1862 colt army

[mforster]

Hi, Can anyone help I've a Colt Army 1862 which has wear at the end of the barrel left side, I read somewhere that this was a typical type of wear for a civil war calavry gun,is this true and why would it have wear at that part of the gun? thanks hope someone knows, Mike

[gopguy]

Hi Mike, For clarity there is a Colt 1860 Army and Colt 1861 Navy and 1862 Pocket Navy but no 1862 Army to my memory. Most revolvers if used somewhat will develop some wear in the finish on one or both sides of the barrel near the muzzle and for an inch or more back depending on use, where it sits or if it is put in a holster...

[dandak]

If you are right handed and unholster and reholster a handgun in either a cross draw or (epescially) a strong side holster, the tendency is to "drag" the left side of the muzzle along the inside of the holster...this wears the barrel there. Dads 44 mag bought new in 1958 has been shot/carried by him, my brother, and now me. 53 years of use and the left side of the muzzle is definitely rounded and worn by us right handed shooters.

[mforster]

Thanks for your replies, yes it's an 1860 Army (manufactured in 1862), will the barrel wear affect value or just add character?

Mike