Greetings from Mayberry, NC.
Great video Mike, my favorite Colt is the 3rd model dragoon. I like it not only for the power it has but it fits my big hands much better than the 1860 army.
Best and clearest video on the 1860 Army I've seen. I'm glad you covered the replicas as well. Now I have to go take another look at my Pietta and see which one it is!
I always enjoy your videos. You mentioned something about why some of the three screw models had the cuts for the shoulder stock. I may have an answer. It could be that the manufacturing process cut the frame for the shoulder stock before the being drilled for the fourth hole. I don't know for a fact that is what happened but based on the fact that Colt didn't like to waste anything that was already produced, that could be the answer to the question. The already had these frames made with the shoulder stock cuts but hadn't drilled the hole for the screw when they decided they weren't going to the shoulder stock anymore. So, they just used up what was already produced with the frame cuts.
Great video. My first purchases were 2 signature series I purchased in the 1980’s. One with fluted cylinder and one with round cylinder. Thank you Mike for presenting todays information.
I also like the Colts. I’ve read enough about comparisons that have been reinforced by your videos ( and I’ve learned quite a bit more from your videos) to realize that while the Colt design had its shortcomings, it was rugged and reliable enough to earn its keep. The prototype photos were fascinating. Great work!
Englishman here and fan. Your work is always top notch Mike, wishing you good luck with the Den! My first pistol was an ASM in the early 1980s, a Walker, which I still have✌🏻btw, didn’t Sam Colt say the 1860 was his favourite gun?
Fantastic video as always. The one thing I do not understand is every remanufactured clone is always different than mine. I have two 1860 army Colt Authentic replica Army new in box, and a Pietta One colt has the square trigger guard and is heavy with a large cylinder and engraving. The other is a fluted cylinder which I heard is rare and weighs much less. I wont shoot them. Bought a Pietta to shoot. It seems like it weighs a lot less, but to my original point I never see them online with the same frame screws or other details. Very odd. My two Colt replicas are hands down better than the other replicas I own.The case hardening is awesome! These are older, not sure what they offer today.
Hey Mike, I bought the Pietta 1860 Army about 6 years ago at our local Cabela's when I was there to pick up a 9mm Ruger I had won in a gun raffle when I noticed much to my surprise they had blackpowdered pistols. I wasn't sure what I was looking at at the time but knew I wanted one. After a bit of researching, it wasn't long before I returned to the store to get the reproduction Army Colt. I have had some of my coworkers, and I have had a blast shooting it. It always seems to draw some attention at the range. I was also fortunate to find a Uberti reproduction 1871 long colt revolver. Both of these pistols always seem to spark some conversations at the range. For me, the1860 Army was the version that I selected because it seemed to have all the features one desires in a blackpowdered pistol. It has the look and heft without being over the top. It's a 44-caliber. It shoots smoothly and accurately. It's easy to load and shoot. One thing you didn't mention and was the determining factor for my decision is its safety feature, where the hammer can be placed between chambers without resting on a loaded chamber.
Thanks for another great video, Mike. I learned less this time, not because your material wasn't good but only because I have studied this already. Even so, your material was comprehensive and well presented, and I really enjoyed it.
I am very grateful to you for expanding my knowledge of cap-and-ball pistols, and particularly the Colt model 1860, which is my favorite pistol ( the 1911 is up there too). I have been watching your videos and I've read a few forum posts that you have made, and I have learned a lot about a subject that I've only previously been acquainted with. I have a junked Pietta 1851 Navy that was given to me by a friend who completely disregarded cleaning it and properly caring for it, the cylinder is corroded solid to the arbor and the damn thing was loaded in 1 chamber when I got it. It's beyond repair and completely hopeless so today I'm buying a NIB 3rd gen Colt 1860 from a fella down in Florida who will ship it to me forthwith. I will be tuning in to all future videos and I surely hope that you're continuing to heal and will soon get back to the firing line. Regards from SC.
Thanks Mike for this presentation. As usual with your videos I learned a lot about guns model evolution and it's also very interesting to get comparison with Italian replicas. I love the way you give us all these details.
Your videos are wonderfully educational. I wonder if you are able/willing to recommend a single resource book or books on the Colts, that I may be able to consider for my resource library? Thank you.
