Pietta 1851 Navy
Bottomline
The Pietta 1851 Navy is a beautifully crafted blast from the past, perfect for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the Old West in their hands.
The Pietta 1851 Navy is a revolver with a story as rich and thrilling as the Wild West itself. Back in the 1850s, this type of gun was the trusted companion of soldiers, lawmen, and, yes, the occasional outlaw. Designed initially by Samuel Colt, the original 1851 Navy became one of the most iconic firearms of its time, known for its balanced feel and remarkable reliability. Fast-forward to today, and Pietta has kept that legacy alive with their faithful reproduction, offering modern-day shooters a taste of history without compromising quality. There’s something truly special about holding a piece of the past in your hands, isn’t there? In this article, we’ll dive into the features, craftsmanship, and shooting experience that make the Pietta 1851 Navy worth every bit of attention. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Table of Contents
Bottomline
The Pietta 1851 Navy is a beautifully crafted blast from the past, perfect for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of the Old West in their hands.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Range-ready
- Well-fitted cylinder gap
- Minimal malfunctions
- Brass frame with a steel barrel and back strap
Cons
- Finish could be better
- Average build quality
- Heavy
What Customers Say
High quality cap and ball revolver. Works great and accurate with the rifled barrel. Precision workmanship. I highly recommend this gun.
SciFiWriter
| Caliber | Capacity | OAL | BBL | Weight |
| .44, .36 | 6 | 13.25″ | 7.5″ | 2 lbs., 9 oz. |
| .44 | 6 | 10.75″ | 4.75″ | 2 lbs., 5 oz. |
The Pietta 1851 Navy offers an engaging shooting experience and we love the historical appeal. It is a blast to shoot, but there are a few incidents of misfires and jams. It achieves decent accuracy, but it also tends to shoot high. Reloading was also a bit of a hassle, especially when compared to smoother models like the 1858.
Brass Frame with Steel Barrel and Back Strap
The brass frame with a steel barrel and back strap gives this revolver a vintage, collector-worthy charm. Brass has the bonus of being rust-resistant, so it keeps its good looks with less fuss over time. Plus, the mix of brass and steel balances the weight nicely, making it feel great in hand.
However, brass is softer than steel, so it can pick up scratches and dents more easily, which might affect its long-term durability. Also, the brass adds a bit of heft compared to all-steel models, so if you’re planning on long shooting sessions, keep that in mind.
Traditional Cap-and-Ball Loading System
The cap-and-ball loading method brings a unique, hands-on experience for anyone who loves the feel of traditional black powder shooting. It even lets you tweak things to suit your style, adjusting powder charges and ball sizes to get just the right performance. But it’s definitely a bit of a process—more steps than today’s modern firearms, which can feel like a lot if you’re new to it or used to quicker, simpler systems. And, let’s be real, misfires can happen if things aren’t set just right or if moisture sneaks in, which can put a damper on your shooting session. Plus, black powder leaves a mess, so you’ll need to give your firearm a good clean afterwards to keep it in great shape for next time.
Drop-Out Cylinder
The drop-out cylinder design is a real win for quick and easy reloading; swap out cylinders fast to keep your shooting session going without the usual fuss. It also makes cleaning a breeze, giving you easy access to all the parts for maintenance. But there are a couple of things to watch out for. If you’re not careful when putting the cylinder back in, it can misalign with the barrel, which can lead to firing issues. And over time, all that removing and reinserting can cause wear on the latch, which might impact reliability down the road.
Further reading: Ultimate Gun Reviews
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Pietta 1851 Navy is all about that classic, hands-on shooting experience. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the feel of a vintage revolver. Loading it up might take a bit more effort, and yes, it needs a good cleaning afterwards, but that’s all part of the charm. If you are someone who enjoys the art of traditional shooting, you’ve found a real gem. It’s reliable, packed with character, and makes every range day feel like a step back to the Wild West.
| Ergonomics | Fun to shoot but a little heavy. | 3 |
| Trigger | Light trigger pull! | 4.7 |
| Accuracy | Good accuracy. | 4 |
| Quality | A good entry-level revolver but doesn’t match the craftsmanship of higher-end models. | 3 |
| Value | Offers excellent value for the price. | 3.6 |
| Overall | While its quality varies on individual units, the Pietta 1851 Navy is still a popular choice among black powder enthusiasts looking for an accessible and enjoyable shooting experience. | 3.66 |
I have two Pietta Navy revolvers; the 1851 and the 1861, both in .36 caliber which is the authentic original caliber. The .44 caliber versions are not authentic, but maybe easier to load.
Both guns are well made, very good looking firearms.The ’61 Navy is a joy, good looking, very accurate and well balanced. The ’51 is the captain Schaeffer model, an engraved presentation piece, I will never fire the latter gun because I think it is an instant collectible.
I have a total of four Pietta guns and am happy with all of them. Yes, it takes a little work with needle files and stones to tune them up, but ALL B.P. guns require that, no matter whose name is on them.
Fun to shoot and a piece of history.
I have two Pietta Navy revolvers; the 1851 and the 1861, both in .36 caliber which is the authentic original caliber. The .44 caliber versions are not authentic, but maybe easier to load.
Both guns are well made, very good looking firearms.The ’61 Navy is a joy, good looking, very accurate and well balanced. The ’51 is the captain Schaeffer model, an engraved presentation piece, I will never fire the latter gun because I think it is an instant collectible.
I have a total of four Pietta guns and am happy with all of them. Yes, it takes a little work with needle files and stones to tune them up, but ALL B.P. guns require that, no matter whose name is on them.
Fun to shoot and a piece of history.