The Colt 1851 Navy is one of the most iconic revolvers in American history. Designed by Samuel Colt and introduced in 1850, this .36 caliber, single-action percussion revolver became a favorite among military personnel, lawmen, and civilians alike. Known for its elegant design, reliability, and impressive accuracy, the Colt 1851 Navy earned its place as a trusted sidearm during pivotal moments in history, including the American Civil War and the expansion of the American West. Its unique octagonal barrel and intricate engravings make it as much a work of art as a weapon. Today, the Colt 1851 Navy remains a cherished collector's item and a symbol of innovation from the mid-19th century. Its legacy continues to captivate firearm enthusiasts and history buffs worldwide.

These are my Colt Navy revolvers, reproductions, of course because they are guilty of being one thing... .44 caliber. I have heard over the course of the months that i have been in the black powder firearm community, that having a firearm that is not historically correct is something of a taboo. I'm personally a fan of the .44 caliber revolvers, .36 and under don't seem to be as fun. But then again that's just my opinion. If the thought is to present 19th century revolvers to the 21st century then I agree the caliber of the originals should be respected when thinking of the reproductions. Yet when I think about this I can't help but think about the century connected to these firearms. If we are thinking about historical accuracy then I would be regarded as not even a man. I have be listening to The Civil War. A Narrative by Shelby Foote. I enjoy listening to this audiobook because it highlights the military engagements of the Civil War. It also captures something else, the attitude towards the people of color in that era. It's well known and well documented that people of color, namely of African heritage were enslaved. Subjected to horrible degradations, abuse and scorn, the 19th century was one of the darkest centuries in American history. So when i hold a reproduction of a weapon from that moment in time it's bittersweet. The ingenuity it took to design, perfect and build these machines, without the benefit of something as simple as electricity is amazing. But then the darker side comes out, the thoughts of a southern white man clutching one of the revolvers you see above. Holding it to the head of a black man while calling him "nigger" and threatening his life does ache in my heart. How can i enjoy the history of an era where people that look similar to me suffered so horribly? The crux, to me, of political correctness is to not so much to acknowledge but to acknowledge and dismiss the subject of slavery. I personally can't, I often wonder what i can do to represent my view that we are all equal? It's a question I ask, and the answer comes not as quickly as I would like, but clear. Treat everyone with the respect I have come to expect and continue to be a black man in a cowboy hat. boots and leather holsters, shooting 19th century firearms.