I believe that the '61 is the mechanically superior product, particularly with regards to the loading lever, but I personally find '51 more visually appealing.
@@KyleTheDalek Because once you can get your eye in on the differences between a .44 caliber Colt belt gun and a .36, you can't _unsee_ that stepped-up cylinder. As to why Colt himself said the '61 was his favorite-- Sam Colt was a salesman first, gun maker second. I am convinced it was the advertising man within him spurring that declaration.
I bought a couple a a bit ago(1862 Police). Fits the hand well. Seems like a natural "pointer". Got some "beef" for a small revolver and 17 grains of Pyrodex rocks!
@@jacksonkennedy5987 depends on your budget. Pedersoli Remington New Model Army is the best made, but twice as expensive as the rest. Of the Colts, 1851 is a classic (as long as you get a proper .36, not the Pietta .44 abomination), and eats a bit less powder (18-20 grains standard load vs 24-30 for a .44, though target shooters often use light loads + filler). 1860 Army colt was the better gun, objectively - same size as the 1851, but in .44 cal, so my choice would be between these 3.
The 1851 was good enough for James Butler Hickok, Frank James, Bear River Tom Smith, William F Cody , Sir Richard Francis Burton, and Uncle Dick Wooten, and so it’s good enough for me.
@@Yosemite-George-61 but Tuco had sort of his own, a mismatch apparently assembled from different guns (he uses parts of Colt, Smith&Wesson, Remington) :D :D :D
I prefer and bought the 1951 but the 1861 has beautiful flowing lines or lack of lines. I liked the 1851 for it's history and block shaped work horse look. One other thing I just recently noticed is the 1860 Army has a brass trigger guard and a blued back strap. Great video and I love the cartridge former I recently purchased.
and honestly i bet your reasoning isn't far from why the buyer in the 1860's seemed to prefer the 1851. the octagonal barrel and more squared shape where the ramming hinge is gives it a rugged working class look that many middle and lower class shoppers likely felt matched their personal style/personality, whereas the streamlined shape on the 1861 feels more elegant/sophisticated, and as such might have seemed a little "too nice" for common folk, but more wealthy upperclass types might prefer a nice smooth profile revolver like the 1861 to show their wealth/class on their hip, more so with a nice grip or a nice finish. that's kinda my vibe on em personally. for my first couple black powder guns i got matching brassframe 1851s, if i buy another, it's probly gonna be an 1860/1861 with a white handle and a nice steel/nickel finish for when i'm feeling *FANCY* . engraved maybe.
I solved the problem with one of each. except I had a dove tailed front sight put on the 1851 They are both fun to shoot and very easy on powder and lead and recoil. Thanks Dustin very good information. NOW take them both out and shoot them.
I am a fan of the Navy Revolvers and have one of each. My 51 has a brass frame though. I Also have a 51 cartridge conversion. I tend to shoot the navies more then my .44 revolvers. Hard to beat spending an afternoon at the range with a Colt Navy revolver!
I like both, but the difference for me comes into what time period I want be presenting. Civil War era, the 51 gets the nod, post civil war pre mid 70's the 61. I also like the idea of using the 61 as a base for a cartridge conversion.
I figure the L&R has a slightly thinner and lighter barrel than the Navy, though I wouldn't be able to notice a difference in handling. With my L&R I switched the grip out for one from my 3-screw 1860 Civilian .44 , counting on the larger Army grip on the shorter L&R Navy barrel to balance it a little more to the rear.
Great comparison video. It does always come down to personal preference with these two guns. I have the Colt 2nd generation “C” series 1851 Navy and my ‘61 Navy is a Colt 3rd generation. Honestly, push comes to shove, I prefer the looks and shooting of the 1861 over the 1851 “C” Series (my ‘51 also has silver plated backstrap and trigger guard which I personally am not a fan of). Also prefer the blade front sight and loading lever on the ‘61. Added to that my ‘61 is the most accurate black powder that I own. You can’t go wrong with either and I’ve put hundreds of rounds through both.
The 1861 SHOULD look better because of the smooth, sleek curves and the rounded barrel, but there's just something about the 1851 that looks right! It looks so solid and perfect. Both are gorgeous guns, but for me, it's the 1851.
