Looking to buy a new black powder pistol. Trying to decide 44 cal vrs 36 cal. The 36 cal has a shorter barrel and seems lighter. But of course there is the greater power of the 44 cal. And eventually, I will convert to cartridge cylinder. Any advise?
Black Powder-44 cal Vrs 36 cal
- Thread starter bigboat
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madcratebuilder
Member
Buy both.
44 vs 36
If your looking to convert then I'd go with the .44. You will get cartridges that work better and be more accurate in the 44 like the .45 long colt or .45 scholfield in a variety of loads. If you go with the .36 conversion then you will likely have to shoot .38 long colt or .38 special both of which will be less accurate because they arn't the right diameter for the .375 cap and ball barrel. Besides they are less powerfull than the .45 colt and just as expensive to buy as is all cowboy load ammo.
Don
If your looking to convert then I'd go with the .44. You will get cartridges that work better and be more accurate in the 44 like the .45 long colt or .45 scholfield in a variety of loads. If you go with the .36 conversion then you will likely have to shoot .38 long colt or .38 special both of which will be less accurate because they arn't the right diameter for the .375 cap and ball barrel. Besides they are less powerfull than the .45 colt and just as expensive to buy as is all cowboy load ammo.
Don
Smokin_Gun
Member
.44 C&B / .45 Colt (1858 Remington)
Bar None...
Bar None...
Voodoochile
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Smokin_Gun said:
I agree 100%
WilliamFeldmann
Member
Since you said that the .36 was shorter than the .44 I am going to guess you are looking at Remington models. The .36 remington that Pietta makes and Cabelas sells isn't an accurate representation of the Remington Police, if that matters to you. It is the same frame and barrel blank and cylinder blank as the .44 just drilled different. The lead will run basically the same cost for .380 balls (which you should use) and the .454 (ditto). Caps the same; felt, if you choose, the same. But it will eat less powder. I know someone on here has a .36 with target sights. I don't know where he got it, but it is sweet looking. The .44 is availabe with target sights from most retailers
For converting to cartridge, everyone else has said .44 and I agree. Better bullet fit and .45 long colts are easy to get and easy to reload. The new cylinders will basically cost the same for either caliber.
If I was buying my first gun now, knowing what I know now, it would still be an 1858 Remington with a second BP cylinder, but I would spring for the stainless steel. The extra hundrend bucks is worth it for peace of mind and ease in cleaning. Of course, I now know that I want to shoot the damn thing all day long, every day.
For converting to cartridge, everyone else has said .44 and I agree. Better bullet fit and .45 long colts are easy to get and easy to reload. The new cylinders will basically cost the same for either caliber.
If I was buying my first gun now, knowing what I know now, it would still be an 1858 Remington with a second BP cylinder, but I would spring for the stainless steel. The extra hundrend bucks is worth it for peace of mind and ease in cleaning. Of course, I now know that I want to shoot the damn thing all day long, every day.
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You might be talking about me. I am just south of you down here in KC. I have a Rem. 36 with target sights. I bought it new that way from Deercreek.
I think it was 174.00 new. I got it from their booth at Friendship about 2 years ago. Erwin said he had about 8 at that time. I had it worked on by the
master R. Lewis of Ohio. Even got lucky last year at Friendship and won the
50 yd. revolver match Those sights really are nice. I had to open up the rear
a little so I could see more light ( I'm 65) . and I have to wear my reading
glasses so I can see the front sight. Will be going back again this year to try
it again. As a matter of fact, we will be moving there this summer.
I think it was 174.00 new. I got it from their booth at Friendship about 2 years ago. Erwin said he had about 8 at that time. I had it worked on by the
master R. Lewis of Ohio. Even got lucky last year at Friendship and won the
50 yd. revolver match Those sights really are nice. I had to open up the rear
a little so I could see more light ( I'm 65) . and I have to wear my reading
glasses so I can see the front sight. Will be going back again this year to try
it again. As a matter of fact, we will be moving there this summer.
BHP FAN
Member
My .36/.38 Uberti with Kirst converter works just fine with .38 specials.My secret is I mold the bullets with just as soft of lead as I can get,then flux heck out of it to get it free of contamination by other metals,then alox the bullets before loading to cut down on any leading.My theory is that the soft lead allows the bullets to 'bump up'.At any rate my shooting buddy was able to get a playing card size group on a paper plate-at 25 yards and my brother and I were both able to keep all of our shots on the plate.
