Why was the old long colt called "Navy Colt" when (I think) the pistol was used primarily by everyone but the Navy in the 19th century? I think the Navy in those days did t even carry sidearms for the most part (correct me if I'm wrong). Thanks!
Bear Crap
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A quote from Wiki that sums it up fairly well;
The designation "Colt 1851 Navy" was applied by collectors, though the popular name "Navy Revolver" is of early origin, as the gun was frequently called the "Colt Revolving Belt Pistol of Naval Caliber". (ibid, Wilson) The cylinder was engraved with a scene of the victory of the Second Texas Navy at the Battle of Campeche on May 16, 1843. The Texas Navy had purchased the earlier Colt Paterson Revolver, but this was Colt's first major success in the gun trade; the naval theme of the engraved cylinder of the Colt 1851 Navy revolver was Colt's gesture of appreciation. Despite the "Navy" designation, the revolver was chiefly purchased by civilians and military land forces(ibid Wilson 1985).
So now ya know why.........
august
The "old long colt" was called the Colt Single Action Army, not the Colt Navy. The Colt Navy was, originally, a blackpowder cap-and-ball revolver.
The .45 Colt that you're probably thinking about- the "Long Colt"- is a misnomer. There has never been a .45 Long Colt. There was a .41 Long Colt, but never a .45 with that name. People named it that once the .45 ACP came out to distinguish between them, because both were Colt rounds.
As for why it was called the "Navy," during the Civil War naval warfare was often practiced at sidearm ranges. It was, most likely, one of several pistols issued to naval personnel with the Confederacy.
Which brings up another point- it was called the "Navy Revolver" to differentiate it from the Union's preferred sidearm- the Colt Army Model 1860.
ever vigilant
Great answer Bear Crap......