Yeah, I was also going to mention this. The all-steel, four screw model was a rare bird. Only a few hundred were ever manufactured. It's cool that Uberti decided to replicate it alongside the regular model.
That's a good idea for a video. For some further context, look for a video on the channel titled "Pietta 1851 Navy Revolver" because near the end of that one Dustin does a side-by-side shooting comparison between the 1851 and an 1873 Single Action Army to gauge the felt recoil between the .36 and the .45 There's also that "1860 vs 1851" tabletop comparison video that highlights the similarities (and differences) in their construction.
Hi, I think both are really cool guns, and since they are so very much alike and that I really like octagon shape barrels (I have two muzzel loader rifles that have octagon barrels) I would go for the 1851 Navy. I would rather have the brass version but blue steel is good too. Being a 9 year Navy Vet (1978 to 1987 the Navy models appeal to me. Of course we used the M1911s when I was on submarines, but my grandchildren would say we still had the old cap & ball revolvers. I get no respect... 😁😁😁.
I have a pair of 1851 Navy revolvers with color case hardened frames and brass trigger guards & back straps. That is the true, original way they were made. As for your 1911, I consider that to be the only autoloading handgun worth having.
Beautiful video!!!!! Sorry i not speak english, i am Frenchy, My Sister is American, not me. J ai deja un uberti 1851 et un 1860 army, j hesite a prendre un 1861 mais je crois que je vais prendre le London que j adore. Merci pour cette super comparaison qu il me fallait en ce moment. Bye and thank you
I have the 1851 Navy from Pietta with the brass. Shoots like a dream. Just aim a bit low. Some folks say the .36 caliber isn't too powerful. Well...that roundball will put a hole INTO and RIGHT OUT the other side of an empty green propane canister. Without leaving any lead inside the canister. That's powerful enough.
I have a Pietta reproduction of the 1851 with a brass frame. The octagon barrel of the 1851 is just so appealing to me. Maybe it’s because my favorite western is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Thank you perfect video for me.. New to guns and wanting a cap and ball gun.. I do like the long barrels and simplicity and they look powerful.. Especially that 8" barrel.. Almost like a rifle in a hand gun.. Thank you very helpful I do like the octagonal barrel 1851 as well..
Question: Is it common to find a 1851 Colt Navy revolver that’s never been shot? The serial number and markings seem legit but the gun looks almost brand new.
1851 London model , only because I have one . I think the octagonal barrel with brass bead site does it , but I like the look of the rounded end of the 61 that houses the loading lever . The dream would be a mixture of both 🤔
I like the 51`s or the design of the 51`s prefer the barrel, Nothing at all wrong about the 61`s in fact if I could get the pinion rammer on a 51 that would be awesome..
You have made yet another quality video and an appealing comparison. The question for me would always be answered by the prices and either would be cherished.
Thank for your vids , never learnt so much about black powder .. Very interesting content indeed. I've read somewhere that the 1961 Navy was used by Japan around the same time , if that's true ... Greetings from France
The front sight on my new army fell off so I fashioned a new front sight from an AR-15 bolt stop and It was taller than the original. I soldered it on with electrical solder and it came out beautiful. Now the pistol shoots dead on. Doesn't take much heat for soft solder and it is very strong.
Since they both fire relatively the same, I prefer the 1851 (London) as well. I like the octagonal barrel and the exposed loading lever. I'm sure the rack and pinion design is better, it just appears as though the exposed lever on the screw would be easier to work on myself........ I think, lol. Thanks for a great video.
The "creeping" lever is very easy to work with. It's a single screw holding the assembly together, making it very easy to disassemble, and with fewer pieces, to boot.
BOTH! I like BOTH! I got both of 'em, TOO! (Uberti) I'd "like" to see a short "demo", a side-by-side of the Horse Colts, the Belt Colts, and the Pocket Colts, btw. Thank You.
I have and love both. Mine shoot POA at 20 yards. The 51 has a cooler history, the 61 is more aesthetically pleasing. Both are awesome in their own way.
