Very Good Day on the bench.

[Eric Johanen]

Today I started on giving my Colt 2'nd generation pistols a complete cleaning. I have not shot then for a few years and dried oil gummed up the works a bit. I have had these for years and years,( 1'st one purchased when they first came out back in 1973). The 1851 Navy's and the 3'rd Model Dragoon were and are exceptionally well made and finished guns. These two were continuations of the production closed down in the 1870's. Serial numbers picked up where they left off and really beautiful guns. The follow on 2'nd generations were also very nice, maybe just a tiny tick behind the quality of the 51 Navy and 3'rd Dragoon. I have shot these a whole bunch and they are still in excellent condition, maybe 98/95+%. Silver and brass has patinaed , case hardening and blue are basically new. Bores are like new! When opened up there was some fouling on the internals but since I always leave a thin coat of oil on the parts... no corrosion or rust at all. So far I have 2 51' Navy's and a 1862 .36 cal. Pocket Navy done and I'll get to the 3'rd Dragoon and a few more tomorrow. If any of you are looking for really nice, quality cap an ball revolvers, Get the 2'nd Generation Colt's!!

[mherth]

I have the 1851 Navy and the 1860 Army, wish I had a 1861 Navy which I consider the most attractive. Both shoot very well, particularly the Army. I can see why they were in such demand in the old days.