NRA Gun of the Week: Uberti USA Wild Bill 1851 Navy Conversion

by
posted on November 13, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
An expert lawman and scout, James Hickok lived a life on the edge with trust in his sidearms. Uberti USA imports a remembrance piece dedicated to James “Wild Bill” Hickok with its 1851 Navy Conversion revolver. The single-action wheelgun features an open-top design and is chambered for .38 Spl.

James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok portrait.

The Wild Bill 1851 Navy Conversion is a retro revolver made for the modern collector that enjoys time spent on the range. Though Wild Bill’s original 1851 Navy revolvers were cap-and-ball designs, Uberti created an easier-shooting example for the casual shooter that shares a similar look as the real-deal single-action of Hickok's day.

Right side of Uberti Wild Bill 1851 Navy Conversion revolver on white background with text on image noting make and model.

The throwback revolver features ivory-style stocks fitted to a steel frame with color-case-hardened finish and engraving is featured on the six-round, smooth cylinder. A traditional sight notch is cut into the hammer that presents once the hammer is set to its fire position. A brass bead front sight is positioned on the upper flat near the muzzle. Uberti USA supplies a 7.5” steel barrel with an octagonal profile that has a rich blued finish. The dark blue contrasts nicely with the color-case-hardened components of the gun.

Close-up of revolver multi-colored frame and engraved blued cylinder.

Uberti USA’s 1851 Navy Conversion revolver is based on the later Richards-Mason-pattern conversions, which were around while Wild Bill was alive. The loading arm typically found on cap-and-ball revolvers was replaced by an ejection-rod housing located on the right side of the barrel, similar to where it would be placed on the famed 1873 Single Action Army. A loading gate that hinges open to the right, exposes the bored-through cylinder capable of accepting six rounds of standard .38 Special or .38 Colt cartridges.

Rear view of 1851 Navy conversion loading gate and hammer.

Watch our NRA Gun of the Week video above to learn about the Uberti USA Wild Bill 1851 Navy Conversion.

Uberti USA “Wild Bill” 1851 Navy Conversion Specifications
Importer: Uberti USA
Action Type: single-action, center-fire revolver
Chambering: .38 Spl.
Barrel: 7.5” steel
Frame: color-case-hardened steel
Sights: hammer-notch rear, brass front
Trigger: single-action
Capacity: six-round cylinder
Length: 13.6”
Weight: 44.8 ozs.
MSRP: $809

Further Reading:
Armed Man Uses Uberti 1866 Rifle to Stop Black Bear

Old School Cool: Uberti’s Model 1885 High Wall

Uberti Silver Boy

Handloading The .44-40 Win.

Review: Uberti 1851 Navy Conversion in .38 Spl.


Extras:






Latest

Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F
Dead Air Rxd910ti Suppressor F

"9 mm Optimized, But 10 mm Capable:" Dead Air's New RXD910Ti Suppressor

The new Dead Air RXD910Ti harnesses the technology of the patented Triskelion baffle system to make for a 9 mm-optimized silencer that is also capable for use with 10 mm pistol cartridges and more.

Revisiting A World War II Marine’s Story

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his speech to 800 assembled generals, admirals and senior enlisted at Quantico, Va., on Sept. 30, 2025, quoted Eugene Sledge from his timeless classic With The Old Breed published in 1981.

Review: Leupold Rendezvous Soft Cases

Looking for something better than a cheap nylon bag, but don’t need it armored for air travel? Leupold has you covered.

Preview: Hiperfire Hipertrain

Hiperfire’s Hipertrain is a cast aluminum housing into which the AR-style trigger system, safety selectors and pistol grip of the user’s choice (none of which are included) can be installed to create a trigger demonstrator/dry-fire trainer

New For 2026: Kimber 2K11 Comp

Kimber increased its 2K11 product line with the addition of two models with single-port compensators.

AR-15 vs. Bullpup Rifles: Which One Is Right For You?

Though bullpup-style rifle designs have become popular elsewhere in the world, they aren't nearly as popular with the American shooting public as the ubiquitous AR-15.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.