Gosh Dustin. It's like who could say? I think owning them all is the only answer. I own several 51s of all types. I own a London as well as a few brass ones too. I also own two 60s. One is all steel and the other a brasser. I just made a video of that one not a month ago. That 61 in 36 is intriguing. Hmmm. Might have to look at that when we all get some inventory to buy. Thanks Amigo.
Dustin thank you for another great video I love your products your paper cartridge kit almost got it all used up also you're all natural bullet lube fantastic.
Thanks for this! I have been quite confused between these two. I like the looks of both, though prefer the blade sight and rack & pinion system on the 1861. But that 1851 just has such a personality. So I guess I gotta get 1 of each.
I like the octagon barrel best, to me it gives more of an ole time western look. On a side note someone needs to do a review on the 1868 Galand Revolver, the gun Tuco first picked up in the hardware store.......
I have a 51 Navy, and a 60 Army, I love both BUT gravitate towards my 60 Army, it just looks and feels better to me. I don't own a 61 Navy so I can't say.. Thumbs-up video Brother ~John
Why do I have to choose? Can't I have both? I actually still need to get both! Wait, the London too, I need that one and I need the.......all of them! So far out of all my BP revolvers, I like the 1858 or, New Model Army.
Could you talk about the Varieties of the 1851, confusing looking at sights and they have diff names "yank" etc.. Want to get one but dont see "Colt 1851 Navy", just added names to it. Thanks!
Question, is there a difference in ease of loading conical bullets between the two. The 1861 appears to have a larger cutout in front of the cylinder. Also, is there a difference between Uberti and the Pietta bullet seating ram.
Brass and steel were used on London models, very few Hartfords used the steel grip frame. Personally I think it's much more elegant with the steel, but the brass is much better when it comes to sweaty palms.
I like the look of the 1851 better. I think the octagon barrel sets it apart. I ordered a reproduction in .44 cal. I can't wait to shoot it, I love black powder!
As a practical matter, I prefer the looks of the '61 without the cuts. With the cuts, not so much. The real question comes down to the strength and durability of the 1861's loading lever setup.
I have seen an original 61 where the holes in the frame are quite worn from meshing with the pins on the lever. The 51 will wear as well of course, but I think it would be more easily repaired.
I also prefer the shorter grip of the navy; better to hook your little finger under, less of a hammer grip, leading to better pointability. It's the same grip as what's on the '73 Army "Peacemaker".
I keep coming back to watch this video over and over And Everytime at the end of the video I'm undecided on which of these to buy first but my mind is made up I'm buying both and eventually going to buy the Remington guns too At some point I hope to have the walkers and dragoon pistols
I am in the market for a new revolver. I currently have a Remington new army .44 and I want a .36 colt. There are the 2 I am stuck on and can not decide. It LOOKS like there is more room for a conical bullet in the 1860 and that may be the deciding factor. Thank you for your review.
Been debating whether or not to save up for a 1851 or an 1861, but after watching this video, I think I'll go with the 1861. It's almost exactly like an 1860 Army, but less money in powder and ball to shoot.
The real difference between the 2 is that the 1861 is easier to load conical bullets because of the bored thru barrel port. The rack and pinion loading lever is more stream lined. As far as accuracy, balance, they are similar. I would chose the 1861
Dustin, could you compare the 1862 Pocket Police with the 1851? Mine is brass handles and trigger guard(Uberti), Case harden frame. Mine is a 5.5" barrel and it is round.
Uberties are just so nicely finished. I have 51 navy made by Pietta and frankly speaking I regret buying it. It's just not finished nearly as good as Uberti. The mechanism is much more stiff if I may put it that way. If you don't mind the details as much as I do, Pietta is a decent shooter. But if you need beautiful and nicely finished gun, I would definetely go with Uberti or Pedersoli (they have 1861 navy match model). Both worth their money in my humble opinion.
They are both beautiful, but to me the 1851 has more of an "old west" look to it. The 1861 almost looks modern or perhaps futuristic might be a better term. I would not turn up my nose at either of them, but given the choice I would pick the 1851, specifically the London model. And as it happens that is just what I did and I love shooting it.
Take a look at the blaster used by Zorii Bliss in Star Wars Rise of Skywalker and you will recognize an 1861 Navy underneath all that ray-gun greebling.
