.36 or .44 Which is more popular?

Mark B · April 9, 2008, 01:45 PM

I just bought an 1858 New Army.36 cal from Cabelas that should be here in a week or so. I'm excited to get back to shooting BP, I have a 20+ year old 1851 Navy that I haven't shot for years due to problems with cylinder rotation. My first BP revolver was an Uberti 1860 .44 that was a lot of fun. I went back and forth between .44 and .36 cal and opted for the .36 because I still have balls for it. I was wondering which is more popular with the good folks on TFL. Also if anybody cares to post their favorite loads for their .36 Remi I'd love to hear it.
Thanks!

Raider2000 · April 9, 2008, 01:55 PM

I would think that the .44 caliber Cap & ball revolvers would be more popular because of the more offerings available in that caliber than .36.

Pahoo · April 9, 2008, 03:04 PM

Raider2000 + 1

Mark B · April 9, 2008, 03:11 PM

You're probably right, in fact I could only find 1 .36 1858 on Cabelas, Midway, or cheaper than dirt, and it doesn't even come in the original bbl length.

45Marlin carbine · April 9, 2008, 03:20 PM

IMO the .44 is, but I do see some .36 Colt '51's.

Phantom Captain · April 9, 2008, 03:36 PM

Well I'm gonna agree that the .44 is more popular but I really love my .36s. I find it to be more accurate too, either in my colt repros or my remington repro. Smaller bore, more pressure, less recoil, flatter trajectory maybe? Can't say for sure but if I had to shoot in a competition I would take my '51 or '61 Navy or even my Remington Navy over my bigger .44s everytime.

Don't get me wrong, I love the .44s too, especially the Horse Pistols (I own a Walker, Dragoon 2nd Model, couple of '60 Armies and a Remington '58 NMA) with more smoke, bigger boom and bigger holes.

But like I said, in my humble opinion you can't beat the "little" .36. I think you are gonna be really impressed with that Cabelas Remington NMN .36. I have one and it's quite a shooter.

All my .36s (3 Uberti Colts and 1 Pietta Remington) are really happy with 20-25 grains 3f Goex BP, wad over powder and .375 balls I cast myself!

Jamie C. · April 9, 2008, 03:42 PM

I'm rather odd, I guess, since I like the medium calibers - .38, .357, 9mm - in modern guns, but prefer the larger ones - .44, .45 - in BP guns.

Still, even for that, I really need a .36 Remington to match my .44.

J.C.

Mark B · April 9, 2008, 04:36 PM

Thanks for the load Captain!
So does anyone know if the Cabelas 1858 New Army is an Uberti or a Pietta?

Phantom Captain · April 9, 2008, 05:18 PM

The Cabelas 1858 New Model Navy .36 is a Pietta.

Here's mine, same as yours:

Stainless Steel Uberti 1858 New Model Army .44 and Pietta 1858 New Model Navy .36 (Cabelas)

Fingers McGee · April 9, 2008, 06:53 PM

I'd say that the .44 is more popular only cause there are more models made for that caliber. As far a looks, feel, accuracy, and economy goes; IMNSHO, nothing can beat an 1851 or 1861 Navy in .36 cal. Maybe that's why I have more than a dozen of em.

Hawg · April 9, 2008, 07:17 PM

I've got three .44's but no .36's. I really need a .36 51 Navy.

Phantom Captain · April 9, 2008, 07:23 PM

Hawg Haggen said:

Quote:

I've got three .44's but no .36's. I really need a .36 51 Navy.

Yes, yes you do.

Hawg · April 9, 2008, 07:28 PM

I almost bought one instead of my 60 Army but I was already set up to cast 44 balls. A .36 means yet another bullet mold.

grymster2007 · April 9, 2008, 07:41 PM

Couldn't you people wait 'til I gather all the .44s I need, before you go hypin' up the .36s?

long rider · April 9, 2008, 09:34 PM

Well i mouthed of about me geting my 36 cal remmy,
now i am not sure i did the right thing,

i was in two
minds to get me another 44 remmy?. like i have said
before i like the look of a open top but remmys got them
beat by a long shot, thats just my OPINON.

Hawg · April 10, 2008, 04:01 AM

I like Remington and have had one for many years. Got another one last year and a 60 Colt. The Colt feels better and points better and I find myself shooting it more.

Phantom Captain · April 10, 2008, 08:44 AM

Yep,

I have a total of two Remington repros and seven Colts. Guess which I like better?? Always been a Colt man, there's just something about them. They are definitely easier to clean too. Aesthetically, nothing compares to the Colts.

