copyright William Marion 2008
Black Powder Revolver
The Online Magazine and Resource for Black Powder Revolvers
January 2006 Edition
Are All Powders the Same?
The simple answer is no. As you should be aware there is a definite difference between modern smokeless powders and black powder. And while many of us call ourselves black powder shooters, we are actually shooting a black powder substitute such as Pyrodex. Smokeless powders in addition to being smokeless, also tend to generate more force or muzzle velocity per unit of weight than black powder. Black powder is rather inefficient in its combustion or burning. Notice the term burning rather than exploding. All powders, black or smokeless, burn producing gasses which build up pressure and propel our projective. The rate of burning is a major factor in that the longer a propellant burns, the longer it will propel the bullet down the barrel. It it burns too short, the bullet will not achieve its desired velocity, if it burns too long, the bullet will be long gone and the burning powder does no good.
A major factor in how fast powder burns is its granularity. The reference section describes the common granularities, how they are categorized and what they are used for. Be sure you check the data for your gun before shooting. And by all means, DO NOT use smokeless powder in a black powder firearm. Bad things will happen to your gun and to you.
A major factor in how fast powder burns is its granularity. The reference section describes the common granularities, how they are categorized and what they are used for. Be sure you check the data for your gun before shooting. And by all means, DO NOT use smokeless powder in a black powder firearm. Bad things will happen to your gun and to you.
Page 2
The 1861 Colt Navy
The Colt Model 1861 Navy Revolver is a redesign of the Model 1851 Navy. It appears to have inherited the sleek lines of 1860 Army but in .36 caliber. The 1851 was produced in greater numbers than the 1861 with both models being available until the 1870’s. Most original 1861's have a cylinder that is roll engraved with a scene depicting a naval battle. Today many are mistaken and assume the scene is from the Civil War however, it actually depicts the Texas Navy and Mexican Navy in battle, an event that occurred before the Civil War. Interesting to note, this is one of the first Colt models to be engraved. Previously Colt arms were very utilitarian, but the 1861 started a trend within Colt that lives on to the present. Many engraved Colt firearms are more an artwork than simply a handgun.
The U.S. Navy ordered 1,150 New Models in May and September of 1861. In total 38,843 were produced from 1861 to 1873. Of particular interest, the 1861 is the last model Samuel Colt personally designed and supervised through production prior to his death in January of 1862.
The U.S. Navy ordered 1,150 New Models in May and September of 1861. In total 38,843 were produced from 1861 to 1873. Of particular interest, the 1861 is the last model Samuel Colt personally designed and supervised through production prior to his death in January of 1862.