Step 1: Make sure both guns are from the same manufacturer. Step 2: Change them around. That's it. The screw holes connecting the grip to the frame all line up between both models and the screws all match size. The only screw that's a different size is the one at the bottom of the grip that ties the two pieces together (and you simply carry that one over to the other gun).
Today I learned two things: 1) The trigger of an Uberti Cattleman is longer than the one on their 1860 Army cap and ball revolver; and 2) The oval portion the 1860 Army trigger guard is smaller than the one on the Navy trigger guard. Trying to put an 1860 Army guard on the Cattleman resulted in its trigger hitting the bottom of the oval guard.
I have an 1861 'sheriff' for strong side holster draw and a full size 1861 for cross draw. I find the long barrels uncomfortable for strong side holster draw.
Check out the Guns of the West store here: gunsoftheweststore.com
Only logical solution is to get both, because they both look good.
That's the attitude
Lol
Both along with each variant produced by Uberti and Pietta . Steel frame only.
I’m still on the 51 model. And need six more before going to the 60s
@@drmachinewerke1 I love the 51 navys
Dual wield them
I believe that the '61 is the mechanically superior product, particularly with regards to the loading lever, but I personally find '51 more visually appealing.
The 61 looks like a 51 that was backed over by a truck
@@hyenaloaf1858, oh, you are so mistaken, sir. The '61 is sex appeal incarnate.
How i don't understand
Love the looks of the 61. The lines just seem to flow.
Why not just get a 60 Army?
I never got why the 61 was Colts favorite, the Army came first and looks the same.
I agree the 61 is way the best looking revolver. Been trying to find one for a few years but they stay out of stock. My 51 will do tho
@@KyleTheDalek Because once you can get your eye in on the differences between a .44 caliber Colt belt gun and a .36, you can't _unsee_ that stepped-up cylinder.
As to why Colt himself said the '61 was his favorite-- Sam Colt was a salesman first, gun maker second. I am convinced it was the advertising man within him spurring that declaration.
Right. But I ended up getting the 51
I love them both! Haven’t had this problem since high school! 😆 If I had to choose I’d take the 1861. Smooth and beautiful.
The 1851 Navy is one of the most beautiful guns I've ever seen. I'm think gonna pick one up next paycheck.
Of the two, I prefer the 51, although of all the cap and ball colts that I have (51, 60, and 62), the 1862 police is my favourite.
I bought a couple a a bit ago(1862 Police). Fits the hand well. Seems like a natural "pointer". Got some "beef" for a small revolver and 17 grains of Pyrodex rocks!
I’m getting my first revolver what is your suggestion
@@jacksonkennedy5987 depends on your budget. Pedersoli Remington New Model Army is the best made, but twice as expensive as the rest.
Of the Colts, 1851 is a classic (as long as you get a proper .36, not the Pietta .44 abomination), and eats a bit less powder (18-20 grains standard load vs 24-30 for a .44, though target shooters often use light loads + filler).
1860 Army colt was the better gun, objectively - same size as the 1851, but in .44 cal, so my choice would be between these 3.
@@jakubfabisiak9810 ok I think I’m gonna go with the 1851 navy uberti
I have a remmy 44 but want a reason to buy a 36 what benefits would you say there are over 44. If I get a 36 I want a 51 too love octagonal barrel
The 1851 was good enough for James Butler Hickok, Frank James, Bear River Tom Smith, William F Cody , Sir Richard Francis Burton, and Uncle Dick Wooten, and so it’s good enough for me.
Tuco had one too... :-)
@@Yosemite-George-61 but Tuco had sort of his own, a mismatch apparently assembled from different guns (he uses parts of Colt, Smith&Wesson, Remington) :D :D :D
@@boudeca Tuco took the parts from three different 1851 Colts (frame from the first, cylinder from the second, and barrel from the third).
I have an Uberti '51 London Navy, and think it is a beautiful pistol. It also shoots very well and personally, I wouldn't swap it for a '61.
I also have a "London" 1851 Navy, and a standard 1851 Navy with the brass trigger guard and backstrap. I think the "London" model looks better.
