Description
Picture this: you’re on a trail, miles from the truck, and the only thing between you and a curious predator is a century and a half of proven design. When it comes to carrying a reliable piece of history that demands skill and respect, the choice is clear. The Uberti 1862 Police .36, 6 1/2 Barrel is a faithful reproduction of Samuel Colt’s five-shot percussion revolver, blending classic 19th-century aesthetics with modern manufacturing precision for the black powder enthusiast. It’s a hands-on firearm that connects you to the era of the frontier lawman, requiring a shooter’s full engagement from loading to firing.
This isn’t a fire-and-forget polymer pistol. It’s a deliberate tool. The 1862 Police model, often called the “Pocket Navy,” features a streamlined, rebated cylinder and a sleek, rounded brass trigger guard that distinguishes it from its larger ’51 Navy sibling. With its 6.5-inch barrel, it strikes a perfect balance between holsterability and sight radius, making it a practical choice for reenactors, hunters who appreciate a challenge, or anyone who finds satisfaction in the ritual of black powder. The fixed sights are period-correct and demand a focused eye, turning every shot into a test of fundamentals. The price point of $393.38 makes this historical piece an accessible entry into cap-and-ball shooting.
Key Features & Handling
The first thing you’ll notice is the heft—it’s a solid piece of steel and walnut. Weighing in at approximately 2.5 lbs, it sits confidently in the hand, its one-piece walnut grips shaped for a secure purchase. The action is mechanical and crisp; you feel each click of the hammer as you rotate the cylinder by hand, a tactile process that modern shooters often overlook. Loading is a step-by-step procedure involving powder, wad, ball, and cap. That said, the reward is a satisfying boom and a cloud of white smoke that engages all the senses. This Uberti is drop-in ready for its intended use, requiring no gunsmithing to start your journey into percussion revolvers. Its design is compatible with standard .375-inch round balls and #10 percussion caps, common staples in the black powder community.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Caliber | .36 Percussion |
| Barrel Length | 6.5 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 12.5 Inches | Capacity | 5 Rounds |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Grips | One-Piece Walnut |
Pros: Authentic historical design and handling. Robust all-steel construction. Excellent fit and finish typical of Uberti reproductions. Provides a deeply engaging and educational shooting discipline. The .36 caliber offers a manageable recoil impulse compared to larger .44 models.
Cons: Not a practical choice for modern defensive scenarios. Requires time, tools, and knowledge to load and maintain. Susceptible to weather conditions. Slower reload time than any cartridge firearm.
Who is this for? This revolver is for the historian, the traditionalist, and the skill-seeking shooter. It’s ideal for Civil War or Old West reenactors needing an accurate sidearm. It’s for the hunter who wants to take small game with period-correct equipment, adding a layer of difficulty and satisfaction. Finally, it’s for the collector who appreciates the engineering of the past and enjoys the process as much as the result. This piece is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a cartridge firearm or a true black powder muzzleloader?
A: This is a true percussion cap-and-ball revolver. You must load each chamber from the front with loose black powder or a substitute, a lubricated wad, a .36 caliber lead ball, and then seat a percussion cap on each nipple at the rear of the cylinder.
Q: What’s the difference between the 1862 Police and the 1851 Navy?
A: The 1862 Police has a rebated (stepped) cylinder, a rounded brass trigger guard, and a streamlined profile, making it slightly lighter and more compact. The 1851 Navy has a straight cylinder, a square-backed trigger guard, and is generally a bit larger, though both are .36 caliber.
Q: Can I use modern smokeless powder in this revolver?
A: Absolutely not. Use only approved black powder or black powder substitutes like Pyrodex P or Triple Seven. Smokeless powder generates much higher pressures and can cause catastrophic failure in a firearm not designed for it.
If the methodical craft of black powder and the connection to American history calls to you, the Uberti 1862 Police is a definitive way to answer. See the full details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.