Another great video Mike! Because of you and Blackie Thomas, i was made aware of other C+B revolvers than the usual Remington and 1851 Colts. I bought an 1860 as well as a Remington to compare and contrast the two systems. Keep up the great work, ive listened to many of your videos while tinkering, loading ammo or wrenching on various projects.
I like them all, they are just different in regard to manufacturer. Love the format of telling history supported by pictures even so the smoke is missing. Thanks for doing this for us Mike!
Nice job, Mike. I love my 1860 and you've given me some great info and history to consider and reference the next time have it in my hand. Love and respect to you and yours.
Excellent presentation! 👍 Details of the models were well defined and photos truely added to clarify them all. You really did your homework on this one!👍 Thanks for the information and review the 1860 Colt Army. It too, is my favorite percussion revolver.
The 1860 Army is my favorite Colt I have three Cap n ball revolvers and three 1860 cartridge conversions. They feel better in my hand than any other Colt revolver of that period. Colt should have used the 1860 Army grip on the 1873 SAA in my opinion. My Uberti was made in 2019 my Pietta was made in 1991 my Belgium Colt was made in 1966. Great video.
The simple fix for the ridiculous small grips on the SAA is to fit an 1860 grip frame, it makes a huge difference for people with normal size hands. Chris B.
I think the 1860 Colt is a far more user friendly pistol to shoot than the Remington, it does not seize up after just a few rounds, and it is far easier to load, the balance is just about perfect, and the grip size is much better for normal size hands, and the capping of the Remington is just a really fiddly job not to be attempted in cold weather, I think the bleating's that the solid top strap frame of the Remington is stronger is far overstated as there are many 1860 Colts still being used today without problem. The term "Silver steel" referred to the colour of the steel, which looked silver coloured compared to the Wrought Iron of the day. Many thanks for posting this excellent video! Chris B.
I appreciate your efforts, Mike, in spreading the love you obviously have for all things "black powder". I bet those later models with the "cut for shoulder stock" frames were a case of using up existing parts-on-hand. The business-man Sam Colt, along with Elisha K. Root, were not ones to waste parts that could be used to good advantage, especially after the factory fire. It would be helpful for many of your viewers if you cited your "sources", like the Colt 1860 Army book by Charles Pate, which is one heckuva informative read! (PS: Howdy to your son Rob from Trucker Dave, now retired.)
Mike let me start off by saying i love the history and detail you put into this video. You have a passion that comes through and it is infectious. My only suggestion would be pacing and practice to inform in a conversational manner, i understand it is hard to talk to a camera as you would a person. I cant begin to tell you how much i enjoy your work and learn from your videos. I hope you read this and it motivates you to continue being the teacher reaching and inspiring others as you have inspired me. I bought my first percussion pistol in 2020 based on your suggestion and i love my 1851 navy in .36 cal. I was able to obtain my first 1860 Army .44 just last week. Thank you.
Hi Mike, thanks for another very interesting video. Just for reference I have an older Uberti 1860 (Marked as a Westerners Arms) manufactured in 1970 and it looks identical to your Uberti 1860. Shhhh don't tell anyone I have a Yankee gun, OK well actually I have a couple of Navies 1851 & 1861 too :) I'm thinking of taking one or more of them back to White metal. Have you ever done that to any of your Repros ? it seems Vinegar & Ultra fine wire wool is the way to go. Cheers, Chris from UK
I really appreciate these videos Mike. I'm working on defarbing my percussion revolvers and these are really helpful to narrow down what I need to change. I was also wanting a short barreled army so its nice to know that there was at least one 5.5 inch 2nd model.
I love 1860's, they balance vey well, and I like the looks of em. I have a pair of Ubertis, amazing accurate revolvers. And, basically I'm a 1911 Colt guy. LOL Excellent video as always.
I have smaller hands so have always felt more comfortable with the Navy sized grips. My understanding is that the grips were interchangeable so I would have done just that with the 2nd-4th models.
Great video! The only problem I have is with the audio, it's mute between 4:54 and 5:15 and in some segments, using earbuds, there is a sound of running water in the background.
Great information, thanks, I've learned a lot about one of my favorite Colt pistols. I used to have an original, but sadly had to sell it due to tough financial times, I now own the Uberti clone and love it. I did a little polishing of the internals and she runs smooth as glass and is quite accurate.
Loved the video even though I am more of a Remington fan. Not that the Colt was a bad firearm, I just prefer the Remington as a personal choice. You always give great details Mike, Thank You!
