Author Topic: Colt 1851 navy. opinions please! (Read 1766 times)

adkmountainken · « **on:** January 01, 2005, 02:56:31 AM »

there is a Colt 1851 navy 36. cap and ball at the local gun shop. it is the Clot make not a repo. it has silver plated backstrap ( frame ) by the hard wood handles. also has an engraved cylinder of a battle scene. has the square back trigger guard. was told that this is a "f" series. has a price of $250 on it. is in %95 condition. is this a good deal? how well does this pistol shoot? how easy is it to use? i have never shot a cap & ball pistol but have anted a 1851 navy for years. any help would be greatly apperiated. thanks,
Ken

filmokentucky · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2005, 06:03:18 AM »

This is a very good price indeed. You are getting a genuine Colt at an Italian repro price. In terms of use and cleaning, it is just like any other C&B revolver. Grab it and run.

Cactus Cris · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2005, 09:24:45 AM »

Not doubting you, Navy Arms has a 51 .36 cal with silver backstrap that they are selling. Be sure it is a genuine COLT b4 buying. I have 2 of these from Navy and they are just about the same price. A real COLT would be 2-3 times the amount unless the dealer isn't sure what he has or don't know what he has. OR is trying to fool ya into believe'n it is a genuine COLT.
IF it is a real COLT for that price & condition--RUN don't walk to the bank & get the $$!!!!!! :eek:

adkmountainken · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2005, 10:41:14 AM »

what is the easiest way to tell if its a real Colt? i could go back, take a picture and get the serial # if this helps. it is in a real small local gun store that hardly has and muzzleloaders except for inlines so it is highly possible that he dosen't have a clue to what it is.

Cactus Cris · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2005, 11:25:05 AM »

If it is a Pietta- It will say so on the under side or right side of the barrel. If it is a Uberti- it will have a "U" inside a square looking mark somewhere on the gun. If it is a real colt-- It won't have any markings on the side of the barrel. Just some inspection cartouches near the chamber end. I ain't no expert by any stretch- But sounds too good to be true IMHO.

1860 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2005, 03:06:53 PM »

Just a guess but at that price, I'd guess it would be a Signature series gun. Take a look at the back of the grip, the backstrap, does it have Sam Colts signature engraved on it?

1860

filmokentucky · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2005, 06:07:46 PM »

If it is an Italian repo, it will have proof marks all over it. A real Colt has none. The real Colts have serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, on the trigger guard, on the bottom of the back strap and on the cylinder. On the right side of the frame toward the front are the words COLTS PATENT in two lines. The top flat of the barrel is marked in one line -ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK USA-. If it has the Sam Colt scrawl on the back strap, save your money or donate it to your favorite charity. Anything is better than owning one of these junkers. But if it is an
"F" or "C" series gun you will probably never find another at this price.

Cactus Cris · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2005, 06:52:21 PM »

I knew someone with more knowledge of Colt would come on and give ya the straight poop. :grin:

adkmountainken · « **Reply #8 on:** January 02, 2005, 01:59:58 AM »

i will go today and check it out if the shop is open. if not tommorow. i will take my digital camera wit me and post a picture. i should be able to tell the difference with all the info givin to me on the post. thank you guys very much!!! maybe its one of those once in a blue moon finds!!!
Ken

jgalar · « **Reply #9 on:** January 02, 2005, 03:27:42 AM »

The newer Colt cap and ball guns are still Italian made guns. The parts are Italian but the guns are assembled, fit and finished by Colt.

filmokentucky · « **Reply #10 on:** January 02, 2005, 05:51:52 PM »

The second and third generation Colts were made in America by Americans. They used rough forgings from Italy but were machined and polished and finished here. They are considered to be genuine Colts of American manufacture. They are not Italian made guns and do not bear any Italian proof marks. All Italian firearms are required to carry Italian proof marks.
This story about the Colts being Italian guns surfaces about every six months or so, just often enough to confuse any newcomers to the forum.
It is perhaps unfortunate that the Signature Series guns weren't made in Italy or even Taiwan. Certainly the quality would have been no worse. But
they are, for better or for worse, American made, genuine Colt revolvers.
They even have books written about them.