Recommendations for first black powder revolver?

[Templar32nd]

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 -

View attachment 857965

That thing's wicked looking. Lol

 

[Templar32nd]

Have fun. Here's a small sample of the ADDICTION your in for. Very small sample.

 

[whughett]

You may even wind up like this.

 

[Tommygunn]

Did you make that case or purchase it? Can I get one?

 

[whughett]

Made it in my basement work shop just finished it yesterday. Combining two hobbies. if you were local I would consider making you one.

 

[mustanger98]

I agree with all of the above, even though I prefer the 1851 Navy .36, preferably Pietta.

I would advise you to stay away from brass framed revolvers even though they are less expensive than the steel framed counterparts. You can get away with heavier loads with a steel frame.

Enjoy! Let us know what you decide to go with.

Regards,

Jim

I haven't read further into the thread yet, so somebody else may have already mentioned this... While, with the steel frame revolvers, you can get away with heavier loads, everything I'm hearing says you get better accuracy with less powder... in other words, use just enough powder to know you got a compressed charge... about 15-20grs by volume in a Pietta .36caliber... but if you go for 30grs, it'll probably open up your groups. Your pistol will tell you the exact amount.

I noticed a long time ago that Dixie Gun Works had a note on the brass frame revolvers that they'd shoot loose over time. The only reason I see for even producing the brass frames is for the historical fact that the C.S.A. used them for lack of steel. If the Southern gunmakers had the steel, they would've used it.

 

[mustanger98]

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)

I recall reading that while Colt never made the 1851 in .44, Pietta and Uberti arrived at this version by using 1860 frame and cylinder, and swapping out the grip assembly for the '51's. I'm thinking the '51 .44's barrel assembly, though bored out bigger, may be a tad bigger/heavier than the .36 version.

 

[midland man]

View attachment 859178
Have fun. Here's a small sample of the ADDICTION your in for. Very small sample.

I been wanting that little derringer second one from the right its so cute!! 13 years and waiting as I love small pistols...

 

[mustanger98]

I been wanting that little derringer second one from the right its so cute!! 13 years and waiting as I love small pistols...

You know that derringer only has one shot, right? Yeah, for a vest pocket anachronism, it'd be fine, but if you only get one shot per small gun, why not get one of those really microscopic pistols the European watchmakers were making back in the mid-1800's?

 

[midland man]

You know that derringer only has one shot, right? Yeah, for a vest pocket anachronism, it'd be fine, but if you only get one shot per small gun, why not get one of those really microscopic pistols the European watchmakers were making back in the mid-1800's?

yes i do but it still appeals to me lol

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Im all for the 1861 navy for being a first introduction to black powder guns. Maybe even the 1851 navy. Im a fan of the all steel models as well.

 

[woodnbow]

Im all for the 1861 navy for being a first introduction to black powder guns. Maybe even the 1851 navy. Im a fan of the all steel models as well.

The 61 and it’s daddy, the 1860 Army, are the most beautiful and elegant black powder revolvers ever made. And they are in the running if you consider all revolvers ever made...

 

[Catman42]

i agree the 1860 army colt is the most eye pleasing revolver ever ever made. thanks for that.

 

[rodwha]

i agree the 1860 army colt is the most eye pleasing revolver ever ever made. thanks for that.

Once I became interested in BP I was drawn to the 2nd Model Dragoon. I didn’t like the lines and flow of either the Remington or the late model Colts. However I traded for a ROA (had a choice of that or an 1860 Army from ASM, known for issues with some guns), which eventually softened me up to the 1858. I still like the looks of the earlier models, except for the Pocket Police.

I’m not quite so enamored with the .36 and have thought of creating a .40 cal 1851 as Colt had done for military testing against the .36. Only a handful were made. I’ve been intrigued by what I continually read as having the best grip and pointability. I like things that start with .4.

 

[mustanger98]

I used to prefer the idea and look of the Walker Colt... until I got one in my hands... 4.5lbs of hand cannon gets heavy quick.