Colt even went back to the simple hinged loading lever on the 1862 pocket navy model.
Having both, I have to say my 1851 London is my favorite of the two.
The are truly great firearms. So cool looking.
I agree!
I prefer and bought the 1951 but the 1861 has beautiful flowing lines or lack of lines. I liked the 1851 for it's history and block shaped work horse look. One other thing I just recently noticed is the 1860 Army has a brass trigger guard and a blued back strap. Great video and I love the cartridge former I recently purchased.
and honestly i bet your reasoning isn't far from why the buyer in the 1860's seemed to prefer the 1851. the octagonal barrel and more squared shape where the ramming hinge is gives it a rugged working class look that many middle and lower class shoppers likely felt matched their personal style/personality, whereas the streamlined shape on the 1861 feels more elegant/sophisticated, and as such might have seemed a little "too nice" for common folk, but more wealthy upperclass types might prefer a nice smooth profile revolver like the 1861 to show their wealth/class on their hip, more so with a nice grip or a nice finish.
that's kinda my vibe on em personally. for my first couple black powder guns i got matching brassframe 1851s, if i buy another, it's probly gonna be an 1860/1861 with a white handle and a nice steel/nickel finish for when i'm feeling *FANCY* . engraved maybe.
Another quality video, Dustin. Thank you for keeping the old west alive.
I solved the problem with one of each. except I had a dove tailed front sight put on the 1851 They are both fun to shoot and very easy on powder and lead and recoil. Thanks Dustin very good information. NOW take them both out and shoot them.
I definitely will! Thanks for watching!
Beautiful revolvers. I bought the 1861 Navy back in the 1990's. It's beautiful and I like the way it fits in my hand.
I am a fan of the Navy Revolvers and have one of each. My 51 has a brass frame though. I Also have a 51 cartridge conversion.
I tend to shoot the navies more then my .44 revolvers. Hard to beat spending an afternoon at the range with a Colt Navy revolver!
I like both, but the difference for me comes into what time period I want be presenting. Civil War era, the 51 gets the nod, post civil war pre mid 70's the 61. I also like the idea of using the 61 as a base for a cartridge conversion.
51 for me. I'm a sucker for octagon barrels. And sold for longer in greater numbers so a bit more history to em
Got both, your right. Love both equally.
Wish they would not have cut the frame on the '61 for a shoulder stock.
I know it's technically not a Colt but my favorite .36 is the Uberti Leech & Rigdon. Mostly because it looks like a little brother to my Colt Dragoon.
I figure the L&R has a slightly thinner and lighter barrel than the Navy, though I wouldn't be able to notice a difference in handling. With my L&R I switched the grip out for one from my 3-screw 1860 Civilian .44 , counting on the larger Army grip on the shorter L&R Navy barrel to balance it a little more to the rear.
Great comparison video. It does always come down to personal preference with these two guns. I have the Colt 2nd generation “C” series 1851 Navy and my ‘61 Navy is a Colt 3rd generation. Honestly, push comes to shove, I prefer the looks and shooting of the 1861 over the 1851 “C” Series (my ‘51 also has silver plated backstrap and trigger guard which I personally am not a fan of). Also prefer the blade front sight and loading lever on the ‘61. Added to that my ‘61 is the most accurate black powder that I own. You can’t go wrong with either and I’ve put hundreds of rounds through both.
They are both great but I love the 61. Just looks so fluid in design. But I won’t turn my nose up at either one. Thanks for sharing
The 1861 SHOULD look better because of the smooth, sleek curves and the rounded barrel, but there's just something about the 1851 that looks right! It looks so solid and perfect. Both are gorgeous guns, but for me, it's the 1851.
Author Morgan loved the Navy Revolver so I’m good with it. Dutch van der lan also liked it
Tough call, I love the look of both. I will most likely own one of each.
My favorite open top cap and ball guns. Love both Navy´s.
I've got a 51 Navy Colt. Best balanced gun I ever held. Love that gun.
The steel trigger guard and back strap on the four screw 61 Navy was actually a military model. I have both 61s and 51s love all of the colts.
