Percussion Revolver Reference Guide Inquiry - Specifically Colts, Remington

[BMWMilhist]

Hi Guys,

I’m hoping some of the more experienced collectors of American Civil War era percussion revolvers could give me an idea of which reference guides have the best information on the subject, specifically in regards to Colt 1851 Navies (including UC marked navies), Colt 1860 Armies, and Remington New Model Army revolvers.

My collection is more WW2 focussed, but I always had a fascination with these revolvers growing up watching Westerns as a kid. Would like to educate myself before diving into what I’m sure is an addicting and expensive collecting focus! Lol

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Brandon

 

[teufelhawk]

id check out mowbray publishing, www. gunandswordcollector. com they have some really well referenced works.

 

[BMWMilhist]

id check out mowbray publishing, www. gunandswordcollector. com they have some really well referenced works.

Teufelhawk, thanks for the assist. I’ve not seen that site before, but looks like there’s lots of information. Appreciate it!

 

[Fitz]

If you are looking for good books to read:

Colt 1851 & 1861 Navies and Conversions by Robert M. Jordon
51 Colt Navies by Nathan l. Swayze
Colonel Colt London by Joseph G. Rosa.............

Also a great series of articles in an old magazine 'The Canadian Journal Of Arms Collecting"
Vol 6 No 2 (the most complete)
Vol 13 No 4
Vol 27 No 1
Vol29 No 1
Vol 35 No 4.............all should be available at Down East Trading Joe Salter ...............good luck ted fitz

 

[drm3m]

Three books that might answer your questions.

 

[Brutus]

Civil War Revolvers, Myth versus Reality by Peter Schiffers is very good as well. Covers eleven issue revolvers and nine other commercial models that also were brought via private purchase to the Civil War.
The issued revolvers are all Federal Union. The north.
Including many accuracy tests with as close as humanly possible bullets of that era.
This is not a technical parts manual or troubleshooting guideline.
The last chapter records shooting tests in an extensive chart for 28 yards and if results were fruitful also a 55 yard shooting test. These are all original models. Not one replica. And no revolvers built by the Confederacy.

 

[BMWMilhist]

Thanks very much for the recommendations Gents, gives me a great place to start. Cheers.

 

[green]

"Remington Handguns" Karr

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

Not going through all the details, but beware of any books by R.L. Wilson. He was once considered one of the ultimate Colt authorities until he finally got found out. It's a shame because I have a few of books & due to there glossy pages I can't even wipe my arse with em...

 

[drm3m]

You should be able to wipe your arse for quite a long time with these.

 

[BMWMilhist]

Not going through all the details, but beware of any books by R.L. Wilson. He was once considered one of the ultimate Colt authorities until he finally got found out. It's a shame because I have a few of books & due to there glossy pages I can't even wipe my arse with em...

Haha warning very much appreciated, there always seems to be at least one author to avoid in each collecting niche. Damn shame the books can’t be “recycled” appropriately though, haha.

 

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

Wilson’s word was the WORD back in the day. A lot of people took it as gospel myself included. Now his info is garbage unless authenticated through a separate & reliable source... So his word ain’t worth $&@%! And I think he scammed a lot of people. If not by his book sales alone.