Someone on the 'Pistols & Revolvers' page asked about steel vs brass framed .36 '51 Navy's.
I just replaced the trigger/bolt spring in my 2nd gen. 'Colt' '51 Navy. This required removal of the beautiful silver plated grip frame and square back trigger guard. It seemed rather light for the piece, so I put a magnet on it - Surprise, surprise ..... It isn't steel!
So, I wouldn't get too bent out of shape over brass vs steel unless you are considering a cartridge conversion kit as an option. Brass seems to be OK for Colt. The 'Reb' versions have been around for a while and they have brass frames.
I just sold a 'Spaghetti' '51 with a steel frame. It was developing end shake (loose cylinder arbor) and I didn't want to bother with the repair. It shot very well, 4" high at 15 yards, windage centred. The 'Colt' prints 8" high, 2" right.
A pal's new Uberti Navy is centred, but hits 6-8" high at 15 yards. Typical of the type. Same for my 2nd Gen 'Colt' .44 Dragoon. Expecting an 1850s design to perform like a modern revolver is a ticket to disappointment. Enjoy them for themselves, warts and all.
I just replaced the trigger/bolt spring in my 2nd gen. 'Colt' '51 Navy. This required removal of the beautiful silver plated grip frame and square back trigger guard. It seemed rather light for the piece, so I put a magnet on it - Surprise, surprise ..... It isn't steel!
So, I wouldn't get too bent out of shape over brass vs steel unless you are considering a cartridge conversion kit as an option. Brass seems to be OK for Colt. The 'Reb' versions have been around for a while and they have brass frames.
I just sold a 'Spaghetti' '51 with a steel frame. It was developing end shake (loose cylinder arbor) and I didn't want to bother with the repair. It shot very well, 4" high at 15 yards, windage centred. The 'Colt' prints 8" high, 2" right.
A pal's new Uberti Navy is centred, but hits 6-8" high at 15 yards. Typical of the type. Same for my 2nd Gen 'Colt' .44 Dragoon. Expecting an 1850s design to perform like a modern revolver is a ticket to disappointment. Enjoy them for themselves, warts and all.