Thank you Sir! I love to learn more about history in general, and firearms history is always greatly interesting to me. You are very knowledgeable on the subject and a great teacher of your knowledge. Please continue to share with us, I very much appreciate it. I wish you and your family all the best, and hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks again.
I have a old uberti (great western from around 1978) above the capping cylinder cutout it has a ridge that runs along the top of the cutout to the hammer slot
I was going to get a 1860 Richards-Mason. But, I wanted something in 38spl. I went with the 1851. I like it. Most accurate revolver I own. Even with the small sight on the hammer.
Great content. I learned a lot. One thing... the sound of the washing machine and water in the background was a little distracting. I understand the current situation and hope that the Duelist Den dispute will be rectified soon.
I just got into collecting these Cival war era , pistols.I approach this the same way, I do cars…Guitars…Mountain bikes…etc….i love every Colt Pistol ever made..And I love Remingtons 1858.The first pistol I bought is a Pietta Remington 1858 Stainless steel target model 8”..a touch of modern and old. From there, I have been scooping up Second Gen Colt , Cap and ball pistols.I just bought an 1973 Colt second Gen “C” Series 1851 Navy, as well as a Second Gen 1978 Colt 3rd model Dragoon “F” Series, as it happend to be made better than that particular “C” series that was available. I think i would really miss out, is I was a Chevy VS Ford guy
I have 6 cap and ball revolvers, and I loved shooting them back when I had caps. Right now they are safe queens because I have no caps, and haven't been able to buy them in quite sometime. That seems to be the hiccup for us cap and ball enthusiast right now. No caps, no bang. BTW Mike, this was a great review, and educational. I guess I should learn something in the interim.
A very interesting talk and full of info - Many thanks! I have an 1860 Army in the 562xx serial range with all matching numbers, except the wedge, which is unmarked. It lives in its original holster. I believe the revolver was made in 1862 and is a fourth model. There is a very feint cartouche on both sides of the grips, with only the outlines visible. The finish is not significantly pitted, just a nice uniform dark grey colour, with a number of inspection initials present on the parts: BB, B, P, and O with a line through it. Interestingly, the muzzle of the barrel shows definite wear on the right side. Not sure why? I don't suppose it's repeated drawing from a holster; the gun has certainly seen a lot of service. The sear is probably quite worn as the gun has a hair-trigger ... At my age now, the 1860 Army is much easier to hold at arm's length than my original 1st & 3rd Model Dragoons! 🤪
Mike, I’m not a big black powder guy, but love the history. I did inherit a TC Hawken .50 and I wouldn’t mind a revolver. It would be educational to shoot an 1860 Army (and maybe a Navy with the smaller grip) alongside the Remington, just to compare the feel, no judgement on relative strength. Life is learning, and it is fun.
Thanks for the history of this gun. I was given a Pietta model some years ago as payment for a debt. My interest in the gun was not in me at the time. Within the last few years, my interest has increased and the pleasure of shooting has greatly appreciated as a result of the videos you and others publish. Since then I have been able to share its history and the fun of shooting it with others. Again, thank you.
How about air rifles of Louis and Clark days
I was joking with my wife and mocking bill nye when I saw the title of this video. “Millions of years ago a chunk of iron poked its little head out of the dirt and sprouted a handle. Lighting struck it and formed the barrel and mechanisms. Then some human got the idea of melting lead to make precisely sized balls so he could swing the weapon and hurl the projectile. This secret has been closely kept by colt.” I love your videos thank you for posting regularly.
You have vastly increased my knowledge of black powder pistols and rifles especially with this last series of videos. No one else is going into this much detail about these types of firearms. Keep em coming.
Gotten into several debates with the young bucks out there about the word ''pistol''. The word was a common reference for any handgun for several centuries. Glad to finally hear someone getting it right. Thanks for putting it out there.
as an old phart boar? "I Say" a Pistol is Not a Rifle, and a Carbine is not a Pistol.
"Pistol" is absolutely correct for ANY handgun. Colt's official name for the Dragoon was, "Revolving Holster Pistol"; the Navy was the "Revolving Belt Pistol", the Colt .31 Pocket was the "Revolving Pocket Pistol". So if Colt officially called 'em "Revolving Pistols" then those getting their panties in a wad over "pistol" are chafing their butts for no reason whatsoever.
Yes, just look at any of the colt cartridge packets. They were all labeled this way.
