Remington 1858 carbine

[oldhorse]

I am new to this forum, as it being my first attempt to find out info on black
powder guns. Have not shot black powder gun in 30 years. I purchased 2 1858 Remington carbines at a price I could not turn down. I have two 12 year old grandsons and I thought this would a great way to start them shooting. My question is which conversion cylinders do I really want and what bullet moulds are best for hollow based bullets. They are both Uberti
44 cals. I would appreciate any feed back.
Old horse

 

[Old Fuff]

When you, or anyone else shoots one of those revolver/carbines; BE SURE THAT THE LEFT HAND IS UNDER THE TRIGGER GUARD, AND NOT IN FRONT OF THE CYLINDER HOLDING ON TO, OR UNDER THE BULLET RAMMER LEVER! In the event of a chain fire it could destroy someone's left hand, and there is also the possibility of getting burns from the cylinder/barrel gap flash.

Old-timers knew how to hold these guns (some learned the hard way) so don't you or the youngster make a mistake.

 

[4v50 Gary]

What Old Fuff says. Some Berdan Sharp Shooters lost some digits shooting their Colt Root Revolving Rifles. This was before they were issued their Sharps rifles.

 

[madcratebuilder]

A big +1 on Old Fuff's caution. It would only take a moments lapses in concentration to have a serious injury with your hand forward of the cylinder. Even a cartridge conversion sprays out a lot of hot gases at the barrel/cylinder gap.

With that said, I think with the conversion cylinders it's a matter on how much do you want to spend. Two or may be three manufacturers offer them for the Uberti's. All seem to get glowing reviews. I wouldn't mind having one for my carbine.

 

[Old Fuff]

Remember though, while a chain fire is unlikely with metallic cartridges, you can still get bad burns on the wrist or hand if you don't hold the carbine correctly. Always keep the left hand below and behind the front face of the cylinder.