My understanding is the '51 stayed in production until 1873 along with the other models. Which is prettier depends on who's looking.

 

[LaneP]

i agree the 1860 army colt is the most eye pleasing revolver ever ever made. thanks for that.

In my hand it feels most comfortable and natural pointing of all single action revolvers. The build quality of the Uberti '60 I bought about a year ago is top notch.

 

[whughett]

Both will shoot like this, better in the hands of a true marksman. Target at 50 feet. These are Uberti’s

 

[Catman42]

i agree with you LaneP, the 1860 points better and is faster on target than any single action ive ever held or shot. i bought a conversion cylinder for my uberti 1860 .44. i shoot black powder sub with a wad and a round ball for the bullet in the 45 long colt case. its a tack driver and fun to shoot. my conversion cylinder is a five shooter so it makes it stonger than a 6 hole one. i would never use anything but cowboy type loads in it. i also have a man with no name 38 special, very nice and very accurate but the 1860 army has a slight edge in the feel of it in the hand.

 

[mustanger98]

Everybody's hand is different, too. Just as with any other class of handgun, fit will vary. I like the 1851.

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I used to prefer the idea and look of the Walker Colt... until I got one in my hands... 4.5lbs of hand cannon gets heavy quick.

I have an 1851, 1860 and a Walker. To be honest I prefer the Walker for my Jackrabbit hunts as well as my ROAs. The 1860 does feel good and points nice, but I really prefer the Walker, guess I'm used to the weight. Also the bigger powder charge helps on those 80 yard shots.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

All the recommendations above are great...Just accept that no matter what model you get...it wont be your last.

 

[Catman42]

80 yards with a walker, thats good shooting.

 

[mustanger98]

80 yards with a walker, thats good shooting.

Yeah.

I have an 1851, 1860 and a Walker. To be honest I prefer the Walker for my Jackrabbit hunts as well as my ROAs. The 1860 does feel good and points nice, but I really prefer the Walker, guess I'm used to the weight. Also the bigger powder charge helps on those 80 yard shots.

Being used to the weight would help. Then, are you using both hands or one?

It's not that I totally don't like the Walker, but more that I'd rather have one on my saddle than carry one on my belt. A pommel bag with a holster used to be pretty common from what I've read. At one time, cavalry (aka Dragoons, hence the model designation) carried a pair of whichever large pistols were issued in pommel holsters.

I recall someone said the Walker was the magnum before they knew what a magnum was. Back then, if you wanted more power, you had to use more powder. Considering 80yd shots, the Walker may actually be a lighter handier saddle gun than some carbines.

Did y'all notice how John Wayne played the scenes in "True Grit" and "The Cowboys" when Kim Darby and that other (then) kid showed up with Colt's Dragoons? It'll do it if you got a fence post to lean it on.

 

[Qweevox]

Yeah.



Being used to the weight would help. Then, are you using both hands or one?

It's not that I totally don't like the Walker, but more that I'd rather have one on my saddle than carry one on my belt. A pommel bag with a holster used to be pretty common from what I've read. At one time, cavalry (aka Dragoons, hence the model designation) carried a pair of whichever large pistols were issued in pommel holsters.

I recall someone said the Walker was the magnum before they knew what a magnum was. Back then, if you wanted more power, you had to use more powder. Considering 80yd shots, the Walker may actually be a lighter handier saddle gun than some carbines.

Did y'all notice how John Wayne played the scenes in "True Grit" and "The Cowboys" when Kim Darby and that other (then) kid showed up with Colt's Dragoons? It'll do it if you got a fence post to lean it on.

I really don't find the Walker's weight a problem. I've often heard that said, but having more mass in a revolver isn't a bad thing. Besides once you get used to the Walker, the 1860 Army will feel light. ....almost a girl's gun.

 

[woodnbow]

I really don't find the Walker's weight a problem. I've often heard that said, but having more mass in a revolver isn't a bad thing. Besides once you get used to the Walker, the 1860 Army will feel light. ....almost a girl's gun.

Easy now...