Colt 1851 Navy worn barrel question

[nonbreeder]

I have a Colt 1851 Navy that Colt archives found was shipped in 1863.

My question is why the business end of the barrel would be worn down on one side and/or if this is a common occurrence.

In my imagination I picture it getting worn down riding a horse and rubbing against something...but that's probably just fantasy.

I know nothing about firearms so just curious.

Thanks

 

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[charley2hats]

The barrel is worn from sliding in and out of the holster and from riding many miles in the saddle. Charley2hats

 

[nonbreeder]

Thanks for the help. That seemed like the logical answer but I figured I would ask to be sure.

 

[A2coins]

Good answer. That's a great gun

 

[RTR]

IF the barrel is worn from being in and out of a holster, the cylinder should also show signs .Don't see any in pix.#1

 

[Shunkaha]

Well the cylinder would be moving around. So it's not going to get constant wear in one spot like the barrel would going into and out of a holster.

Would the wear we are seeing indicate that the person that owned it was left handed?

 

[RTR]

The "cylinder" on single action revolvers dosent "move around" While In a Holster. Only when the hammer is cocked .

 

[Force_of_Iron]

The "cylinder" on single action revolvers dosent "move around" While In a Holster. Only when the hammer is cocked .

True but the point would be the barrel is always in a fixed position. The cylinder doesn't move unless the hammer is pulled but also moves when cleaned, taken apart, fired, loaded, unloaded, etc.

That wear would be more evenly distributed.

Also holsters of that day were airy at the top and tighter at the bottom so the weapon could be pulled faster.

 

[Force_of_Iron]

I will alos add that there is a lot of wear on that cylinder as well. The engraving on it has vanished.

 

[Retired Sarge]

It's normal wear and tear from going in and out of the holster. Most people pull straight up at first then tilt the gun dragging the barrel along the holster.

Look at this 1975 JP Sauer & Sohn Western Marshall 44 magnum, the ejector rod tube finish is worn. Reason being it sticks out further than the barrel and takes the brunt of punishment and the fact that this part of the gun is made of pot metal, makes the wear more obvious and extreme looking.

Second picture shows the gun after I replaced the ejector rod tube (Lip to hold it in the frame was broken)

This was my dad's revolver that he carried as a side arm when hunting.