I’ve had this replica for awhile now, and am just now getting around to making a video on it. I haven’t decided where to hang it yet.
I’ve had this replica for awhile now, and am just now getting around to making a video on it. I haven’t decided where to hang it yet.
The 1860 Army is the best balanced of the percussion Colts. The grip is longer than the 1851 Navy, the frame is lighter than the Dragoon, and the whole thing points naturally, which is why it stayed in service long after cartridge revolvers arrived. The Denix copy captures that balance because the dimensions are taken from the original rather than scaled by eye.
The loading lever is the part to watch. It is cast, it hinges on a small pin, and it is easy to bend if the lever is forced down while the plunger is misaligned. Move it slowly the first time, and if it binds, stop: the fix is usually a small burr on the plunger, not more force.
Does the cylinder rotate?
Yes, the cylinder indexes on half cock, and the loading lever and plunger work.
Is it the same size as the original?
Yes, one to one scale, so period holsters and display boxes for a Colt 1860 will fit.
I just signed up to your blogs rss feed. Will you post more on this subject?