Description

Pietta 1851 Navy Black Powder Revolver — .44 Caliber, 7.5″ Barrel

The Pietta 1851 Navy is a percussion revolver in .44 calibre with a case-hardened steel frame, a 7.5-inch octagonal barrel, and cream polymer grips.

It ships to your door. No FFL transfer, no background check — see the ordering section.

.44 Calibre — Different From the Others

Every other cap-and-ball revolver in this range is .36 calibre. This one is .44.

That changes two things for the buyer:

The ball diameter is 0.454 inches rather than 0.375. These are not interchangeable — order the correct size before range day.

The .44 delivers more energy at typical cap-and-ball distances. For hunting small game or dispatching animals it is the practical calibre choice; for target shooting the difference is modest.

The Historical Detail Worth Knowing

The description says the 1851 Navy was “adopted by both the U.S. and British military.” That is accurate.

It also says the revolver was named after a cylinder scene depicting the Texas Navy’s victory over the Mexican fleet in 1843 — accurate.

One historical nuance: the original 1851 Navy was .36 calibre. The .44 version of this action is technically the 1851 Army pattern.

The Pietta 1851 Navy in .44 is correct as a reproduction. Worth knowing if you discuss it with period-arms collectors.

Pietta 1851 Navy Specifications

• Calibre: .44 (black powder)
• Suggested ball diameter: 0.454 inches
• Capacity: 6 shots
• Barrel: 7.5 inches, octagonal
• Barrel finish: Steel (in the white)
• Frame finish: Case hardened
• Sight type: Bead front
• Grip: Cream polymer
• Ignition: Percussion

⚠ Note: the spec table says Barrel Finish: Steel, meaning the barrel is in the white, unblued. The title reads “Blued Barrel” — verify with your distributor which is correct before publishing. These look very different on arrival.

What You Need to Shoot It

The Pietta 1851 Navy does not arrive ready to fire.

You need loose black powder or an approved substitute, 0.454″ round balls, percussion caps sized to these nipples, and lubricant or wads.

A capper, a nipple wrench and a nipple pick are practical investments before range day.

Browse our black powder supplies for consumables. Never use smokeless powder in any black powder arm. Work within the charge range Pietta specifies for this revolver.

Cleaning — Same Day

Black powder fouling is hygroscopic and corrosive.

Clean with hot soapy water the day you shoot. Remove the cylinder, clean every chamber and nipple, dry thoroughly, then oil before storage.

This is not optional. A modern centrefire can wait a day; this cannot.

How It Compares in the Range

The Pietta 1851 Navy is the only .44 in the cap-and-ball revolver section. The other three are all .36:

• Pietta Spiller and Burr — $360, brass frame, Confederate impression
• Pietta 1858 Remington Navy — $370, steel frame, accepts Howell conversion
• Traditions US Marshall — $350, 8″ barrel, case-hardened frame

Choose the Pietta 1851 Navy if you want .44 calibre or a classic pre-war octagonal barrel profile. Choose one of the .36s if smaller bore and a broader range of period impressions matter more.

Browse the full black powder revolvers range.

Ordering

Percussion muzzleloading revolvers are generally not classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act. Federal law typically permits direct shipment to the buyer.

State and local rules vary. Confirm legality at your delivery address before ordering. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction.

Antique and reproduction black powder classifications are administered by the ATF. Competition schedules are published by the NMLRA and the N-SSA.

Review our terms and conditions before ordering, or contact us with questions about your state. Black powder and percussion caps ship separately under applicable hazmat rules.

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Pietta reproduction of the 1851 Navy frame in .44 calibre. 7.5″ octagonal barrel, case-hardened steel frame, 6-shot cylinder, bead front sight, cream polymer grips. Barrel finish: verify blued vs. in-the-white before publishing — title and spec table currently disagree. Takes 0.454″ balls. Ships direct, no FFL required. Powder, balls and caps sold separately.

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💬 Before You Go — Running .44 or .36?

Own a 1851 Navy? Leave a review — and tell us whether the .44 bore made a practical difference over .36 for your shooting, because that’s the question every buyer of this revolver is weighing. And if you came looking for a pattern we don’t stock, tell us which one. ⚔️

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Please purchase and use black powder arms responsibly and in accordance with all federal, state and local laws. Percussion muzzleloading revolvers are generally not classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act, and federal law typically permits direct shipment to the buyer — however state and local restrictions vary, and it is the buyer’s responsibility to verify legality at the delivery address prior to purchase. Buyers must meet the minimum legal age in their jurisdiction. Never use smokeless powder in a black powder arm. Observe the manufacturer’s specified charge range. Black powder and percussion caps ship separately under applicable hazmat regulations. Not for sale to persons prohibited from possessing firearms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FFL to buy this? Generally no. Percussion muzzleloading revolvers aren’t classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act, so federal law usually permits shipment directly to you. State rules vary — check yours.

Was the 1851 Navy really a .44? The original 1851 Colt Navy was .36 calibre. The .44 frame on this Pietta is technically the 1851 Army pattern. Pietta and most retailers sell it as “1851 Navy .44” — it is correct as a reproduction, though purist collectors will note the distinction.

Is the barrel blued or in the white? The spec table says Steel (in the white), but the title says blued. We’re confirming with the distributor — this note will be updated when resolved.

What ball diameter does it take? 0.454 inches — larger than the .36 calibre revolvers in the range, which take 0.375″.

How does .44 compare to .36? More energy at cap-and-ball distances. Practically relevant for small game; at paper-target ranges the difference is modest.

What are the grips made of? Cream polymer. The listing says “cream grip” and the spec table says “Polymer.”

How do I clean it after shooting? Hot soapy water the same day — remove the cylinder and clean every chamber and nipple. Dry completely, then oil. Black powder fouling is corrosive.

Is it suited for reenacting? The 1851 Navy frame was widely used by both sides of the Civil War. For a strictly .36-calibre impression use one of the other revolvers in the range.