Description

Traditions US Marshall Black Powder Revolver — .36 Caliber, 8″ Barrel

The Traditions US Marshall is a .36 calibre percussion revolver based on the 1861 Navy Colt pattern, with an 8-inch round barrel, a case-hardened frame, and black PVC grips embossed with the US Marshal Service badge.

It ships to your door. No FFL transfer required — see the ordering section.

What “1861 Navy” Means

The original 1861 Colt Navy was a refined version of the 1851 Navy. Colt switched from an octagonal barrel to a round barrel and simplified the loading lever latch.

The round barrel on the Traditions US Marshall follows this later pattern. The 1:30 twist rate is correct for the era.

The case-hardened frame is a surface treatment that creates a mottled blue-grey pattern. It is the period finish, not a marketing term.

Traditions US Marshall Specifications

• Calibre: .36 (black powder)
• Capacity: 6 shots
• Barrel: 8 inches, round, blued
• Twist rate: 1:30
• Overall length: 13 inches
• Weight: 2.61 lbs
• Frame finish: Case hardened
• Grip: Black PVC, single piece, US Marshal badge embossed
• Sights: Hammer/blade
• Trigger: Single action
• Ignition: Percussion

What You Need to Shoot It

The Traditions US Marshall does not arrive ready to fire.

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

A capper, a nipple wrench and a nipple pick are worth buying up front. Browse our black powder supplies for consumables.

Never use smokeless powder in any black powder arm. Work within the charge range Traditions specifies for this revolver.

The 8-Inch Barrel — Longer Than the Others

The two Pietta revolvers in this range have 6.375″ and 6.5″ barrels. The Traditions US Marshall runs an 8-inch tube.

That extra 1.5 inches gives a longer sight radius and more velocity per grain of powder. At typical cap-and-ball ranges it is a modest accuracy advantage that becomes more meaningful the further you shoot.

The tradeoff is that 13 inches overall is a large carry package. This is a range and display revolver, not a compact sidearm.

Cleaning — Non-Negotiable

Black powder fouling is hygroscopic and corrosive. It attacks steel the same day it is deposited.

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

This is not optional on a black powder arm. A modern centrefire revolver can wait a day; this one cannot.

Where It Sits in the Range

We carry three .36 calibre percussion revolvers:

• Pietta Spiller and Burr — $360, brass frame, 6.5″ octagonal barrel, Confederate impression
• Pietta 1858 Remington Navy — $370, steel frame, 6.375″ tapered octagonal, accepts Howell conversion
• Traditions US Marshall — $350, case-hardened frame, 8″ round barrel, US Marshal embossed grips

The decision between them is usually straightforward: Confederate impression → Spiller & Burr; conversion option → 1858 Remington; longest barrel and lawman theme → this one.

Browse the full black powder revolvers range for other options.

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 — several states restrict black powder arms. Confirm legality at your delivery address before ordering.

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

Review our terms and conditions before ordering, or contact us about shipping to your state. Buyers must be of legal age in their jurisdiction. Black powder and percussion caps ship separately under applicable hazmat rules.

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Percussion .36 calibre revolver on the 1861 Navy Colt pattern. 8″ round blued barrel, 1:30 twist, case-hardened frame, 6-shot cylinder, black PVC grips embossed with the US Marshal badge. 13″ overall, 2.61 lbs. Grip material is PVC — not walnut. Ships direct, no FFL required. Powder, balls and caps sold separately.

The bolded grip note prevents returns. The description currently says walnut and the spec table says polymer — that confusion ends here.

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💬 Before You Go — Running This One at the Range?

Own a US Marshall? Leave a review — and tell us how the case-hardened frame holds up after a few range sessions, because that’s the question a new buyer can’t easily research. And if you came looking for a revolver 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 on black powder arms 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.

Are the grips walnut or PVC? PVC. The description currently says walnut — that’s an error. The grips are black polymer embossed with the US Marshal badge.

What size ball does it take? .375 inches — the same as both Pietta .36 calibre revolvers in the range.

Why does the frame look mottled rather than solid blue? That’s case hardening — a surface treatment that creates a blue-grey marbled pattern. It’s the period-correct finish and a deliberate feature.

Why buy the 8″ barrel over the shorter Pietta models? Longer sight radius and slightly more velocity. The 1.5″ extra barrel is meaningful at longer range targets; it makes the gun bigger and harder to carry.

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 and can’t wait.

Is it suited for reenacting? The “US Marshall” theme is more cowboy-era than Civil War. For a period impression see the Pietta models; this one suits frontier or lawman-themed events.

Is it good for a first cap-and-ball revolver? Yes — no FFL simplifies the purchase, .36 calibre is mild to shoot, and the Traditions brand has good parts and support availability