Yeah, I was also going to mention this. The all-steel, four screw model was a rare bird. Only a few hundred were ever manufactured. It's cool that Uberti decided to replicate it alongside the regular model.
Could you do a video on the 44 vs 36? Like a pros and cons video, which is more accurate, more common,and which you recommend etc etc
That's a good idea for a video. For some further context, look for a video on the channel titled "Pietta 1851 Navy Revolver" because near the end of that one Dustin does a side-by-side shooting comparison between the 1851 and an 1873 Single Action Army to gauge the felt recoil between the .36 and the .45
There's also that "1860 vs 1851" tabletop comparison video that highlights the similarities (and differences) in their construction.
Hi, I think both are really cool guns, and since they are so very much alike and that I really like octagon shape barrels (I have two muzzel loader rifles that have octagon barrels) I would go for the 1851 Navy. I would rather have the brass version but blue steel is good too. Being a 9 year Navy Vet (1978 to 1987 the Navy models appeal to me. Of course we used the M1911s when I was on submarines, but my grandchildren would say we still had the old cap & ball revolvers. I get no respect... 😁😁😁.
I have a pair of 1851 Navy revolvers with color case hardened frames and brass trigger guards & back straps. That is the true, original way they were made. As for your 1911, I consider that to be the only autoloading handgun worth having.
at least they go easy on you and don't bust out the "Cutlass and Flintlock" comments.
In all honesty and in my own opinion the 1851 is one of the best looking revolvers ever made, and is my person favorite black powder gun
Beautiful video!!!!! Sorry i not speak english, i am Frenchy, My Sister is American, not me.
J ai deja un uberti 1851 et un 1860 army, j hesite a prendre un 1861 mais je crois que je vais prendre le London que j adore.
Merci pour cette super comparaison qu il me fallait en ce moment.
Bye and thank you
I like the ‘62 police the best. The 1851 is what I can shoot with the best consistency and precision
Good comparison video. 👍
My first revolver was the 1860 Army (Pietta). It’s a lot of fun to shoot and it helps me to afford a longer range session. 😁
I have the 1851 Navy from Pietta with the brass. Shoots like a dream. Just aim a bit low. Some folks say the .36 caliber isn't too powerful. Well...that roundball will put a hole INTO and RIGHT OUT the other side of an empty green propane canister. Without leaving any lead inside the canister. That's powerful enough.
I have a Pietta reproduction of the 1851 with a brass frame. The octagon barrel of the 1851 is just so appealing to me. Maybe it’s because my favorite western is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
Thank you perfect video for me..
New to guns and wanting a cap and ball gun..
I do like the long barrels and simplicity and they look powerful..
Especially that 8" barrel.. Almost like a rifle in a hand gun..
Thank you very helpful
I do like the octagonal barrel 1851 as well..
I really enjoy watching your channel, thank you so much for all this great information.
Question: Is it common to find a 1851 Colt Navy revolver that’s never been shot? The serial number and markings seem legit but the gun looks almost brand new.
1851 London model , only because I have one . I think the octagonal barrel with brass bead site does it , but I like the look of the rounded end of the 61 that houses the loading lever . The dream would be a mixture of both 🤔
I like the 51`s or the design of the 51`s prefer the barrel, Nothing at all wrong about the 61`s in fact if I could get the pinion rammer on a 51 that would be awesome..
You have made yet another quality video and an appealing comparison. The question for me would always be answered by the prices and either would be cherished.
Thank for your vids , never learnt so much about black powder .. Very interesting content indeed. I've read somewhere that the 1961 Navy was used by Japan around the same time , if that's true ...
Greetings from France
Thank You! Your videos are always top notch!
The front sight on my new army fell off so I fashioned a new front sight from an AR-15 bolt stop and It was taller than the original. I soldered it on with electrical solder and it came out beautiful. Now the pistol shoots dead on. Doesn't take much heat for soft solder and it is very strong.
You should have also mentioned the square back trigger guard for the '51navy.
I wish uberti still made square backs
I'd like a '51 with a '61 loading lever. And I prefer the brass trigger guard & grip frame. A blade front sight would be a nice touch as well. 🤓
I couldnt decide so i got both. And you can buy a 12" .44 barrel and cylinder to quickly convert either.
