Colt 1851 Navy - and Legality question.

DMcFaul

DMcFaul

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Greetings guys. This is my first post in this section. I've got a couple sxs's (bp shell & muzzle loader) shotguns that have been in my family for generations, and until the other day that was about the extent of my experience/knowledge with BP/antiques.

The other day I picked up a Antique Colt 1851 Navy (Early 3rd Model). I won't tell you what I paid for it, but needless to say I did pretty well. On the way home I stopped at the gun store and picked up some supplies and then hit the range for some advice and fire a couple rounds. I have fired more firearms than most people I know have even seen and I have to admit this 154 year old hand cannon had me a little shaky. She's in great condition, it's just unknown territory. I loaded one to start and cracked it off with my eyes closed like a baby wondering if I'd lose a hand or go blind... Everything went well and it was game on after that. What a freakin' blast. I haven't had that much fun shooting in a real long time.

So Now that I have her and have shot her, I'll have to decide how long I'll be keeping her. I told my wife I was buying it to flip it. So depending on a couple "details", it may be a short relationship or one I'll have to drag out a bit.

It shoots obviously, but what I'm wondering is because it is an antique and not restricted can it be fired on public land "legally"? Since it's an antique the only paper trail it has is the receipt, does that mean it does not have to follow the law the same as other pistols? Or simply because it is a pistol antique or not, it must follow the same rules as a restricted firearm when being treated as such?

One other question to anyone familiar with antique Colts, is there a place I can go to try and get the history of this pistol? ie; if it was issued, where it was made.. etc.

Thanks for any help you can give me. And if I'm back posting a lot in this section then yeah for me.. if Im not then congrats to the one that bought her from me. haha.
 
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There has been extensive discussion on shooting antique handguns elsewhere than a registered handgun range. From a more practical point, regardless of how legal it may be, you should assume that if anyone sees you, they will consider you to be breaking the law and you should assume that the police cannot recognize an antique from a turnip much less have any knowledge of the laws pertaining to them.
Bottom line is that unless you live somewhere remote with no witnesses. it does not matter if it is legal, it is ultra high risk for hassles.
Do a google search for antique guns or similar; there is at least one and I think several sites listing the years of production.

cheers mooncoon
 
Legally, yes, but Mooncoon has made an important point ..... everyone who sees you doing it will automatically assume it's illegal and respond accordingly. I go on remote wilderness trips with my wife and kids and I pack mine in with me, but I won't be meeting anyone out in the wilderness. Use discretion. When you transport an antique handgun, it must be in a locked non-see-through case.
 
Also get a copy of the regs regarding antiques and keep them with you if you take it into the Field also get a letter from the registry stating the pistols antique status . Remember it's still a firearm it just does not require registration and is not restricted.
 
These fellows have good advice. I take mine where I take my .22's, which is pretty much in the sticks away from the general public, or to the outdoor range where everyone is cool.
As far as getting Colt to give any you any history, they can't. It's too old. Mine is from 1853, and their records don't go back that far.
They are fun to shoot though. Mine has shot 2in. at 20 yds using Hornady 36 cal lead balls and 21 grains of FFFg. The only replica of mine that shoots close to that is a Navy Arms 1851.
Have fun shooting it, and don't worry about takers when it comes time to sell .(Although I have a feeling that you'll want to keep it)KD

P.S. Post us a pic if you get the chance.K
 
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Thanks guys, I appreciate the answers. I am going to use my purchase receipt as the "ATT" and registration for this gun (and include something from the CFC if I get it). I live in the sticks and have lots of room to play. Although I "could" even if it wasn't legal, I'd rather cover my ass and stay legal.

dixda.. I was shooting 12" at 25. It shoots a little high (more likely I am) and by the time I got confidant enough in where she was going, I had to pack it in. First time witha C&B it took me about 7 minutes to load it... I'd never survive if I had to do it in battle. haha
 
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Another thing you can do to prove its antique status is to email CFC with a description of the pistol and serial number. I include a photo of the pistol and a close up of the serial number. They will send you a letter that verifies its antique status. I've done that a couple times. Usually only takes a few days for them to email back a scanned copy of the letter and the hard copy follows in the mail. I take a copy of that letter along with my antique along with a photocopy of relevant regulations.
 
Thanks, I'll do that today.

Here's a picture from the auction; (I didn't take this photo)

ah1.jpg


I'll post a better one when I take one.
 
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Colt' 51 Navy

A few years back, I bought a "Colt" '51 Navy and a "Colt" 3rd Model Dragoon.

In attempting to transfer them, a lady at the CFC assured me that she could de-register the '51 Navy. We argued and in the end, I said 'go fo rit'.

Months later, after taking it into the US to a re-emnactment, I got a phone call from the CFC telling me I had illegally applied to de-register a handgun. We argued. I demanded an apology (hah, hah, hah...) and the gun was re-registered.

The "Colt" product is inferior to the spaghetti Navy I have. It was over-rotating on a 'speed ####', the locking bolt was too wide for the cylinder grooves and it lacked the 10* angled surface it requires to function correctly.

I haven't fired it since the recent work. Maybe now it'll shoot as pretty as it looks.

Get a copy of Venturino's book on shooting the Colt single actions.

Todd
 
Shelldrake said:
First glance,, it doesn't look like an original "antique" Colt.
Click to expand...

..Bad picture. I'll have some up once I find a place to host them.

It's marked correctly (serials, address, faint remains of engravings on the cylinder), shows the age nicely (some tarnished spots). It's in no way mint, it actually looks a little cleaner in that image.
 
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'51 Navy Provenance

McFaul

Looking at the pics it's well preserved. Some questions .....

What markings does it have?
Is it a civilian pattern or martial with inspector's marks?
Did the seller give you a letter of provenance?
Is it Hartford or London made?

Some '51s have Canadian markings on them as they were issue to units like the GGFGs. '51 Navys were also the issue revolver to the Royal Engineers and Royal Navy who used many more than the US Navy ever did.

Todd
 
DMcFaul,
Recognize that little number from Switzer's and I'm thinking now that I should have done an absentee bid.
Nice revolver by the way.
From "The Book of Colt Firearms" your gun was manufactured between 1852 and 1853. It should have the New York address on it. Navy pistols should have USN stamped on the butt strap, Army should have US beneath the PATENT frame marking with an assortment of inspector initials on various parts. Enjoy.
Blair
 
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According to the serial it's a early third model with small trigger guard from Hartford. However the only markings on this revolver are "colts patent" in the left frame, the serials in all normal locations (including wedge), the light remains of the engraving on the cylinder and that's it. No USN nor Army, no proofs or other markings and no address on the top of the barrel at all. The address has either been worn off, or was never there.

I've read a few records of 1851's produced for individuals with no address. This one seems to be a bit of a mystery. It appears to have some of that unmistakable "blood-drop steel staining" on the right side that I've seen on a few military pistols. I obviously don't know enough about these pistols and am finding the research almost as exciting. Being an early serial, there's nothing colt can do in the way of authenticating. So I'll have to rely on the advice of those more knowledgeable than myself.
 
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