Description

Pietta 1858 Remington Navy — .36 Caliber Percussion, 6.375″ Barrel

The Pietta 1858 Remington Navy is a percussion revolver reproduction of the handgun that served both sides of the Civil War and went on to become the dominant cap-and-ball revolver of the frontier era.

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

Why the Pietta 1858 Remington Navy Frame Matters

The Pietta 1858 Remington Navy reproduces a design with a key structural difference from Colt’s contemporary revolvers. The Colts used an open-top frame. Stronger charges could flex it.

The 1858 Remington used a closed top strap that ran from the breech to the muzzle, creating a rigid steel arch above the cylinder. The design was stiffer and could handle heavier charges.

It was also easier to reload. Remove one cylinder, drop in another, continue firing. Union cavalry understood this quickly.

The Conversion Cylinder Option — Read This First

The description mentions Howell Centerfire Conversion Cylinders. This is worth understanding before you buy.

A conversion cylinder replaces the percussion cylinder with one chambered for a metallic cartridge — typically .38 Special or .38 Long Colt.

The Pietta 1858 Remington Navy is a steel frame revolver, so it accepts the Howell conversion. The Spiller & Burr does not — its brass frame is too soft.

The conversion cylinder is sold separately and is not included.

Pietta 1858 Remington Navy Specifications

• Calibre: .36 (black powder)
• Suggested ball diameter: 0.375 inches
• Capacity: 6 shots
• Barrel: 6.375 inches, tapered octagonal, blued
• Overall length: 12 inches
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• Frame: Steel, blued
• Trigger guard: Brass
• Sights: Fixed
• Grips: Two-piece walnut
• Ignition: Percussion
• Manufacturer: Pietta, Italy

Ships to Your Door — No FFL Required

Percussion muzzleloading revolvers are generally not classified as firearms under the Gun Control Act.

Federal law typically permits direct shipment to the buyer. No dealer transfer, no background check, no FFL fee.

State and local law varies. Several states restrict black powder arms, so confirm legality at your delivery address before ordering. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction.

What You Need Before You Shoot

The revolver does not arrive ready to fire.

You need loose black powder or an approved substitute, .375″ round balls or conical projectiles, percussion caps sized to these nipples, and bullet lubricant or pre-lubricated wads.

A capper, nipple wrench and nipple pick will save you a great deal of frustration at the range.

Browse our black powder supplies for consumables. Never substitute smokeless powder in any black powder arm. Observe the charge range the manufacturer specifies for this revolver.

Cleaning the Pietta 1858 Remington Navy

Black powder fouling is corrosive and hygroscopic. It begins attacking steel the moment it is deposited.

Clean the Pietta 1858 Remington Navy with hot soapy water the day you shoot it. Remove the cylinder, clean every chamber, every nipple. Dry the frame and all parts thoroughly, then oil before reassembly and storage.

Miss that step twice and you will find pitting where there was none.

Comparing to the Spiller & Burr

We carry both this revolver and the Pietta Spiller and Burr in .36 calibre at similar prices. One question decides between them.

Do you want the conversion option? If yes, buy this one. The steel frame takes the Howell conversion cylinder and the brass frame does not.

Does the Confederate impression matter? If yes, the Spiller & Burr has a documented Confederate service history. The 1858 Remington was primarily a Union arm.

All other differences between them are minor at this price and calibre.

For period long arms, browse our full black powder revolvers and muzzleloader range, including the Traditions Deluxe Kentucky kit and the Traditions Buckstalker XT.

Ordering

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

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

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Italian-made reproduction of the 1858 Remington New Model. .36 calibre percussion, 6.375″ tapered octagonal blued barrel, steel frame, brass trigger guard, 6-shot cylinder, fixed sights, two-piece walnut grips. 12″ overall, 2.4 lbs. Accepts Howell Centerfire Conversion Cylinder (sold separately) — steel frame only. Ships direct, no FFL required. Powder, balls and caps sold separately.

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💬 Before You Go — Running Metallic or Cap and Ball?

Own a 1858 Remington? Leave a review — and tell us whether you’re running it as-built or with a Howell conversion. That question is the one most buyers are quietly asking. And if you came looking for a pattern we don’t stock, tell us. ⚔️

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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.

Can I convert it to fire metallic cartridges? Yes. The steel frame accepts Howell Centerfire Conversion Cylinders, sold separately. The Spiller & Burr does not — its brass frame is too soft.

What’s the actual barrel length — 6.375″ or 6.5″? 6.375″, which matches Pietta’s published specification. The spec table currently says 6.5″ — that’s an error being corrected.

What size ball does it take? 0.375 inches, same as the Spiller & Burr.

How does the 1858 Remington differ from a Colt pattern revolver? The 1858 uses a closed top strap over the cylinder, making it stiffer and able to handle heavier charges. Colts of the period used an open-top frame.

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 before storage. Black powder fouling is corrosive.

Is it a Union or Confederate revolver? Primarily Union, though it served both sides. For a documented Confederate impression, consider the Spiller & Burr instead.

Is it good for reenacting? Yes — period-correct, well-documented, and visually authentic.