Since they both fire relatively the same, I prefer the 1851 (London) as well. I like the octagonal barrel and the exposed loading lever. I'm sure the rack and pinion design is better, it just appears as though the exposed lever on the screw would be easier to work on myself........ I think, lol. Thanks for a great video.
The "creeping" lever is very easy to work with. It's a single screw holding the assembly together, making it very easy to disassemble, and with fewer pieces, to boot.
@@Ambaryerno
Thanks. 👍
BOTH! I like BOTH! I got both of 'em, TOO! (Uberti) I'd "like" to see a short "demo", a side-by-side of the Horse Colts, the Belt Colts, and the Pocket Colts, btw. Thank You.
Sure can’t wait until more become available
They are available now at Midway USA.
I have and love both. Mine shoot POA at 20 yards. The 51 has a cooler history, the 61 is more aesthetically pleasing. Both are awesome in their own way.
1851 looks better.
I lean more towards the 51 Navy. But I believe all of Colts revolvers are beautiful pieces of Art.
Those things get addictive.
Gosh Dustin. It's like who could say? I think owning them all is the only answer. I own several 51s of all types. I own a London as well as a few brass ones too. I also own two 60s. One is all steel and the other a brasser. I just made a video of that one not a month ago. That 61 in 36 is intriguing. Hmmm. Might have to look at that when we all get some inventory to buy. Thanks Amigo.
Dustin thank you for another great video I love your products your paper cartridge kit almost got it all used up also you're all natural bullet lube fantastic.
Thanks!
Kind of shocking this channel has so few subscriptions. Such great content.
‘51 all the way.
Thank you! Sharing the channel around is greatly appreciated!
Thanks for this! I have been quite confused between these two. I like the looks of both, though prefer the blade sight and rack & pinion system on the 1861. But that 1851 just has such a personality. So I guess I gotta get 1 of each.
No matched set?
I like the octagon barrel best, to me it gives more of an ole time western look. On a side note someone needs to do a review on the 1868 Galand Revolver, the gun Tuco first picked up in the hardware store.......
really like the looks of the 51
I like the octagonal barrel best.
I have a 51 Navy, and a 60 Army, I love both BUT gravitate towards my 60 Army, it just looks and feels better to me. I don't own a 61 Navy so I can't say.. Thumbs-up video Brother ~John
Why do I have to choose? Can't I have both? I actually still need to get both! Wait, the London too, I need that one and I need the.......all of them! So far out of all my BP revolvers, I like the 1858 or, New Model Army.
This is definitely an addictive path to be on!
@@GunsOfTheWest I could not agree more!
I loved them both Bill owned a pair . And the 1860 was seen a lot too
When I was a kid I had a toy gun that Was the 1861 colt army so I guess I like that one best!
Awesome video man.
Thanks!
Could you talk about the Varieties of the 1851, confusing looking at sights and they have diff names "yank" etc.. Want to get one but dont see "Colt 1851 Navy", just added names to it. Thanks!
The 51 Navy is one of my all time favorite designs. All of the guns from 51-72 are my favorite style of Colt. So elegant and nice shooting.
I like the creeper loading lever on the 61. Can’t wait to get a 60 in .44
I love ‘em both! Kind Thanks! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
Question, is there a difference in ease of loading conical bullets between the two. The 1861 appears to have a larger cutout in front of the cylinder. Also, is there a difference between Uberti and the Pietta bullet seating ram.
I’ve always preferred the look of the 1851 over the 1860 army or 1861 navy
Thanks very informative👍🏻
Like both.
Brass and steel were used on London models, very few Hartfords used the steel grip frame. Personally I think it's much more elegant with the steel, but the brass is much better when it comes to sweaty palms.
You’re not kidding. The bluing on my London grip is practically speckled off by now. I’ll likely swap them out for nickel before long.
I like the look of the 1851 better. I think the octagon barrel sets it apart. I ordered a reproduction in .44 cal. I can't wait to shoot it, I love black powder!
As a practical matter, I prefer the looks of the '61 without the cuts. With the cuts, not so much. The real question comes down to the strength and durability of the 1861's loading lever setup.
