Description

Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo Black Powder Revolver — .31 Caliber, 4″ Barrel

The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo is a .31 calibre pocket percussion revolver — the smallest and lightest arm in the range, at 1.5 lbs and 9.5 inches overall.

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

The Compact Argument

Every other revolver in this range weighs between 2.4 and 2.75 lbs. The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo weighs 1.5 lbs.

At .31 calibre with a 4-inch octagonal barrel, this is a pocket arm, not a belt gun.

The original 1849 Pocket was Colt’s civilian carry revolver during the Gold Rush era and reportedly the most widely produced Colt percussion revolver of its time.

The Wells Fargo model omits the loading lever. No lever assembly under the barrel — that is what contributes to the compact dimensions and lighter weight.

Charges are loaded from the front of the cylinder with a separate rod, the traditional loading tool for this pattern.

Historical Line — Baby Dragoon to Wells Fargo to 1849 Pocket

The description traces the lineage accurately:

1848 Baby Dragoon — first compact civilian Colt, square trigger guard backstrap, no loading lever.

Wells Fargo Model (1849) — rounded backstrap and trigger guard, still no loading lever. This is what this revolver reproduces.

1849 Pocket Model — Colt added a loading lever; became the most common variant in production.

The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo reproduces the middle pattern: rounded backstrap, no lever, brass backstrap and trigger guard, 5-shot cylinder.

Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo Specifications

• Calibre: .31 (black powder)
• Suggested ball diameter: 0.33 inches
• Capacity: 5 shots
• Barrel: 4 inches, octagonal, blued
• Frame finish: Case coloured
• Backstrap and trigger guard: Brass
• Overall length: 9.5 inches
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Sights: Brass post front
• Grip: One-piece walnut
• Ignition: Percussion
• No loading lever fitted

What “No Loading Lever” Means in Practice

Every other percussion revolver in this range has a loading lever pinned below the barrel. You use it to seat balls into the chambers without removing the cylinder.

The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo has no lever. To load, you remove the cylinder, charge each chamber individually with powder and ball, then replace it.

At the range this is straightforward. At an event with limited kit it takes more preparation.

Many owners carry a pre-charged spare cylinder — the 5-shot capacity makes this worthwhile.

.31 Calibre — What It Is and What It Is Not

.31 calibre is a light, mild-recoiling black powder cartridge. The 0.33-inch ball is the smallest in the range.

It is not a defensive calibre. It was not designed to be. The 1849 Pocket Model was a gentleman’s carry revolver for an era when any revolver represented a significant deterrent.

As a range and collection piece it is pleasant to shoot: low recoil, moderate powder charge, quick to cap. As an exercise in period mechanics it is among the most refined of the compact Colt patterns.

What You Need to Shoot It

This revolver does not arrive ready to fire. You need loose black powder or an approved substitute, 0.33″ round balls, percussion caps, and lubricant or wads. A nipple wrench and nipple pick are strongly recommended.

Browse our black powder supplies for consumables.

Never use smokeless powder in a black powder arm. Observe the charge range Uberti specifies for this revolver.

Cleaning

Black powder fouling is corrosive. Clean with hot soapy water the same day you shoot.

Remove the cylinder, clean every chamber and nipple, dry all parts thoroughly, then oil before storage. Brass backstrap and trigger guard should be wiped dry — brass does not rust, but moisture accelerates patina.

Where It Sits in the Range

The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo is the only .31 calibre revolver and the only no-loading-lever model. Nothing else in the range matches its pocket dimensions.

The Uberti 1849 Wells Fargo is the only .31 calibre and the only pocket-size arm in the range. The larger options:

• Pietta Spiller and Burr — .36, brass frame
• Pietta 1858 Remington Navy — .36, steel, conversion-ready
• Traditions US Marshall — .36, 8″ barrel
• Pietta 1851 Navy .44 — .44 calibre
• Traditions 1860 Army — .44, engraved brass frame
• Uberti 1861 Navy — .36, Uberti quality, 7.5″ barrel

Browse the full black powder revolvers range.

Ordering

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

State and local rules vary — confirm legality at your delivery address before ordering.

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

Review our terms and conditions before ordering, or contact us with questions about your state.

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SHORT DESCRIPTION (above Add to Cart)

Uberti reproduction of the 1849 Wells Fargo Model. .31 calibre percussion, 4″ octagonal blued barrel, case coloured steel frame, brass backstrap and trigger guard, 5-shot cylinder, brass post front sight, one-piece walnut grip. No loading lever — cylinder must be removed to load. 9.5″ overall, 1.5 lbs. Takes 0.33″ balls. Ships direct, no FFL required. Powder, balls and caps sold separately.

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💬 Before You Go — Running This One or Interested?

Own a Wells Fargo 1849? Leave a review — and tell us how you find loading without a lever compared to the larger revolvers, because that’s the practical question every buyer of this pattern asks. And if you came looking for something we don’t stock, tell us what it was. ⚔️

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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.

Why does this one have no loading lever? It reproduces the Wells Fargo model, which Colt designed without one. To load, remove the cylinder, charge each chamber with powder and ball, and replace. Many owners use a spare pre-charged cylinder.

What ball size does it take? 0.33 inches — smaller than the .36 calibre revolvers (.375″) and much smaller than the .44 (.454″).

Is .31 calibre powerful? No — it is a light, mild civilian pocket calibre. This is a range and collection arm, not a defensive one.

How is the frame finished? Case coloured — a mottled blue-grey and brown surface treatment. The title says “Blue” but the spec table correctly says “Case Colored.” These look different.

What’s the capacity? 5 shots — one fewer than the six-shot .36 and .44 revolvers in the range.

Is it good for reenacting? It suits frontier and civilian impressions from the 1849–1860 period rather than the Civil War.

Is the brass backstrap period correct? Yes — brass backstraps and trigger guards were standard on the Wells Fargo model.