In my opinion anyone and EVERYONE into cap and ball revolvers needs a '51 or a '61 Navy or two in .36. It was the most popular and prolific pistol in it's time.

long rider · April 10, 2008, 11:22 AM

I dont know how you can say that the colt is easier
to clean than the remmy? for a start there is less parts
to strip down and the remmy has a one peace frame which
is less liable to work lose, but haveing said that my next
pistol will be the 1860 in 44 cal.
Maybe i should have got me one insted of the 36 remmy.

scrat · April 10, 2008, 03:03 PM

44 guilty i have 4 of them

byronw999 · April 10, 2008, 10:10 PM

I got a .36 Remmy from Cabelas last week and it's a nice shooter.. Had both it and the 44s in my hands .. All felt great.. Ended up goin with the 36 since it's cheaper to shoot... Components sure arent getting any cheaper..

dmb3006 · April 11, 2008, 11:01 PM

I would love to see a kit to convert a ROA to .36 caliber.I love my big Ruger;but my .36 1858 Remington goes to the range every time.Still I'm very fond of my 1858 .44.The cost would be out of this world.

Mark B · April 18, 2008, 12:27 PM

Here's a photo of my two .36s. The 1858 arrived a few days ago, my son and I will take it out this weekend to shoot. The fit and finish on this gun is very good, and the grips have some nice grain. As soon as I took it out of the box and started wiping it down I thought, "now I'm gonna have to get the pocket .31

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Phantom Captain · April 18, 2008, 01:14 PM

Very nice Mark B,

A friend of mine just picked up an original (I believe the production date on it was mid 1860's) pocket Navy .31 in a box with the powder flask and mold for $1000.

. I really really liked it. Felt really nice in the hand. There truly is something special about the original Colts. Was in really good shape too, nipples were fine, action was pretty good and some of the engraving was still slightly visible on the cylinder. If only those old guns could tell their stories. He's gonna shoot it too!

Now it's got me looking at a repro pocket Navy too, lol, just what I need!

Raider2000 · April 18, 2008, 03:03 PM

Quote:

He's gonna shoot it too!

He's going to shoot an orriginal piece!!!!

Why?
When he can get one that is a cheap reproduction for loads less & preserve the old beaute.

Hawg · April 18, 2008, 03:07 PM

Quote:

He's going to shoot an orriginal piece!!!!

Why not? I shot an original 58 Remington with military cartouche. I shoot a .577 Enfield dated 1861. I shoot a 12 gauge sxs made in the 1840's.

View Poll Results: Which one do you like best?
.36 Cal	12	30.00%
.44 Cal	28	70.00%
Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

April 9, 2008, 01:45 PM	#1
Mark B Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 334	.36 or .44 Which is more popular? I just bought an 1858 New Army.36 cal from Cabelas that should be here in a week or so. I'm excited to get back to shooting BP, I have a 20+ year old 1851 Navy that I haven't shot for years due to problems with cylinder rotation. My first BP revolver was an Uberti 1860 .44 that was a lot of fun. I went back and forth between .44 and .36 cal and opted for the .36 because I still have balls for it. I was wondering which is more popular with the good folks on TFL. Also if anybody cares to post their favorite loads for their .36 Remi I'd love to hear it. Thanks!

April 9, 2008, 03:36 PM	#6
Phantom Captain Member Join Date: March 27, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 78	Well I'm gonna agree that the .44 is more popular but I really love my .36s. I find it to be more accurate too, either in my colt repros or my remington repro. Smaller bore, more pressure, less recoil, flatter trajectory maybe? Can't say for sure but if I had to shoot in a competition I would take my '51 or '61 Navy or even my Remington Navy over my bigger .44s everytime. Don't get me wrong, I love the .44s too, especially the Horse Pistols (I own a Walker, Dragoon 2nd Model, couple of '60 Armies and a Remington '58 NMA) with more smoke, bigger boom and bigger holes. But like I said, in my humble opinion you can't beat the "little" .36. I think you are gonna be really impressed with that Cabelas Remington NMN .36. I have one and it's quite a shooter. All my .36s (3 Uberti Colts and 1 Pietta Remington) are really happy with 20-25 grains 3f Goex BP, wad over powder and .375 balls I cast myself! __________________ 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. F

April 9, 2008, 03:42 PM	#7
Jamie C. Member Join Date: May 27, 2007 Posts: 46	I'm rather odd, I guess, since I like the medium calibers - .38, .357, 9mm - in modern guns, but prefer the larger ones - .44, .45 - in BP guns. Still, even for that, I really need a .36 Remington to match my .44. J.C. __________________ The irrational can't be made rational any more than one can find reason in the unreasonable.

April 9, 2008, 05:18 PM	#9
Phantom Captain Member Join Date: March 27, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 78	The Cabelas 1858 New Model Navy .36 is a Pietta. Here's mine, same as yours: Stainless Steel Uberti 1858 New Model Army .44 and Pietta 1858 New Model Navy .36 (Cabelas) __________________ 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. F

April 9, 2008, 01:55 PM	#2
Raider2000 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 719	I would think that the .44 caliber Cap & ball revolvers would be more popular because of the more offerings available in that caliber than .36.

