Which Traditions to get????

[KW]

OK I know this has been done alot about which gun to pick...so here is another one I can get a good deal on either (not both, wife said no ) a steel frame Colt 1851 in .44 cal or a steel frame Colt 1860 Army in .44. I was looking at the 1851 because the design is older or the 1860 because it is more truthful reproduction to the actual design (i.e. caliber) I figure both are equally as strong and will provide years of use. This firearm will be used alot. Thanks for the help.

[lil_hunter12]

i would go with the 1860 they are stronger and have room for heavier loads if you want to load heavy. i have saw 1860's loaded up to 42-44 grains.

[StrawHat]

Okay, you already know the 1851 was never offered in 44 caliber.

And the frame size of the 1860 and 1851 is the same.

The cylinders are identical so they will hold the same charge of powder (as I recall only up to 30 or so grains).

So the question becomes "How do you like your barrels: round or octagonal?"

Me, I like them round, of the dozen revolvers I own, only two are octagonal, and they were gifts.

Another plus for the 1860 would be the rammer.  Not only is the creeping style a bit more powerful but it is made for the 44 caliber where the one on the 1851 is proportioned for a .36 caliber projectile.