The Pietta 1851 Navy “Yank” Pepperbox (Pietta part no. PF51PEPPER36) is a distinctive .36 caliber black powder revolver with no separate barrel — it fires directly out of its six-shot, 3″ cylinder. Pepperbox revolvers trace back to matchlock mechanisms in the 1500s and regained popularity in the late 1800s as small, concealable weapons once pin-fire cartridges arrived. This reproduction features a single-action brass backstrap and trigger guard, a steel frame with a case hardened finish, and walnut grips. See more distinctive black powder revolvers in our Black Powder Pistols & Muzzleloader Pistols category.

Key Specifications

• Caliber: 36 Cal
• Cylinder: 3″, 6-Shot, No Barrel
• Frame: Steel, Case Hardened
• Trigger Guard/Backstrap: Brass
• Grip Material: Walnut
• Action: Single Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t this revolver have a barrel? It’s a pepperbox design, which fires directly out of the cylinder chambers rather than through a separate barrel.

Where do pepperbox revolvers come from historically? The design dates to matchlock mechanisms in the 1500s and saw a revival as concealable arms in the late 1800s.

Do I need an FFL to order this? As a black powder muzzleloading arm, this item falls under the federal antique-firearm exemption (18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)) and ships directly to your door with no FFL transfer or federal background check required. Always check your state and local laws before ordering.

Buy the Pietta 1851 Navy Pepperbox

Add the unique barrel-less Pepperbox to your collection — ships fast, no FFL transfer required.