All revolvers are pistols, not all pistols are revolvers. At least that was the way I was taught many many years ago. The exception being the revolver rifles. But, the inclusion of rifle in the name already separates them from the group.
Always loved the Colts more than the Remingtons. I think they look way more authentic western and they run better when heavily fouled. It’s a treat to listen/watch your videos in the morning as I start my day.
I'm so impressed by the depth of Mike's knowledge. I wish he could download his brain.!!!
I agree... Remington allways looks like "the copy". Obviously not, but...
I like the grip and balance of the Colt. Accuracy is the same as my Ruger Old Army. All that proves, though, is that I can't see very well anymore.
If only teenage me, deep into Italian westerns at the time, could have owned the Euroarms 51 navy or the Pietta 1860 army revolver I have now. Cap & ball revolvers are a good intro for a youth, just as they were for Elmer Keith & many another and they lead into reloading cartridges for the more modern pistols. I had to dig & scrape for this information, now it's all readily available on your channel.
Great presentation, Mike. The interesting part of most firearms stories is in the details, which you cover extremely well.👍👍👍
It never fails to crack me up that you always record on laundry day.
Every day here is laundry day
@@duelist1954 Here as well Mr. Mike!
@@duelist1954 Ohhh...is that what that noise was? I thought it was your Cavalry pony taking a piss just off screen!
Bought me a 1860 2 weeks ago. Went out and shot it about 36 times like it very much 👍💪🇺🇸
Bought me one yesterday.
I still remember right before I turned 18 back in 2014, and I was binging your videos for knowledge regarding all things black powder.
Fast forward to today- I own over fourty guns of all stripe, but I still have a lot of fondness for my first gun I ever bought- my Uberti New Model Navy which I still shoot all the time.
I had a Remington 1858 but for my large fingers it was hard to cap. I don't have that trouble with my Colts, a Navy in 36 a d 44 or the 1860. The 1860 is just so sleek looking. Thanks for the history lesson.
Superb history lesson on one of the most beautiful handguns ever made. Thank you for your work in producing this video!
Mike, thanks for another interesting episode. The 1860 Army was obviously an important stepping stone along the route to the Model P Single Action Army and these models clearly established Colt as a leading manufacturer of revolvers. Here in the UK we once had many competing revolver manufacturers, but none of them became as famous as Colt.
Converted the left hand Uberti 51-5.5 Navy's; The Right hand lost its loading lever and gained a Howell cylinder; Wells Fargo Style. remodeled the grips. 2015 Uberti's still shooting every week as 38 long colt.
Morning coffee and watching duelist den talking about colts nothing better 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Another great history lesson on the Colt revolvers.
one of my favorite cap and ball as well, my sbsolute fav is the 1862 police or the 1862 pocket navy. both a real fun time and feel so good in the hand. if the big bore is needed for the task at hand, the 1860 definitely fills the role the best! thanks for a great video!
Just shot my 2023 Uberti 1860 fully fluted last evening and I am impressed with the quality of the gun. All I did was clean all the packing grease and oil off it, checked all the nipples and screws for tightness, and went shooting. Love it. It's my first Uberti, and I think it's making me a convert from Pietta. Of the 6 Pietta I own only the 1861 Navy is a favorite.
Then you spent the rest of the evening taking it apart, cleaning it, oiling it, and putting it back together until next time! Just be sure to use proper-fitting hollow-ground screwdrivers to avoid "boogering" up the screw slots.
I'm really liking these longer information videos.
You are an artist at doing videos. One has to learn after watching one of your videos. You are straight to the point and no unecessessary chatter or noise. I watch all your videos and your English is correctly phrased and spoken. Loving the subject matter as I do helps, but I do a lot of surfing on a variety of topics and your style affects greatly my reaction. God Bless.
Thanks Ted!
I've been a Colt fan myself ever since my Civil War reenacting days.
My favorite cap and ball pistol. Absolutely elegant design.
It's a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and design.
