Tell me more! Colt m1851 Question

[Johnny676767]

Is it common for the m1851 Navy to have this slot or bore? I'm not sure of the terminology. Is it called a capping bore? Perhaps it's present because it is a later production? I appreciate the information.

 

[TexBadger]

yeah... it is called a capping groove. I think this feature was introduced around 1858 (type IV)

 

[Salterr]

According to colts serial number lookup yours is produced in 1863. Boy do I like that one!

 

[UCVRelics]

Is it common for the m1851 Navy to have this slot or bore? I'm not sure of the terminology. Is it called a capping bore? Perhaps it's present because it is a later production? I appreciate the information.

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There are several different versions of it. The groove came about as there were issues with losing the cap in trying to get it on the nipple in a hurry. The groove allowed the cap to slide down the groove and on the nipple with less chance of loss.

 

[Joe Whitworth]

I'm thinking that groove was to better allow the use of a capper.