I am close to purchasing an 1860 Army. Between the blued steel backstrap and the brass backstrap which is more "period" correct? Also nowadays they sell a "civilian" version and a "cut for stock (military)" version -- did they actually differentiate between the two back then? Thanks for the help.
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Blued or Brass backstrap? And what's the deal with civilian models?
- Thread starter MEATSAW
- Start date
The original 1860s had a steel back strap. The "civilian" models were produced without the various frame, back strap cuts and extra screws in the frame for attachment of the shoulder stock. No difference except externals in the civilian models. The only thing to avoid, if you think you may shoot a lot, is the brass framed "confederate" models now being produced. Brass being weaker than steel would indicate that a brass gun shot a lot would show damage sooner.
H.W. French
New member
1860 Civi.
Search the various auction sites "1860 civilian" and you'll get several examples of these civilian varieties. Also, do you have a specific one picked out? From what I've heard the Cimarrons (Uberti) are in short supply at the moment. Mine is on back order and I've been advised by Cimarron and my dealer that it could be 'til the new year.
Good luck.
Search the various auction sites "1860 civilian" and you'll get several examples of these civilian varieties. Also, do you have a specific one picked out? From what I've heard the Cimarrons (Uberti) are in short supply at the moment. Mine is on back order and I've been advised by Cimarron and my dealer that it could be 'til the new year.
Good luck.
I am going the Cimarron route. Since I live only an hour from their headquarters in Fredericksburg, TX I can get one within 1-2 days from placing the order at my local gun store (he again confirmed this when I spoke to them yesterday).
When did they start doing brass backstraps? Seems like that would be a cost saving measure.
So did the military get any of these "civilian" models or did the military only purchase the ones cut for the stock?
When did they start doing brass backstraps? Seems like that would be a cost saving measure.
So did the military get any of these "civilian" models or did the military only purchase the ones cut for the stock?
Fingers McGee
New member
Colt's New Model Holster Pistol of Army caliber - AKA 1860 Army - was primarily produced with the frame and backstrap cut for attachement of the shoulder stock. Some were made to order without the cut. The 1860 Army could also be ordered with full and half fluted cylinders; round brass, square backed, plated or blued iron triggerguards. Backstraps were primarily blued iron; but brass could be ordered.
The cut/not cut, iron/brass Military/Civilian differentiation was invented by collectors and retailers. The only true differentiation is the presence or lack of a U.S. marking on the frame.
The cut/not cut, iron/brass Military/Civilian differentiation was invented by collectors and retailers. The only true differentiation is the presence or lack of a U.S. marking on the frame.
H.W. French
New member
Meat!
Who is your retailer and what is their number? I would very much like to speak with them. I was told by both Buffalo Arms and Cimarron HQ that they had none in stock. But It could be just the specific model I'm looking for (CA047, blued back strap).
Thanks.
Who is your retailer and what is their number? I would very much like to speak with them. I was told by both Buffalo Arms and Cimarron HQ that they had none in stock. But It could be just the specific model I'm looking for (CA047, blued back strap).
Thanks.