TheWarhammer
Member
I'm not a total novice when it come to BP revolvers, but it's been over ten years since I've owned one. My last (and only) BP revolver was a second hand, brass framed .36 Navy that was in dubious shape when I bought it. It evenutially (literally) fell apart.
Anyway, I've been thinking about getting another BP revolver and I'm seriously thinking about a Walker. At first, I was leaning toward a New Army, due to features like the frame having a top strap, safety notches between the nipples and models available with adjustable sights. However, I keep coming back to the Walker's superior power (there's no replacement for displacement). I've learned quite a bit by perusing the intarwebs, but I still have a few issues that I would like to get some clarity on. So, here goes...
1. As I understand it, the Walker is literally the biggest bang you can get in BP revolvers, true?
2. I read that the Dragoon was an "improved" version of the Walker, solving problems like the loading lever rattling loose during firing and the cylinder blowing up. I assume that a modern Walker will have better metallurgical properties than the originals, so exploding cylinders will not be an issue, provide you don't load a conical bullet backwards, of course. What about the lever? Still shakes loose or no longer an issue?
3. Where to buy? Cabella's advertises a (Pietta I believe) walker for $400. Is that about the going price? Any secret place to get a better deal?
4. Any particular brands to avoid?
5. Balls or bullets? I plan to use this guns mostly for plinking but also fo the occasional wild hog hunt.
6. I understand that is can be load to 60 grains of BP. Is this what folks typically use, or are you getting better results from lighter loads?
7. The Walker has the rear sight integrated into the hammer, correct? I know this is probably blasphemy, but has anyone ever put better, barrel mounted sights on one? If so, were the results favorable?
8. Does the Walker have the safety notches between the nipples like a New Army? The Walker has a topless frame (as opposed to the New Army's frame with a top strap), is the frame robust enough to last long-term?
9. Are there any improvements or mods that should be done right out of the box to most Walkers?
Thanks in advance for any input!
-Rex
Anyway, I've been thinking about getting another BP revolver and I'm seriously thinking about a Walker. At first, I was leaning toward a New Army, due to features like the frame having a top strap, safety notches between the nipples and models available with adjustable sights. However, I keep coming back to the Walker's superior power (there's no replacement for displacement). I've learned quite a bit by perusing the intarwebs, but I still have a few issues that I would like to get some clarity on. So, here goes...
1. As I understand it, the Walker is literally the biggest bang you can get in BP revolvers, true?
2. I read that the Dragoon was an "improved" version of the Walker, solving problems like the loading lever rattling loose during firing and the cylinder blowing up. I assume that a modern Walker will have better metallurgical properties than the originals, so exploding cylinders will not be an issue, provide you don't load a conical bullet backwards, of course. What about the lever? Still shakes loose or no longer an issue?
3. Where to buy? Cabella's advertises a (Pietta I believe) walker for $400. Is that about the going price? Any secret place to get a better deal?
4. Any particular brands to avoid?
5. Balls or bullets? I plan to use this guns mostly for plinking but also fo the occasional wild hog hunt.
6. I understand that is can be load to 60 grains of BP. Is this what folks typically use, or are you getting better results from lighter loads?
7. The Walker has the rear sight integrated into the hammer, correct? I know this is probably blasphemy, but has anyone ever put better, barrel mounted sights on one? If so, were the results favorable?
8. Does the Walker have the safety notches between the nipples like a New Army? The Walker has a topless frame (as opposed to the New Army's frame with a top strap), is the frame robust enough to last long-term?
9. Are there any improvements or mods that should be done right out of the box to most Walkers?
Thanks in advance for any input!
-Rex