What a great video to watch as I polish up my Pietta 1995 Army Mike! A very interesting history indeed. I’ve always Loved the old firearms more than modern ones because of the craftsmanship/art and the technologies of the day. I held a 1750 York made flintlock that was superb art of any period. I didn’t have the $15,000 to buy it but just holding it was an honor. Of course there are some Lovely modern guns as well and I’m very thankful for the Italian repros. I also have an 1829 Army issue N. Starr 69 cal. Musket I restored that I recently bought the proper items to fire this historical piece. Indeed I had several gunsmiths check it out and clean the bore. The History, the Makers and Ancestors associated with these gems make it all mysteriously Lovely! And shooting them a major connection with centuries of life,,,,,and death. I tan hides to leather I use for my projects and made holsters for my Army and Navy based on period military styles. So I feel even more connected to these firearms. Was I born into the wrong times? Well some of us have to be here to maintain an understanding and glory of the bases upon which we stand. Kind Thanks for all you do Mike! Please know that many Appreciate the history and knowledge you bring into this world far more complex submerged in trash,,,,,sure feels this way at times. Many Blessings and more Great Shootin! DaveyJO in Lancaster Co. Pa.
Futuristic for 1860 and sleek today. Great video
I like Colts myself. I want to thank you for doing all this research on these pistols and I'm sure it took quite some time to acquire all the information for this so again thanks so much for all your work on this and thanks for bringing it to us. I have a Traditions 1860 and it shoots okay I mean it will go bang and that's probably about it. So again thanks and may God bless you.
It should do more than "go bang"! I'm thinking a bright flash and a loud "boom" followed by a great cloud of white smoke!
22:12 I wonder if you were able to get the 37 grain charge into the chamber without loading through the barrel while the cylinders were still being fully bored at the rear.
I love having coffee in the morning with Mike. This was an excellent video showing the prototypes. I wish someone would make attachable shoulder stocks for the Walker, Whitneyville, and other dragoons. I have one for my pietta 1860 and love it. I even made a pommel holster for it with the buttstock holster on the left side and the revolver holster on the right side. I think the Italian Remingtons have superior sights and accuracy, but the Colts are easier to clean and have superior aesthetics.
Great video. Very educational. Thanks for the scholarly research. Love black powder revolvers.
I know this is an older video and you probably won't see this comment. But in the event you do, the knowledge you're passing on to us is much appreciated. I got into black piwder revolvers back in the mid 1980's after being infatuated with the movie The Outlaw Josey Wales. My first BP revolver that i still shoot today after being rebuild 6 or 7 times, is an old CVA imported Armi San Marco 1858 Remington. I now have several other Remingtons, but I do prefer Colts now, with the 1960 being my favorite.
Thanks again. I always look forward to your new videos.
These long, detailed vids are valuable. It takes the confusion out of looking at these firearms and wondering the what and the why of their variations.
Having taught at NAVSTA, Newport, RI (I believe you worked in RI also?), my favorite town was Bristol with its Colt State Park. This had been owned by Samuel P. Colt, who was the nephew of Sam Colt. His rubber business evolved into the Uniroyal tire company. I had always wondered if these two Colts had any business interactions, maybe rubber grips for Colt guns, etc. His wife's family (DeWolf) were slave traders...a part of RI history that is not emphasized today. Greetings from Mayberry, NC.
Great video Mike, my favorite Colt is the 3rd model dragoon. I like it not only for the power it has but it fits my big hands much better than the 1860 army.
Best and clearest video on the 1860 Army I've seen. I'm glad you covered the replicas as well. Now I have to go take another look at my Pietta and see which one it is!
I always enjoy your videos. You mentioned something about why some of the three screw models had the cuts for the shoulder stock. I may have an answer. It could be that the manufacturing process cut the frame for the shoulder stock before the being drilled for the fourth hole. I don't know for a fact that is what happened but based on the fact that Colt didn't like to waste anything that was already produced, that could be the answer to the question. The already had these frames made with the shoulder stock cuts but hadn't drilled the hole for the screw when they decided they weren't going to the shoulder stock anymore. So, they just used up what was already produced with the frame cuts.
Great video. My first purchases were 2 signature series I purchased in the 1980’s. One with fluted cylinder and one with round cylinder. Thank you Mike for presenting todays information.
Great video as always. Now do the 1851 Colt Navy. That is what I consider to be Colt's "pinnacle" revolver.
I also like the Colts. I’ve read enough about comparisons that have been reinforced by your videos ( and I’ve learned quite a bit more from your videos) to realize that while the Colt design had its shortcomings, it was rugged and reliable enough to earn its keep. The prototype photos were fascinating. Great work!
Englishman here and fan. Your work is always top notch Mike, wishing you good luck with the Den! My first pistol was an ASM in the early 1980s, a Walker, which I still have✌🏻btw, didn’t Sam Colt say the 1860 was his favourite gun?
