Known as the Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver, the term "Navy" should indicate that it is .36 caliber. Instead, this revolver is made in "Army" designated .44 caliber. We doubt that Colt's Patent Firearms Company ever made their Model 1851 Navy in .44 caliber, but many others recognized that this was a popular model, with a comfortable grip, and they copied it in the most desirable .44 caliber. This revolver is as new unfired with the factory box.
The action is crisp, and the cylinder locks very tight. Trigger release is smooth and as light as the factory dares to make it. The 7-3/8" blued octagon barrel, is unmarked on the top flat. The Black Powder Only - .44 Cal. and F.LLIPIETTA - Made in Italy warnings and manufacturer markings are neatly positioned under the loading lever. A pointed brass bead front sight is mounted near the muzzle. A notch in the hammer, serves as a rear sight.
This revolver has the rugged steel frame, and will handle full loads for years, without the tendency to wear prematurely. The loading lever is color case hardened steel, and the triggerguard and backstrap are brass. The walnut grips are finished reddish brown, mounted in Colt style, made of one piece of walnut.
Disassembly for cleaning is easy. Drive the wedge key out of the barrel, using our brass wedge key punch. Slide off the barrel, and cylinder. Wipe down the frame and grip, but avoid disassembly. It is wise to completely strip and clean the action about once per year, using a well fitted screwdriver, made to fit the small screws. Remove the nipples with our #NW-140 wrench, and wash the barrel, nipples, and cylinder with a bottle brush, in hot soapy water. Dry the parts with a cloth, or rinse them in boiling water, and apply oil. Apply a touch of Birchwood Casey's Choke Tube Lubricant to the threads of the nipples, before re-installing them. This anti-seize will prevent the nipples from becoming stuck due to powder fouling.
The gun maker has slightly chamfered the chamber mouths on this revolver. This allows loading a .454" round ball, without shaving lead which changes the bullet weight. Instead, the whole ball is compressed into the chamber, improving ignition and energy. The bore is rifled, with seven equal lands and grooves, fast twist, and the factory recommends a .451" round ball. We prefer the better compression and tighter fit of the .454" round ball. If your percussion revolver has a sharp cylinder mouth, it may cut lead, reducing accuracy. Chamfer the mouth of each chamber, slightly, until the ball seats snugly, without cutting lead. You may prefer to slightly increase the amount of chamfer at each chamber on this revolver, if shaves lead from a round ball or bullet, during loading.
Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
