detroiter711
New member
Just like the title says, 1851 or 1860? What do you prefer and why? Let's keep it traditional and assume that the 1851 has to be in .36 and the 1860 will be in .44 and both will be steel.
1851 or 1860
- Thread starter detroiter711
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Lee44ShooterCnB
New member
1851 vs 1860
I have them both along and others. Between these two, I like and shoot the 1860 most. I like the look of it and the "feel" in the hand. Easier for shot follow thru. 44 cal.
I have them both along and others. Between these two, I like and shoot the 1860 most. I like the look of it and the "feel" in the hand. Easier for shot follow thru. 44 cal.
Jim Watson
New member
Of the two, 1851.
The long swoopy grip of the 1860 just looks better than it feels TO ME.
Best of both worlds, 1861.
The long swoopy grip of the 1860 just looks better than it feels TO ME.
Best of both worlds, 1861.
Currently 1860 but I plan to add an 1851 or 2.
I think Mike Beliveau Duelist1954 makes good arguments for the 1851 as being a 1st BP revolver. Reading one of his articles in Guns of the Old West pushed me over the edge into buying my 1st open top Pietta Colt - 1860.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiJ8GkTWQxw
I think Mike Beliveau Duelist1954 makes good arguments for the 1851 as being a 1st BP revolver. Reading one of his articles in Guns of the Old West pushed me over the edge into buying my 1st open top Pietta Colt - 1860.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiJ8GkTWQxw
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Why not an 1861 Navy where you have the sweeping lines of the '60 Army with the handling of the '51 Navy? Or get a bastardized '51 "Navy" in 44 cal where you have the balance of the Navy with the whollop of the Army.
My very first C&B back in 1968 was a '61 Navy and it has served me well for years. When I started out in Cowboy Action in the early/mid 1990s many of our pistol targets were knock downs so I used the LEE 130gr conical with good effect. Later I paired up a couple of '51/44s and never looked back. I also shoot Remingtons, '60 Armies, A Dance, etc. mostly in 44 cal. and 80% of them are steel framed.
My very first C&B back in 1968 was a '61 Navy and it has served me well for years. When I started out in Cowboy Action in the early/mid 1990s many of our pistol targets were knock downs so I used the LEE 130gr conical with good effect. Later I paired up a couple of '51/44s and never looked back. I also shoot Remingtons, '60 Armies, A Dance, etc. mostly in 44 cal. and 80% of them are steel framed.
If youre on a really tight budget then there is something to be said for the savings in lead and powder for the .36.
That being said... '60 all the way!
Its a more advanced design, especially where on the gun loading is concerned. The .44 is no slouch, even in black powder. And, for ME, it is simply a more elegant weapon then the '51.
Just as there is a REASON the world moved from BP to self contained cartridges, there is likewise a REASON that many moved on to the newer and more advanced 1860 when it became available.
Hey... Whats wrong with one of EACH???
That being said... '60 all the way!
Its a more advanced design, especially where on the gun loading is concerned. The .44 is no slouch, even in black powder. And, for ME, it is simply a more elegant weapon then the '51.
Just as there is a REASON the world moved from BP to self contained cartridges, there is likewise a REASON that many moved on to the newer and more advanced 1860 when it became available.
Hey... Whats wrong with one of EACH???
JACKlangrishe
New member
I went with the '60 and absolutely love it, but yeah I want a '51 as well. I love the bead sight as Dave 44 mentioned. I might beat up the 60 and get a nice stainless 51 with faux ivory sights for when I dress up.
Anyone make good stainless or nickel '51s and '60s? Hows that "Old Silver" finish working out at Cabela's?
Anyone make good stainless or nickel '51s and '60s? Hows that "Old Silver" finish working out at Cabela's?
I forget I have this fantasy brass frame 51/44 Sheriff. Originally bought it for the short barrel to use on one of my 60's. However, now looking to replace the brass frame with a steel frame. Would like a steel frame that doesn't have the shoulder stock screws.
These things are like Pringles Potato Chips - once you pop, you can't stop.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8147/28635737693_c62fae701c_b.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/28635737633_3a4e973ffc_b.jpg
These things are like Pringles Potato Chips - once you pop, you can't stop.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8147/28635737693_c62fae701c_b.jpg
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7783/28635737633_3a4e973ffc_b.jpg