Fantastic video as always. The one thing I do not understand is every remanufactured clone is always different than mine. I have two 1860 army Colt Authentic replica Army new in box, and a Pietta One colt has the square trigger guard and is heavy with a large cylinder and engraving. The other is a fluted cylinder which I heard is rare and weighs much less. I wont shoot them. Bought a Pietta to shoot. It seems like it weighs a lot less, but to my original point I never see them online with the same frame screws or other details. Very odd. My two Colt replicas are hands down better than the other replicas I own.The case hardening is awesome! These are older, not sure what they offer today.
Thanks for the great video. It was very interesting to learn more details about the development of the 1860.
I love my 1851 Navy, but the 1860 Amy is the best looking gun ever made especially the full flute model.
Hey Mike, I bought the Pietta 1860 Army about 6 years ago at our local Cabela's when I was there to pick up a 9mm Ruger I had won in a gun raffle when I noticed much to my surprise they had blackpowdered pistols. I wasn't sure what I was looking at at the time but knew I wanted one. After a bit of researching, it wasn't long before I returned to the store to get the reproduction Army Colt. I have had some of my coworkers, and I have had a blast shooting it. It always seems to draw some attention at the range. I was also fortunate to find a Uberti reproduction 1871 long colt revolver. Both of these pistols always seem to spark some conversations at the range. For me, the1860 Army was the version that I selected because it seemed to have all the features one desires in a blackpowdered pistol. It has the look and heft without being over the top. It's a 44-caliber. It shoots smoothly and accurately. It's easy to load and shoot. One thing you didn't mention and was the determining factor for my decision is its safety feature, where the hammer can be placed between chambers without resting on a loaded chamber.
I love the Colts, my favorite 1851. I love the history of guns you learn so much from your videos I look forward every week for your videos 🤠
We’ll done again, Mike. Informative and entertaining. I’m glad you’re doing these.
Thanks for another great video, Mike. I learned less this time, not because your material wasn't good but only because I have studied this already. Even so, your material was comprehensive and well presented, and I really enjoyed it.
I'm a Colt fan. My favorite is my 1861 Uberti.
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Why?
I am very grateful to you for expanding my knowledge of cap-and-ball pistols, and particularly the Colt model 1860, which is my favorite pistol ( the 1911 is up there too). I have been watching your videos and I've read a few forum posts that you have made, and I have learned a lot about a subject that I've only previously been acquainted with. I have a junked Pietta 1851 Navy that was given to me by a friend who completely disregarded cleaning it and properly caring for it, the cylinder is corroded solid to the arbor and the damn thing was loaded in 1 chamber when I got it. It's beyond repair and completely hopeless so today I'm buying a NIB 3rd gen Colt 1860 from a fella down in Florida who will ship it to me forthwith. I will be tuning in to all future videos and I surely hope that you're continuing to heal and will soon get back to the firing line. Regards from SC.
Always loved the 1860 Colt. Would love to pick up a Uberti copy.
Thank You for all your research , I have the Pietta 1860 Army 44 cal. , Growing up in the Paterson Area,, the Colt's always held a special interest..
Thanks Mike for this presentation. As usual with your videos I learned a lot about guns model evolution and it's also very interesting to get comparison with Italian replicas. I love the way you give us all these details.
Great video Mike. Makes me want to get an original colt some time soon
Your videos are wonderfully educational. I wonder if you are able/willing to recommend a single resource book or books on the Colts, that I may be able to consider for my resource library? Thank you.
I own both and a lot of both Remington and Colt reproductions and my absolute favorite is Colt percussion revolvers.
Another great video Mike!
Because of you and Blackie Thomas, i was made aware of other C+B revolvers than the usual Remington and 1851 Colts.
I bought an 1860 as well as a Remington to compare and contrast the two systems.
Keep up the great work, ive listened to many of your videos while tinkering, loading ammo or wrenching on various projects.
I like them all, they are just different in regard to manufacturer. Love the format of telling history supported by pictures even so the smoke is missing. Thanks for doing this for us Mike!
Great lesson on the advancement of engineering design! Thanks.
My favorite is the 1862 Pocket model. 5 1/2 inch barrel in .36 caliber. Light, handy and quick handling …
Nice job, Mike. I love my 1860 and you've given me some great info and history to consider and reference the next time have it in my hand. Love and respect to you and yours.