April 9, 2008, 03:04 PM	#3
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Raider2000 + 1

April 9, 2008, 03:11 PM	#4
Mark B Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 334	You're probably right, in fact I could only find 1 .36 1858 on Cabelas, Midway, or cheaper than dirt, and it doesn't even come in the original bbl length.

April 9, 2008, 03:20 PM	#5
45Marlin carbine Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: South-Western North Carolina Posts: 1,124	IMO the .44 is, but I do see some .36 Colt '51's.

April 9, 2008, 04:36 PM	#8
Mark B Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 334	Thanks for the load Captain! So does anyone know if the Cabelas 1858 New Army is an Uberti or a Pietta?

April 9, 2008, 06:53 PM	#10
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I'd say that the .44 is more popular only cause there are more models made for that caliber. As far a looks, feel, accuracy, and economy goes; IMNSHO, nothing can beat an 1851 or 1861 Navy in .36 cal. Maybe that's why I have more than a dozen of em. __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

April 9, 2008, 07:17 PM	#11
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	I've got three .44's but no .36's. I really need a .36 51 Navy.

April 9, 2008, 07:28 PM	#13
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	I almost bought one instead of my 60 Army but I was already set up to cast 44 balls. A .36 means yet another bullet mold.

April 9, 2008, 07:41 PM	#14
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	Couldn't you people wait 'til I gather all the .44s I need, before you go hypin' up the .36s? __________________ grym

April 9, 2008, 09:34 PM	#15
long rider Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 669	Well i mouthed of about me geting my 36 cal remmy, now i am not sure i did the right thing, i was in two minds to get me another 44 remmy?. like i have said before i like the look of a open top but remmys got them beat by a long shot, thats just my OPINON. __________________ Sod Buster Tried To Pull On Willson.

April 10, 2008, 04:01 AM	#16
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,190	I like Remington and have had one for many years. Got another one last year and a 60 Colt. The Colt feels better and points better and I find myself shooting it more.

April 10, 2008, 08:44 AM	#17
Phantom Captain Member Join Date: March 27, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 78	Yep, I have a total of two Remington repros and seven Colts. Guess which I like better?? Always been a Colt man, there's just something about them. They are definitely easier to clean too. Aesthetically, nothing compares to the Colts. In my opinion anyone and EVERYONE into cap and ball revolvers needs a '51 or a '61 Navy or two in .36. It was the most popular and prolific pistol in it's time. __________________ 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. F

April 10, 2008, 11:22 AM	#18
long rider Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2008 Posts: 669	I dont know how you can say that the colt is easier to clean than the remmy? for a start there is less parts to strip down and the remmy has a one peace frame which is less liable to work lose, but haveing said that my next pistol will be the 1860 in 44 cal. Maybe i should have got me one insted of the 36 remmy. __________________ Sod Buster Tried To Pull On Willson.

April 10, 2008, 03:03 PM	#19
scrat Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2008 Posts: 214	44 guilty i have 4 of them

April 10, 2008, 10:10 PM	#20
byronw999 Member Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 46	I got a .36 Remmy from Cabelas last week and it's a nice shooter.. Had both it and the 44s in my hands .. All felt great.. Ended up goin with the 36 since it's cheaper to shoot... Components sure arent getting any cheaper..

April 11, 2008, 11:01 PM	#21
dmb3006 Member Join Date: January 15, 2008 Posts: 38	A Ruger Old In .36 I would love to see a kit to convert a ROA to .36 caliber.I love my big Ruger;but my .36 1858 Remington goes to the range every time.Still I'm very fond of my 1858 .44.The cost would be out of this world.

April 18, 2008, 12:27 PM	#22
Mark B Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2007 Posts: 334	Here's a photo of my two .36s. The 1858 arrived a few days ago, my son and I will take it out this weekend to shoot. The fit and finish on this gun is very good, and the grips have some nice grain. As soon as I took it out of the box and started wiping it down I thought, "now I'm gonna have to get the pocket .31[IMG][/IMG]

April 18, 2008, 01:14 PM	#23
Phantom Captain Member Join Date: March 27, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 78	Very nice Mark B, A friend of mine just picked up an original (I believe the production date on it was mid 1860's) pocket Navy .31 in a box with the powder flask and mold for $1000. . I really really liked it. Felt really nice in the hand. There truly is something special about the original Colts. Was in really good shape too, nipples were fine, action was pretty good and some of the engraving was still slightly visible on the cylinder. If only those old guns could tell their stories. He's gonna shoot it too! Now it's got me looking at a repro pocket Navy too, lol, just what I need! __________________ 49th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. F