PRM
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I vote Pocket Model .36(s)
I own both - my preference is the Colt Pocket Models (2nd Generation). I have a Pocket Police and a Pocket Navy that have been going with me on regular outings for over 25 years now. They are a great size to carry and fun to shoot.
I am also partial to pre-ban ivory - sort of gives them a little style.
When I want a cartridge gun I get out my Colt Bisley. It's also a hoot with BP cartridges.
I own both - my preference is the Colt Pocket Models (2nd Generation). I have a Pocket Police and a Pocket Navy that have been going with me on regular outings for over 25 years now. They are a great size to carry and fun to shoot.
I am also partial to pre-ban ivory - sort of gives them a little style.
When I want a cartridge gun I get out my Colt Bisley. It's also a hoot with BP cartridges.
Attachments
Smokin_Gun
Member
I guess it must bump up .023" then...that's surprizin' I thought you'd need heeled and/or hollow base boolits to fill the riflin' of that ..380" barrel on the Uberti. But ifin' a .357" boolit fills it I may get one in 38spl for one a my 51' Navies...
Smokin_Gun
Member
I got a sweet tooth for Pockets myself...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0022.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0021.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0023.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0038.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0022.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0021.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0023.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c277/Smokin_Gun/Colt Pocket Police/PHTO0038.jpg
BHP FAN
Member
Sweet Colts,you guys.And those Ivorys are smokein'!Yeah,I had a coupla misconceptions when I swapped my stainless Remington .44 and some cash to get this .36/.38.I figured I'd have to use .38 colt,but I didn't..38 special fits fine.I figured I'd have to handload cowboy ammo for it.I shot some commercially loaded cowboy ammo in it [158 grain lead RNFP from the now defunct National Bullet Company] and some of my wad cutter target loads in it,and they worked fine,but so did plain ol' pure lead 150 grain RNL home cast .38 special.There was some leading,but nothing to write home about,considering I'd just put 150 rounds of ammo through it.All in all it surprised me.
Smokin_Gun
Member
Sweet... You don't have to use Wadcutters cause of the .38spl lengths? Thought they were too long for semi wadcutters or round nose. Another misconception?
PRM
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Habit Forming
Smokin_gun - Nice pair of Pocket Police Pistols. The Second Generations are definitely gems. While I would like to have a First Generation, one in the shape I would want, would make me a little hesitant to shoot it.
My Pocket Police is my favorite of the two. They have seen some wear and use over the years. This model was my first Colt C&B. I sent mine back to Colt Black Powder Arms when they were still in business and had them refinished. I also had the barrel shortened and an Army style front sight fabricated (cut down) for it. Jerry Meacham did my grips. I've always found mine to be accurate, and very dependable. Their size is the biggest plus. Hardly know you have them with you. Great woods and all around gun.
First pistol I gave my son was a Pocket Police - Been close to 14 years ago and he still shoots his.
Smokin_gun - Nice pair of Pocket Police Pistols. The Second Generations are definitely gems. While I would like to have a First Generation, one in the shape I would want, would make me a little hesitant to shoot it.
My Pocket Police is my favorite of the two. They have seen some wear and use over the years. This model was my first Colt C&B. I sent mine back to Colt Black Powder Arms when they were still in business and had them refinished. I also had the barrel shortened and an Army style front sight fabricated (cut down) for it. Jerry Meacham did my grips. I've always found mine to be accurate, and very dependable. Their size is the biggest plus. Hardly know you have them with you. Great woods and all around gun.
First pistol I gave my son was a Pocket Police - Been close to 14 years ago and he still shoots his.
BHP FAN
Member
''Sweet... You don't have to use Wadcutters cause of the .38spl lengths? Thought they were too long for semi wadcutters or round nose. Another misconception?''
I just tried the longest .38 special in the house ,a fairly pointy lead round nose 150 WWB,and it fits fine in my Uberi Remington with Kirst conversion.Yep,another gun myth busted.
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I just tried the longest .38 special in the house ,a fairly pointy lead round nose 150 WWB,and it fits fine in my Uberi Remington with Kirst conversion.Yep,another gun myth busted.
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