Colt 2nd Gen F-Series 1860 Army .44 Cartridge Conversion 1978-82 Modern
SOLD FOR: $4125
LSB#: 230329KK058
Make: Colt, 2nd Generation “F” Series
Model: 1860 Army, Richards Conversion
Serial Number: 210820437
Year of Manufacture: 1978 – 1982, Modern Conversion
Caliber: .44 We could not verify the exact cartridge this revolver uses.
Action Type: Single Action Revolver with Side Loading Gate Cylinder
Barrel Length: 8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short, coin silver colored, blade at the muzzle end of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch that is integral to the installed conversion plate.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is one-piece smooth wood. There are light handling and storage marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original to Rebuild
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 9.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish as rebuilt. The percussion cylinder and loading lever have been replaced with a cartridge conversion kit. Also, the hammer face has been machined to facilitate this change. Several areas have been retouched with cold blue. The metal shows scattered light surface scratches, scuffs and dings from handling and storage. There is light dragging marks on the cylinder from action wear. The cartridge ejector tube, spring and loading level fill-in have oxidation. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are deep. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine Plus condition as rebuilt.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has no play when locked up and the barrel is tightly fit. The revolver has been converted to fire modern cartridges. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a “2nd Generation” Model 1860 Army revolver made between 1978 and 1982, also referred to as the “F”-series. While some forgings or small parts were supplied by subcontractors, all of the completed pistols were produced to Colt’s strict specifications and quality control with final inspection performed by Colt, with the result that despite some work being performed outside the Colt factory, collectors tend to regard these revolvers as original Colts rather than reproductions. This 1860 Army has been converted to take cartridges with a “Richards” conversion kit. The Army model was chosen by the US military in the American Civil War over the Dragoon for its weight and better handling characteristics. This revolver was also well favored by Confederate soldiers when able to be sourced. It has a six-shot cylinder and a 8-inch round barrel. The revolver features a case colored frame, a blued steel barrel, a one-piece walnut grip and cylinder engraving of a naval battle. This 2nd Generation 1860 Army is a great example of a cartridge conversion with strong mechanics, a bright bore, tight fit and all serial numbers matching. This revolver is also set up for a stock, but no stock is included. If you are a fan of Colt conversions, and still want to be able to fire modern rounds; this revolver is for you!
-Luke
