Pietta Revolvers

Black Powder vs. Cartridge: Which Pietta Revolver Fits You?

Pietta's 1858 Remington and 1851/1860 Navy models are traditional cap-and-ball revolvers — loaded with loose black powder, a ball or conical bullet, and a percussion cap, with no cartridge case at all. The Great Western II is a modern cartridge revolver chambered in .45 Colt or 9mm, styled after the 1873 Single Action Army but loaded like any standard revolver. Choose a cap-and-ball model for the authentic black powder shooting experience and, in most states, no FFL transfer; choose the Great Western II for period styling with modern cartridge convenience.

The 1858 Remington: Pietta's Classic Black Powder Revolver

The 1858 Remington features a solid-frame design (as opposed to the open-top Navy models), which many shooters find more robust for extended black powder use. Pietta offers it in brass and steel frame options, multiple barrel lengths, and finishes ranging from blued to case-hardened. The Remington Texas Sheriff variant offers a shorter barrel for a more compact carry profile, still built on the same solid-frame action.

1851 and 1860 Navy: Open-Top Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

The 1851 Navy in .36 caliber and the 1860 Army in .44 caliber are open-top revolvers — the design Colt made famous in the Civil War era, reproduced by Pietta with period-correct engraving and grip options. These models are common choices for historical reenactment and black powder competition where an accurate period silhouette matters as much as function. Both are available in multiple finishes, including case-hardened frames and polished silver options.

Great Western II: Cartridge-Conversion Single Action

The Great Western II brings 1873-style styling to a modern cartridge revolver, available in .45 Colt, .357 Mag, and 9mm depending on configuration, with grip and finish options ranging from walnut to engraved ivory-style panels. It's a popular choice for cowboy action shooters who want authentic Old West looks without the reloading and cleanup that comes with black powder. The U.S. Marshal and Californian variants add period-themed engraving and grip treatments on the same action.

No FFL Required: Buying Black Powder Revolvers

Traditional cap-and-ball Pietta revolvers are classified as antique firearm reproductions under federal law in most cases, meaning many models ship without an FFL transfer — check your state and local laws before ordering, since this varies. Cartridge-firing models like the Great Western II are standard firearms and require the normal FFL transfer process like any other handgun.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pietta

Do Pietta black powder revolvers require an FFL?
Most traditional cap-and-ball models are classified as antique reproductions and typically ship without an FFL transfer, but this depends on your state and local laws — always verify before ordering. Cartridge-firing models like the Great Western II require a standard FFL transfer.

What's the difference between the 1858 Remington and 1851 Navy?
The 1858 Remington is a solid-frame design in .44 caliber, generally considered more robust for sustained shooting. The 1851 Navy is an open-top design in .36 caliber, the classic Civil War-era Colt style Pietta reproduces faithfully.

Is the Great Western II a black powder gun?
No — it's a modern cartridge-firing single action styled after the 1873, chambered in calibers like .45 Colt, .357 Mag, or 9mm, not a cap-and-ball black powder revolver.

See Also: Revolvers • Black Powder Guns • Cowboy Action Shooting