Where to buy first Cap and Ball Revolver?

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zdc1775

zdc1775

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Like the title says where are some good places to go online and order a good replica cap and ball revolver?

If it helps I would really like to find an 1861 Colt Navy. Don't really care what brand as long as it is a reputable company, has a steel frame, and is in the proper Navy caliber.
 
For a historically accurate 1861 Navy; you need to buy a Uberti.

If you don't care about historic accuracy; a Pietta 1861 Navy (8" barrel) or 1862 Police (5 1/2" barrel) would suffice.

Cabelas, Cimarron, EMF, Taylors, and others carry one or the other.

Then, there is always the 2nd Generation Colt's; or Signature Series. Gunbroker usually has some listed along with Ubertis & Piettas..
 
Historical accuracy isn't a requirement but it would be a plus.

Thanks for the list of sites to look at the only places I knew of where Dixie Gun Works, and Track of the Wolf. Dixie is out of stock and I didn't see any on TOTW 's website.
 
I have purchased a few dozen black powder pistols on the on-line auctions. So far only one was outright misrepresented as to condition. It is such a rare item that I kept it despite the obvious cosmetic problems. Some one had ground down the cylinder arbor and used a prick punch on one side. Must be 20 small holes in the frame on one side.

Frankly, for a first, I would stick with new. Brand new common guns are sold on sale at Cabelas routinely and the price can't be beat normally. A more unusual repro may require sucking it up and paying the price. On some items, the Possible Shop is cheaper than many places. I recently bought an older 36 cal. 1851 brass frame gun that was in unusually good condition. Perhaps unfired. Rather cheap too.
 
My local Sportsman's Warehouse has a surprising number of Uberti and Pietta cap&ball revolvers, and at decent prices. I haven't checked their online store though.

Cabela's prices are higher but they have great sales now and then. IIRC, they had the 1861 Navy on sale in March.
 
Dang it. Viewing this thread just cost me $300.

Des opens thread; sees link to EMF..."hmmm, haven't looked over there in a while..." WHAT? a Snubby 1860 Army? better looking and 95$ cheaper than the navy one over at Dixie...and so it goes again...thanks THR!

/turns out it's not in stock yet...so the waiting begins....
 
Take a look at The Possibles Shop. I have purchased a couple of very nice revolvers from him. The owner is a pleasant gentleman, and was great to do business with. Ask about swapping out the nipples also to the Treso brand, he has them and can ship them along with your purchase.:cool:
 
When I bought my first Black Powder revolver I borrowed my Dad's car and drove down to the Navy Arms showroom in Ridgefield NJ. Of course that was 1968. Last I heard the store is not there any more.

These days I see quality C&B revolvers at gunshows all the time. A couple of local gun stores carry new ones, but they can't compete on price with the big stores like Cabelas. Last time I had a hankering for a C&B revolver I drove to the nearest Cabelas and bought a pair of Pietta 1860 Armies because they were on sale at the time.
 
No advice here just an observation.
I have bought a 51' Navy, a 62' Police, a 49' Pocket and a 60' Army all from Taylor's & Company and they have all been as smooth as silk right out of the box.
My buddy has bought a 61' Navy and a 48' Dragoon from Cimarron Arms and they are as smooth as silk right out of the box.


By happenstance, I don't know, but like I said, just information for you to think over. :)
 
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I envy you guys with places that have some local. The only cap and ball I could find at any of the LGS or Big Box stores was a Pietta 1851 at Acedemy. Anyway thank you for the different places to look at I will make sure to post pictures when I finally make a decision and order one.
 
Cabelas - good deals and gets mailed to your front door.
Can't beat that.
 
Cabelas for anything "standard". If I want something they don't carry I usually check Dixie or Taylors.

Usually I'll buy Pietta unless it's something they don't make. I say usually because there's a couple of models that are less accurate than the norm. Rule of thumb if you look at a picture of the Uberti and the Pietta and you can tell the difference get the Uberti (for me so far the 1862 Navy has been the only one). If you can't tell the difference you'll be happy either way. Some people take issue with Pietta's tendency to have visible modern markings versus Uberti hiding theirs under the loading lever as much as possible (all Italian guns are going to have proof marks but they're pretty small).

I definitely prefer aftermarket nipples as somebody suggested - Track of the Wolf and The Possible Shop carry good ones and are reliable companies. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a revolver from them either if they have a deal but I haven't happened across one so far.
 
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