'60 Colt/ '51 grips

[Slowhand Bob]

I recently saw photos of a supposedly original 60 Colt Army that had  navy grips with matching serial numbers.  I am thinking the numbers were in the low two digit range and the comments claimed the first run of Army Colts actually all had Navy size grips on them.  Is this a true fact and where would one find more on this.   I would like to find the original post if anyone else knows where I found it?

[Fingers McGee]

It's true.  The first Armies came in 7 1/2 and 8 inch barrel lengths, with either Army or Navy grips, with rebated or full fluted cylinders and either cut for a shoulder stock or not.  Eventually, they settled on the 8 inch, Army gripped rebated cylinder model.  

"Colt - An American Legend" R.L. Wilson

[hellgate]

I have an imaginary model (repro) "1861 Navy 44" by ASM that is basically an 1860 Army upper with an 1851 Navy lower (grips). I like it.

[Mako]

Bob,

You're asking on the wrong forum, those would be pictures I posted:

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,37610.msg480302.html#msg480302

Yep it's true, there's no doubt, they are early 1860 manufacture.

Regards,
Mako

[Slowhand Bob]

Mako, you be the man pard.  I knew I had seen this but just couldnt remember where, thanks a ton.  I have another pard who is interested in this stuff.

Hellgate, I have a pair of the shiny 1851 Pietta in short barl .44, as sold by Cabellas and really like them a ton.  They are really good shooters and lots of fun to the point that I am considering a big move based around them.  I think I will sell my long barl Cimaron R/Ms at the next regional to fund having these converted to cartridge .45s by Raven.  Course then I would have to buy another pair just like them for shooting Frontiersman!  OH, did I mention that I really like them!