Recommendations for first black powder revolver?
- Thread starter Jean-Louis
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Malachi Leviticus Blue
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I know what you meant, but it got me thinking that I'm the kind of guy who would find an interest in something obscure like a polymer frame flintlock -
expat_alaska
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There is an entire website dedicated to this sort of thing. I lost track of it 6 months ago when my HDD died.
We are straying from the OP's post and I don't want to hijack his thread.
Regards,
Jim
TTv2
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Pietta 1858 New Model Army in .44 caliber with steel frame. They shoot to POA or at least close enough to POA to make them a major improvement over any of the Colt repros. What I like about the NMA is you can load the cylinder off the gun very easily and quickly as all you do is drop the cylinder, no having to disassemble it like a Colt, so that allows you to use a press to seat the projectile and this is super helpful if you shoot conicals.
Not saying it's impossible to load conicals on the gun, it's just not as easy.
Also, while it's not traditional, the adjustable target sight version of the 1858 wouldn't be a bad idea. The sights are a lot easier to see.
Not saying it's impossible to load conicals on the gun, it's just not as easy.
Also, while it's not traditional, the adjustable target sight version of the 1858 wouldn't be a bad idea. The sights are a lot easier to see.
skeeterfogger
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I have 2 1858 target. I'm convinced the barrel is held to better tolerances.
Armored farmer
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Perhaps the most enjoyable revolvers that I own.
A whole new discipline of reloading and shooting to learn.
My two Pietta '58s....a target model, and a sheriff's model.
I built the crude loading stand for them.
A whole new discipline of reloading and shooting to learn.
My two Pietta '58s....a target model, and a sheriff's model.
I built the crude loading stand for them.
A current production Pietta Remington 1858 in .36 or .44 cal. I like .44 cal better. If you want to spend more money get the Uberti. I feel Uberti is worth the extra money but truthfully the Pietta will do just fine. Stick to CURRENT PRODUCTION models to avoid problems in quality control, parts fitting, and materials used.
NO brass frames. No kits.
Open top revolvers (Colt replicas) are most likely going to need fixes right out of the box to avoid problems such as cap jams and inconsistent accuracy related to design and the Italian companies refusal to address incorrect arbor lengths although I have read current Piettas may have good arbors ????
NO brass frames. No kits.
Open top revolvers (Colt replicas) are most likely going to need fixes right out of the box to avoid problems such as cap jams and inconsistent accuracy related to design and the Italian companies refusal to address incorrect arbor lengths although I have read current Piettas may have good arbors ????
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From what I gather concerning Colts is that the Pietta models have a proper arbor fit but tiny chambers to bore, and both have cap jam issues often enough.
woodnbow
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Hmmm... I keep hearing about this cap sucking issue with open tops. Maybe I’m the luckiest guy ever to pick up an 1860 but of the 6 open tops in the safe and the one I just sold, none of them do this. I don’t flip them while I’m cocking the piece, don’t polish the hammer faces, nor install cap rakes or Manhattan project modifications, I don’t shoot them upside down. I use the stock Uberti cones and fit them with Remington #10 caps, I don’t use much lube on the action parts, (just a light wipe with Eezox) and the system has been dead nuts reliable.
Not saying I’ve never had a cap drop into the works but it’s not happened in a long time. If you do, check your cap/cone fit, for starters it’s the cheapest thing you can fix... if it works, it works, if not, then you can start with the other fixes.
Not saying I’ve never had a cap drop into the works but it’s not happened in a long time. If you do, check your cap/cone fit, for starters it’s the cheapest thing you can fix... if it works, it works, if not, then you can start with the other fixes.
midland man
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1851 colt navy 36 caliber no brass frame just steel is the BEST! 
DocRock
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Remington NMA, Uberti or recent Pietta. It's a better design than the Colts.
1-12 INF (M)
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I've owned both 1858 Remingtons and 1851 and 1860 Colts, by both Uberti and Pietta, for many years. On Range Day, I find myself reaching for the Colts more often. One of my favorites is the Navy in .44*, a Pietta, although I own mostly Ubertis. I like the Navy grip better, and I find .44 easier to handle, along with more smoke-and-noise. Plus, for some reason, that particular gun shoots to point-of-aim at shorter ranges - my 1858 Rem's sights are all set really high for anything closer than 30 yds or so. (* yes, aware Colt never made the 1851 in .44)
Malachi Leviticus Blue
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expat_alaska
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The poster made it clear that the 1851 Navy was never produced in .44 caliber, especially with a brass frame. There are some of us who like replica revolvers that imitate the original guns in caliber, frame, and barrel configurations, and the rest are just non-historical shooters.
Here is the only one I have of that genre, but Colt actually made one in this configuration as a trial.
Tell me what it is.
Regards,
Jim
Mike OTDP
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For a novice, the Remington is a good start. The ROA is excellent, if you can find one at a reasonable price...and are not planning on shooting matches that require a period-correct gun.
The serious match guns will run over $1K.
The serious match guns will run over $1K.
Qweevox
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It's my understanding that no pistols back in the 1800s were ever manufactured using brass frames. At least none of the open-topped Colt styled pistols or the Remington army. The brass frame replicas are completely a modern invention. Some people like the looks, others complain about their lack of authenticity and durability.
The brass frames will stretch over extended use more than steel would, but let's face it a lot of guys just don't shoot them that much. And if you like the look, I say buy whatever floats your boat.
Malachi Leviticus Blue
Member
FWIW, there were several brass or bronze framed revolvers in the 1800s.
Here are two specific examples -
The Griswold & Gunnison was based on the Colt Navy.
The Spiller & Burr was based on the Whitney, which was quite similar to the Remington New Army in many ways.
However most of the brass framed replicas available today take quite a bit of poetic license in their interpretation.
If you're looking for something somewhat historically correct, then avoid most of the brass frames.
Here are two specific examples -
The Griswold & Gunnison was based on the Colt Navy.
The Spiller & Burr was based on the Whitney, which was quite similar to the Remington New Army in many ways.
However most of the brass framed replicas available today take quite a bit of poetic license in their interpretation.
If you're looking for something somewhat historically correct, then avoid most of the brass frames.
expat_alaska
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And those were .36 caliber.
bannockburn
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Very happy with my recent additions: a Pietta Remington New Model Navy and a Pietta Colt Model 1860. Both have a very nice overall fit and finish and work just like they should (the Model 1860 in particular has a very smooth action right out of the box). Got them on sale from Cabelas a couple of years back.
Armored farmer
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I
Its beautiful.
kBob
Member
I have an idea. Get what feels good to you, that points well (for you), that has sights you understand and looks like what you want. Stay with Pietta and "You Bertie" and shoot it!
If you like the look of brass, get brass and keep the loads mild and understand it will wear out.
I am only suggesting that a new shooter start with a new gun by one of the two folks currently making good new guns.
Not sure you can go wrong.
When the Brass frame stretches say "Gosh them guys was right!" and put it in a shadow box on the wall with some tasteful decorations and think about all the experience you gained with it before it became a fashion model.
Stay around THR, post pictures, ask questions, have fun.
If you like the look of brass, get brass and keep the loads mild and understand it will wear out.
I am only suggesting that a new shooter start with a new gun by one of the two folks currently making good new guns.
Not sure you can go wrong.
When the Brass frame stretches say "Gosh them guys was right!" and put it in a shadow box on the wall with some tasteful decorations and think about all the experience you gained with it before it became a fashion model.
Stay around THR, post pictures, ask questions, have fun.
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