I have seen an original 61 where the holes in the frame are quite worn from meshing with the pins on the lever. The 51 will wear as well of course, but I think it would be more easily repaired.
I also prefer the shorter grip of the navy; better to hook your little finger under, less of a hammer grip, leading to better pointability. It's the same grip as what's on the '73 Army "Peacemaker".
I keep coming back to watch this video over and over
And Everytime at the end of the video
I'm undecided on which of these to buy first but my mind is made up I'm buying both and eventually going to buy the Remington guns too
At some point I hope to have the walkers and dragoon pistols
That sounds like my kind of plan!
I am in the market for a new revolver. I currently have a Remington new army .44 and I want a .36 colt. There are the 2 I am stuck on and can not decide. It LOOKS like there is more room for a conical bullet in the 1860 and that may be the deciding factor. Thank you for your review.
The 1861 'rack n pinion' is easier to push in various types of bullets.
- thanks for the vid
Great Video
My copy of this revolver has only one major flaw, caps are thrown off and cause jamming very often. A problem that does not happen with my Remington
Have a 51 but would like to get a 61 as well. Then the only issue will be which hand gets which gun
If I had to choose one to keep, I'd take the 51' cause it looks beautiful!
I prefer the 51 myself between these two. Would rather have a Remington though.
Both are great revolvers. Personally I prefer the 1851 Navy with the squareback trigger guard. That is a beautiful revolver!
Good comparison video.
Been debating whether or not to save up for a 1851 or an 1861, but after watching this video, I think I'll go with the 1861. It's almost exactly like an 1860 Army, but less money in powder and ball to shoot.
The real difference between the 2 is that the 1861 is easier to load conical bullets because of the bored thru barrel port. The rack and pinion loading lever is more stream lined. As far as accuracy, balance, they are similar. I would chose the 1861
i like my pietta 51 navy with the brass
Thank you !
Dustin, could you compare the 1862 Pocket Police with the 1851? Mine is brass handles and trigger guard(Uberti), Case harden frame. Mine is a 5.5" barrel and it is round.
Colt navy 1851 for Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach,and colt navy 1860 for Lee Van Cleef
I like the 61 Navy.
Uberties are just so nicely finished. I have 51 navy made by Pietta and frankly speaking I regret buying it. It's just not finished nearly as good as Uberti. The mechanism is much more stiff if I may put it that way. If you don't mind the details as much as I do, Pietta is a decent shooter. But if you need beautiful and nicely finished gun, I would definetely go with Uberti or Pedersoli (they have 1861 navy match model). Both worth their money in my humble opinion.
They are both beautiful, but to me the 1851 has more of an "old west" look to it. The 1861 almost looks modern or perhaps futuristic might be a better term. I would not turn up my nose at either of them, but given the choice I would pick the 1851, specifically the London model. And as it happens that is just what I did and I love shooting it.
Take a look at the blaster used by Zorii Bliss in Star Wars Rise of Skywalker and you will recognize an 1861 Navy underneath all that ray-gun greebling.
I honestly think the 61 has more of a old west look
Dustin, how much of an involved process would it be to install 51 navy grips on an 1860 army? Thanks!
Step 1: Make sure both guns are from the same manufacturer.
Step 2: Change them around.
That's it. The screw holes connecting the grip to the frame all line up between both models and the screws all match size. The only screw that's a different size is the one at the bottom of the grip that ties the two pieces together (and you simply carry that one over to the other gun).
Bogey is right. Just make sure you understand that you need to swap the grip frame also; not just the grip.
Today I learned two things: 1) The trigger of an Uberti Cattleman is longer than the one on their 1860 Army cap and ball revolver; and 2) The oval portion the 1860 Army trigger guard is smaller than the one on the Navy trigger guard.
Trying to put an 1860 Army guard on the Cattleman resulted in its trigger hitting the bottom of the oval guard.
Good video I would like to see a colt 1860 sherrif thinking about getting one but not sure should I get the full size?
I have an 1861 'sheriff' for strong side holster draw and a full size 1861 for cross draw. I find the long barrels uncomfortable for strong side holster draw.
1860 sheriff .44