Colt percussion revolver-what yrs/production run to choose?

[de1216]

In an effort to distract myself from thinking about next week's hernia surgery, I'm thinking about always wanting a "modern" production Colt percussion revolver. Something I can enjoy shooting, unlike a costly commemorative model or very costly original piece from way back when they were carried regularly.

Of course I'd love to own a vintage historical piece too, but the $$$$$.........


I've seen several discussions about which Gen SAA folks think are best, but never the percussion models like an 1860 Army.

So.... what is best to watch for, what (if any) are to be avoided?

Thanks in advance for guidance.

D.

[drycreek]

No help here, but good luck on your hernia surgery, and I hope the doctor isn’t distracted !

[45dragoon]

Are cartridges in its future possibly? If so, you may consider Uberti since they have a faster twist (1:18"). Pietta open top revolvers as well as the Remington platform have a 1:32" twist. Pietta's are a little cheaper- Uberti's have better parts (so they cost more). Kirst Konversions sells conversion cylinders for either maker. Just as with modern revolvers these revolvers respond well to tuning. That runs the gamut from tuned flat springs to full coil spring conversion.

Mike

[CraigC]

I'd rather have a new Uberti than a 2nd or 3rd generation Colt.

[bigmuddy]

For the Colt percussion guns the 2nd Gens are considered to be better than the 3rds. They were assembled with Italian parts in the U.S. and each gun was hand fitted by from what I have been told some true craftsmen.

I just went through an AMAZING collection of 2nd Generation Colt percussion pistols. A close friend has a debilitating illness and had to liquidate his guns. I helped inventory, pack, and ship his entire collection for auction with Rock Island. He had some incredible rare collectable pieces but many common “shooters” as well. Most of the guns are NIB. I’m not sure when they will come up for auction but it will be soon. Ken was “the man” to ask about anything and everything with 2nd Gen Colt percussion revolvers. It pains me to no end seeing his illness. I’m taking two carloads of items he owned to sell at a gun show next weekend. (Items that Rock Island wouldn’t take).

I purchased two of his guns that he used for CAS competition. They are 2nd Gen 1861 Navies. They are two of the finest C&B revolvers I have ever handled. I have and shoot Ubertis and Piettas, and they are nice guns but can’t compare to the pair of Colts.

Dan

[sharps4590]

I have 5 C&B revolvers and 1 '72 Open Top in 44 Colt. They're all Ubertis and I can't complain. I bought some of them when new they were $150.00 so they've been around and used and carried. For 2 seasons I carried an 1849 Baby Dragoon on my trap line. It worked as good as my 22's.

The 1860 Army is my favorite and the '61 Navy next.

[45dragoon]

Aug 25, 2024 11:52:35 GMT -5 bigmuddy said:

For the Colt percussion guns the 2nd Gens are considered to be better than the 3rds. They were assembled with Italian parts in the U.S. and each gun was hand fitted by from what I have been told some true craftsmen.

I just went through an AMAZING collection of 2nd Generation Colt percussion pistols. A close friend has a debilitating illness and had to liquidate his guns. I helped inventory, pack, and ship his entire collection for auction with Rock Island. He had some incredible rare collectable pieces but many common “shooters” as well. Most of the guns are NIB. I’m not sure when they will come up for auction but it will be soon. Ken was “the man” to ask about anything and everything with 2nd Gen Colt percussion revolvers. It pains me to no end seeing his illness. I’m taking two carloads of items he owned to sell at a gun show next weekend. (Items that Rock Island wouldn’t take).

I purchased two of his guns that he used for CAS competition. They are 2nd Gen 1861 Navies. They are two of the finest C&B revolvers I have ever handled. I have and shoot Ubertis and Piettas, and they are nice guns but can’t compare to the pair of Colts.

Dan

I set up a pair of Cowboy guns for Ken about 10 yrs ago. Had heard about his situation. Glad he's got you to help with the stash!! Ken's a nice guy!!

Mike

[bigmuddy]

Mike,

Yes he’s a great guy. He and Charlotte are going through a tough time. Curious what were the two guns you set up for him?

Dan

[45dragoon]

Aug 27, 2024 17:23:06 GMT -5 bigmuddy said:

Mike,

Yes he’s a great guy. He and Charlotte are going through a tough time. Curious what were the two guns you set up for him?

Dan

I thought I had a picture or two but apparently not . . . Looked at his folder and it was a pair of 1861 Navy's (probably Uberti's). That was early on for me (maybe before I was converting the flat springs to coils). If he still has um I'd "update" them for him.

Mike

[bigmuddy]

I bought a pair of 1861 Navy Colts from him that have obviously been worked on for competition. VERY SMOOTH actions, cap guards, different nipples. He told me he never used Colts in competition (but I know he did) and he never had anyone do action work for him. He said he did it all himself. He is not in his right mind anymore and gets confused quite a bit. It’s sad!

He has sent all of his remaining collection to Rock Island. I bet the Colts I bought were the ones you worked on. I don’t recall any other 61’s like that in his collection.

Dan

[45dragoon]

Aug 28, 2024 23:08:49 GMT -5 bigmuddy said:

I bought a pair of 1861 Navy Colts from him that have obviously been worked on for competition. VERY SMOOTH actions, cap guards, different nipples. He told me he never used Colts in competition (but I know he did) and he never had anyone do action work for him. He said he did it all himself. He is not in his right mind anymore and gets confused quite a bit. It’s sad!

He has sent all of his remaining collection to Rock Island. I bet the Colts I bought were the ones you worked on. I don’t recall any other 61’s like that in his collection.

Dan

Holy cow!! Small world!!! I also did a 3rd Model Dragoon (ASM) for him.

Mike