The Traditions 1851 Navy is a .44 caliber black powder percussion revolver with a 7.38-inch octagon barrel and walnut grips, replicating the original 1851 Colt Navy design. 
 

Key Specifications 

• Condition: New in Box 
• Manufacturer: Traditions 
• Type: Muzzleloader 
• Caliber: .44 Black Powder 
• Barrel Length: 7.38" 
• Weight: 2.50 lbs 
• Overall Length (OAL): 13.50" 
• Action: Open Top 
• Barrel: Octagon 
• Grips Material: Walnut 
• Ignition System: #11 Percussion 
• Sights: Hammer/Blade 
• Finish: Blued 
   

Detailed Features 

The #11 percussion ignition system is standard for this pattern of revolver. Nipples accept commercially available #11 caps. The octagon barrel profile matches the original 1851 design. Walnut grips are shaped to the period profile. At 2.5 lbs it is lighter than full-sized modern revolvers. Loading requires a powder measure, ball or conical bullet, and a rammer, then capping each chamber before firing.

The 1851 Navy draws its audience from black powder shooters, reenactors, and collectors who specifically want this pattern of revolver. Within that group, feedback is mostly positive on appearance and historical authenticity.

Shooters familiar with cap-and-ball revolvers note that performance is consistent with the design's expectations. Accuracy is good at typical handgun distances with proper loads, and the percussion ignition is reliable with quality caps. The loading process is part of the experience for most buyers rather than a complaint.

Common criticisms from people less familiar with black powder: the cleaning requirement after use is more involved than for modern firearms, and accessories (caps, powder measure, patches) must be sourced separately. Weight and handling are occasionally mentioned as less intuitive than modern revolvers. Some buyers compare it favorably to other Italian-made 1851 replicas at similar price points.