Traditions 1851 Navy Revolver .44BP 7.38″ Blue

Description

There’s a certain satisfaction to black powder shooting that modern cartridges just can’t replicate. The ritual, the smoke, the history in your hand. I’ve put a fair number of rounds through cap-and-ball revolvers over the years, and the Traditions 1851 Navy Revolver 44BP 7.38″ Hammer/Blade Walnut Grip Blue is a solid entry point that gets the fundamentals right. It’s a faithful reproduction of the classic Colt 1851 Navy design, chambered in .44 caliber percussion, with a 7.38-inch barrel, a blued steel finish, and traditional walnut grips. It’s a piece of living history you can actually shoot, and at $297.97, it’s an accessible way to step onto the firing line of the 19th century.

Let’s talk about what makes this revolver tick. The first thing you’ll notice is the heft and balance. At about 2.6 lbs unloaded, it sits comfortably in the hand, and that 7.38-inch barrel gives it a classic, sweeping profile that points naturally. The walnut grips are shaped well—they fit out of the box without any sharp edges digging into your palm. The action is straightforward: you load powder and ball into each of the six chambers, cap the nipples, and you’re ready. The single-action trigger is crisp, and the hammer has clear, distinct clicks as you rotate the cylinder. It’s a simple, robust system that’s stood the test of time.

Now, the .44 caliber designation is a modern convenience for this replica. The original 1851 Navy was a .36 caliber, but the .44 version is more popular today for its bigger punch and easier-to-handle components. Loading is a process, but that’s half the fun. You’ll need black powder or a substitute like Pyrodex, .454 round balls, #10 percussion caps, and a loading press. The cylinder capacity is six shots, though many shooters load only five for an added safety margin, leaving the hammer resting on an empty chamber. It’s a practice I follow, and it’s a good habit to get into with any single-action revolver.

Here are the key specifications laid out cleanly:

Caliber	.44 Percussion (Cap & Ball)
Barrel Length	7.38 inches
Overall Length	Approx. 13 inches
Weight	Approx. 2.6 lbs
Cylinder Capacity	6 Rounds
Finish	Blued Steel, Walnut Grip

So, what’s the honest breakdown? The pros are clear: you get an authentic shooting experience at a very fair price. The build quality is good for a production replica, the aesthetics are spot-on, and it’s a fantastic tool for learning firearm history firsthand. The cons? Well, it’s black powder. Cleaning is mandatory and more involved than with modern firearms—you can’t just hose it down with CLP and call it a day. Also, while it’s a faithful repro, purists might note the .44 caliber vs. the original .36. That said, the .44 is more versatile for modern recreational shooting.

Who is this revolver really for? It’s perfect for the history buff who wants to move beyond books, the shooter looking for a new and engaging challenge, or the hunter in states that permit black powder pistols during muzzleloader season. It’s not a personal defense firearm; it’s a hobbyist’s piece, a conversation starter, and a tangible link to the past. This revolver is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, making it easy to start your black powder journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do I need to buy besides the revolver to start shooting?

A: You’ll need black powder or a synthetic substitute, .454 diameter round balls, #10 percussion caps, a powder measure, a capper, a loading press, and cleaning supplies specific for black powder residue. It’s a kit, but assembling it is part of the process.

Q: Is it difficult to clean?

A: It requires more immediate attention than a modern gun. You need to clean it with soap and water or a dedicated black powder solvent soon after shooting to prevent corrosive fouling from damaging the steel. It’s not hard, just a non-negotiable step in the ritual.

Q: Can I use modern smokeless powder in it?

A: Absolutely not. Never, under any circumstances, use smokeless powder in a black powder firearm. It can generate pressures this design was never meant to handle and is extremely dangerous. Use only approved black powder or black powder substitutes like Pyrodex or Triple Seven.

Look, if you’ve ever been curious about the roots of American firearms design, this Traditions 1851 Navy is a perfect place to start. It’s a hands-on history lesson that’s still a blast to shoot—literally. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, as with any modern firearm. Check it out on our site if you’re ready to step back in time.