Fluted Army Model 1860

[101combatvet]

When did they start production of the fluted cylinder? Did the army issue them? I shot black powder pistols before and I don't recall a need for fluting to reduce heat... what was it's purpose?

 

[Bob Owen]

It's purpose was to reduce weight. The first run of 1860 Colt Armies were fluted. These were the first revolvers to be fluted. There were several instances where the cylinders bursted and they were dropped from production.

 

[Bob Owen]

The third model dragoon was tested with flutes prior to the 1860 Army, but was not in regular production.

 

[101combatvet]

So are the fluted examples rare?

 

[101combatvet]

The third model dragoon was tested with flutes prior to the 1860 Army, but was not in regular production.

The 3rd model was one heavy beast.

 

[Bob Owen]

So are the fluted examples rare?

Yes. They command a premium over the regular 1860's.