Great presentation. I learned so much today, that always pleases me. Keep plugging away!
Awesome video Mike! Thank you very much for this history. Please keep them coming Sir. You are truly appreciated! 🤠
Wondering why the longer Army grip frame wasn’t used on the Peacemaker… any thoughts?
Excellent presentation! 👍
Details of the models were well defined and photos truely added to clarify them all. You really did your homework on this one!👍
Thanks for the information and review the 1860 Colt Army. It too, is my favorite percussion revolver.
Great information on the colt cap and ball 1860. Thanks much keep this quality coming
Great video I always love your history lessons!!keep up the great work.
Enjoyable history lesson! Thanks for posting all this information!
Excellent.
IIRC the colt 1917 in .45 ACP has offset locking bolt cuts in the cylinder.
The 1860 Army is my favorite Colt I have three Cap n ball revolvers and three 1860 cartridge conversions. They feel better in my hand than any other Colt revolver of that period. Colt should have used the 1860 Army grip on the 1873 SAA in my opinion. My Uberti was made in 2019 my Pietta was made in 1991 my Belgium Colt was made in 1966. Great video.
The simple fix for the ridiculous small grips on the SAA is to fit an 1860 grip frame, it makes a huge difference for people with normal size hands. Chris B.
I think the 1860 Colt is a far more user friendly pistol to shoot than the Remington, it does not seize up after just a few rounds, and it is far easier to load, the balance is just about perfect, and the grip size is much better for normal size hands, and the capping of the Remington is just a really fiddly job not to be attempted in cold weather, I think the bleating's that the solid top strap frame of the Remington is stronger is far overstated as there are many 1860 Colts still being used today without problem. The term "Silver steel" referred to the colour of the steel, which looked silver coloured compared to the Wrought Iron of the day. Many thanks for posting this excellent video! Chris B.
The 1860 Army conversions are my favorites, especially the "long cylinder" conversion. I have that, the Richards II and a regular cap & ball version.
I appreciate your efforts, Mike, in spreading the love you obviously have for all things "black powder". I bet those later models with the "cut for shoulder stock" frames were a case of using up existing parts-on-hand. The business-man Sam Colt, along with Elisha K. Root, were not ones to waste parts that could be used to good advantage, especially after the factory fire. It would be helpful for many of your viewers if you cited your "sources", like the Colt 1860 Army book by Charles Pate, which is one heckuva informative read! (PS: Howdy to your son Rob from Trucker Dave, now retired.)
Excellent video told me a lot I didn't know. The one time I owned a replica 1860 I know now it was based on the 4th model. Good stuff Mike
Good morning Mike excellent video very informative I like the sleek look of the 60 as well but I did not know there were so many variations
Mike let me start off by saying i love the history and detail you put into this video. You have a passion that comes through and it is infectious. My only suggestion would be pacing and practice to inform in a conversational manner, i understand it is hard to talk to a camera as you would a person. I cant begin to tell you how much i enjoy your work and learn from your videos. I hope you read this and it motivates you to continue being the teacher reaching and inspiring others as you have inspired me. I bought my first percussion pistol in 2020 based on your suggestion and i love my 1851 navy in .36 cal. I was able to obtain my first 1860 Army .44 just last week. Thank you.
Thanks for the tip.
Hi Mike, thanks for another very interesting video. Just for reference I have an older Uberti 1860 (Marked as a Westerners Arms) manufactured in 1970 and it looks identical to your Uberti 1860. Shhhh don't tell anyone I have a Yankee gun, OK well actually I have a couple of Navies 1851 & 1861 too :) I'm thinking of taking one or more of them back to White metal. Have you ever done that to any of your Repros ? it seems Vinegar & Ultra fine wire wool is the way to go. Cheers, Chris from UK
A friend did the same thing but achieved excellent results using a "rust remover" going by the brand name "Naval Jelly" on this side of the pond.
I really appreciate these videos Mike. I'm working on defarbing my percussion revolvers and these are really helpful to narrow down what I need to change. I was also wanting a short barreled army so its nice to know that there was at least one 5.5 inch 2nd model.
I love 1860's, they balance vey well, and I like the looks of em. I have a pair of Ubertis, amazing accurate revolvers. And, basically I'm a 1911 Colt guy. LOL Excellent video as always.
Great video as usual! You produce some of the best black powder educational content out there.
