Make: Colt

Model: 1851 Navy Stainless

Serial Number: 29320S

Year of Manufacture: 1982 / ATF antique

Caliber: .36 Black Powder

Action Type: Percussion Cap Black Powder Revolver with a 6-Shot Cylinder

Barrel Length: 7 1/2"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass cone at the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a V notch in the end of the hammer that is visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a one piece smooth walnut. There is light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall this grip is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright. The rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer's opinion this bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 99% of its original finish. There is light handling wear. There is light operational wear on the loading lever. There are a few very minor corrosion freckles. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. The hammer locks at full and half. The timing is good. The cylinder stop locks tight. As with any used gun a full cleaning may be required to meet your standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory Box, Manual, Display Box, Flask, Cap Tin, Tool, Key, Bullet Mould.

Our Assessment: The Colt 1851 Navy 2nd Generation Stainless is a modern-era revival of one of the most iconic percussion revolvers of the mid-19th century, produced during Colt’s late 20th century reintroduction of its black powder line. The original 1851 Navy earned a strong reputation for its balance, reliability, and refined handling, becoming a widely used sidearm in both civilian and military contexts. This 1982 example preserves that classic form while incorporating a stainless steel construction, offering improved resistance to corrosion while maintaining the traditional Colt open-top design and naval battle cylinder scene.

Chambered in .36 caliber black powder, this revolver follows the traditional six-shot percussion configuration with a 7 1/2" octagonal barrel, providing a long sight radius and steady handling. The simple sighting system, consisting of a brass mortised front cone and hammer-notch rear, remains faithful to period design. The stainless finish complements the revolver’s historical profile while offering practical durability, particularly beneficial for black powder firearms where fouling can accelerate wear if not properly maintained.

This example presents in excellent condition, retaining approximately 99% of its original finish with only light handling and minor operational wear, most notably on the loading lever. The walnut grip is well preserved with minimal wear and no structural concerns, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. The action functions correctly with good timing and tight cylinder lockup, indicating strong mechanical integrity. Accompanied by a display box and a full complement of accessories including a flask, cap tin, tool, key, and bullet mold, this revolver represents a clean and well-maintained example of a Colt 2nd Generation Navy with strong presentation appeal.