Pietta 1851 Navy Yank Sheriff
F.lli Pietta · Revolver · In Production
Also known as: Pietta 1851 Navy Sheriff, Pietta 1851 Colt Navy Yank Steel Sheriff, Pietta YAS44
Overview
The Pietta 1851 Navy Yank Sheriff is a compact reproduction cap-and-ball revolver based on the Colt 1851 Navy, offered by Italian maker F.lli Pietta. The 'Yank' designation denotes the steel-frame Union pattern, while 'Sheriff' refers to the shortened barrel that makes the revolver easier to holster and handle than the full-length model. It is a six-shot single-action percussion revolver chambered in .44 caliber, loaded from the front with loose black powder, a round ball or conical bullet, and a percussion cap on each nipple.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1020 g (36.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 292 mm (11.50") |
| Barrel Length | 140 mm (5.51") |
| Height | 125 mm (4.92") |
| Width | 40 mm (1.57") |
| Action Type | Single Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Revolving Cylinder |
| Muzzle Velocity | 270 m/s (886 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 340 J (251 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 25 m (27 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- .44 Caliber Percussion · primary — also known as .44 cal, .454 round ball, .44 ball
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Hammer Safety Notches
- Features: Percussion Cap Ignition, Six Shot Cylinder, Octagonal Barrel, Open Top Frame, Shortened Sheriff Barrel, Brass Backstrap And Trigger Guard, Steel Loading Lever
Base model
Production
Modern reproduction; produced by F.lli Pietta since the late 20th century.
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Designer: Samuel Colt (original design)
Notes
Black powder / percussion cap only. Steel frame with case-hardened finish, brass backstrap and trigger guard, two-piece walnut grips, octagonal barrel and solid steel loading lever. Barrel length varies slightly by catalog listing (roughly 4.8 to 5.5 inches / 122-140 mm). Sold under Pietta SKU YAS44.
Background
The original Colt 1851 Navy took its name from the naval engagement engraved around its cylinder, depicting the Texas Navy's 1843 victory at the Battle of Campeche. Short-barreled 'Sheriff' or 'Snubnose' variants were period-appropriate carry guns favored by lawmen and townsfolk who wanted the balance of the Navy pattern without the length of the full-size revolver. Pietta's Yank Sheriff carries that tradition forward as one of the most popular black-powder revolvers for cowboy-action shooting and Old West reenactment.