1:05 LMAO glad you included that pic. I don't need google, yowza.
I have smaller hands so have always felt more comfortable with the Navy sized grips. My understanding is that the grips were interchangeable so I would have done just that with the 2nd-4th models.
Yup, and when Colt came out with the 1873 Single Action Army they reverted back to using the smaller Navy-size grips and grip frame.
Loved the info. I’m making paper cartridges while watching. Thanks much!
Great video!
The only problem I have is with the audio, it's mute between 4:54 and 5:15 and in some segments, using earbuds, there is a sound of running water in the background.
Great information, thanks, I've learned a lot about one of my favorite Colt pistols. I used to have an original, but sadly had to sell it due to tough financial times, I now own the Uberti clone and love it. I did a little polishing of the internals and she runs smooth as glass and is quite accurate.
Loved the video even though I am more of a Remington fan. Not that the Colt was a bad firearm, I just prefer the Remington as a personal choice. You always give great details Mike, Thank You!
Thank you Sir! I love to learn more about history in general, and firearms history is always greatly interesting to me. You are very knowledgeable on the subject and a great teacher of your knowledge. Please continue to share with us, I very much appreciate it. I wish you and your family all the best, and hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks again.
Outstanding video Mike. As always.
I have a old uberti (great western from around 1978) above the capping cylinder cutout it has a ridge that runs along the top of the cutout to the hammer slot
I was going to get a 1860 Richards-Mason. But, I wanted something in 38spl. I went with the 1851. I like it. Most accurate revolver I own. Even with the small sight on the hammer.
Great content. I learned a lot. One thing... the sound of the washing machine and water in the background was a little distracting. I understand the current situation and hope that the Duelist Den dispute will be rectified soon.
I really enjoyed learning all that. Thanks Mike!
I just got into collecting these Cival war era , pistols.I approach this the same way, I do cars…Guitars…Mountain bikes…etc….i love every Colt Pistol ever made..And I love Remingtons 1858.The first pistol I bought is a Pietta Remington 1858 Stainless steel target model 8”..a touch of modern and old.
From there, I have been scooping up Second Gen Colt , Cap and ball pistols.I just bought an 1973 Colt second Gen “C” Series 1851 Navy, as well as a Second Gen 1978 Colt 3rd model Dragoon “F” Series, as it happend to be made better than that particular “C” series that was available.
I think i would really miss out, is I was a Chevy VS Ford guy
Great presentation. The Root revolvers have always fascinated me. Maybe a good subject for another video?
Great video and hope to see more C&B videos in the future! Thank you!!
I have 6 cap and ball revolvers, and I loved shooting them back when I had caps. Right now they are safe queens because I have no caps, and haven't been able to buy them in quite sometime. That seems to be the hiccup for us cap and ball enthusiast right now. No caps, no bang.
BTW Mike, this was a great review, and educational. I guess I should learn something in the interim.
Great video! I have several 1860 Army’s including a second generation Colt Army. I like the look of the Colts but prefer shooting my Remingtons.
A very interesting talk and full of info - Many thanks! I have an 1860 Army in the 562xx serial range with all matching numbers, except the wedge, which is unmarked. It lives in its original holster. I believe the revolver was made in 1862 and is a fourth model. There is a very feint cartouche on both sides of the grips, with only the outlines visible. The finish is not significantly pitted, just a nice uniform dark grey colour, with a number of inspection initials present on the parts: BB, B, P, and O with a line through it. Interestingly, the muzzle of the barrel shows definite wear on the right side. Not sure why? I don't suppose it's repeated drawing from a holster; the gun has certainly seen a lot of service. The sear is probably quite worn as the gun has a hair-trigger ... At my age now, the 1860 Army is much easier to hold at arm's length than my original 1st & 3rd Model Dragoons! 🤪
Mike, I’m not a big black powder guy, but love the history. I did inherit a TC Hawken .50 and I wouldn’t mind a revolver. It would be educational to shoot an 1860 Army (and maybe a Navy with the smaller grip) alongside the Remington, just to compare the feel, no judgement on relative strength. Life is learning, and it is fun.
I always learn very informative historic information from Mike, thank you.
Never knew about the cylinder step on the Army? THANKS!
Good video, Mr. B. I learned something today, and that's always good. 👍
I enjoy your channel very much, I want to mention that the Colt Texas Paterson were .40 caliber. The .36 caliber replicas are an Italian invention.