1858, Dragoon, or Walker?

COREY

COREY

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Ottawa, Ontario
I have been considering a BP revolver for years. Crew I usually shoot with look at me funny when I mention it (service pistol shooters). Started shooting at another club since my normal range is shut down indefinitely due to COVID (CF base) and they are more open to this type of thing.

I have been looking hard, like OCD hard, for the last few weeks. I had it down to the Pietta 1858 in 44. Was looking at different sights when I saw the Uberti Walker. The thing is a beast but definitely not your normal BP revolver. While researching that, I saw the Uberti Dragoon. Almost as big, but not quite.

Anyone have any experience here on any of these?
 
I have a few. I sold a kit gun ASM Walker and I kind of regret it. The modular takedown of any wedgie Colt is a blessing when you go to clean it and these BP firearms demand such careful attention.
Another unexpected plus with these huge cylinders of modern steel, they totally mash up/destroy fired caps caught between frame & cylinder. You won't miss a follow up shot unless it gets under the hammer.
Another design that sheds overboard expended caps quite effortlessly is the Rogers and Spencer. That wide scallop around the cones ensures fired caps fall away and no malfunctions.
ROA in stainless is a very nice cleanup too and superior sights. Second in sights is the 1858.
My two bits.
 
Thanks for the input Brutus. The cleaning issue has been one of my considerations. I am horrified by rust, but lazy, so I planned to buy an ultrasonic cleaner. The Walker or Dragoon would fit in a smaller one.

I considered the ROA, but they are more expensive used than a new Walker, and the adjustable sights does not feel period correct to me. Reason I have seriously considered the 1858 is because of the better sights. That and the ability to drop a cartridge conversion in it. Flip side is I have considered something else that does not have a cartridge conversion cylinder is it will save me money in NOT buying the extra cylinder :).
 
If you can find a Ruger Vacquero - the 'simplified' version of the ROA - I think you'd be happy. All the benefits of a solid frame, modern manufacture and simple, Colt-like, sights.
 
As you said, the Walker is a beast.

I have one and it is fantastic gun, very accurate and so much fun.
 
Back in the day the Walker was said to be a disabler of horses and equal to an average rifle at 100 yards yet still more accurate than a smoothbore musket at 200 yards.

During the Mexican-American War it was put to considerable use the siege on Mexico City about year 1848.
 
I have owned an Italian Walker, an Italian Navy and a Ruger old army. The Ruger was by far the most accurate and I semi regret selling it. I only sold it because it was not a close replica of any of the originals. The Walker did not impress me because I had to remove the cylinder after the second loading and wash the pivot pin and cylinder and regrease because it fouled so badly. On one occasion by the third loading, I had to put the gun muzzle down in a bucket of water for 5 minutes, to soften the fouling enough to get the gun apart. I think for a first percussion revolver you would be wise to get a Remington copy because with a top strap they are much less prone to having a cap fall into the slot in the hammer where the hand fits. With a Colt it is extremely important to carry a small screw driver and be comfortable (and knowledgeable ) with taking the butt off of the gun when a cap falls into the slot. Not if but when

cheers mooncoon
 
From authentic the Remington 1858. I have a stainless Pieatta and a blued one in 44. Love shooting them. My second recommendation Mooncoon has mentioned. The Ruger old army which is an excellent BP pistol. Very accurate and can be loaded to 40 grs of powder. Adjustable sites and very well made. Ruger no longer produces them but they are easy to find.
 
I'm a big fan of the 1858 Remington reproductions, I have a matched pair of Cimarron Uberti 1858 NMA's. That said I've often thought I'd like to have a Walker.

Retreever
 
Whatever you get, BP revolvers are lots of fun. Nothing like the smell of black powder on a sunny morning. Taking your time loading powder, wad, and ball.

I got a Colt Navy reissue and it’s a great gun. Surprisingly accurate considering the hammer acts as a rear sight. I want a flintlock at some point.
 
I have a Pietta .45; not a Walker or a Dragoon, but great fun to shoot! Stupid accurate, even with the hammer being the rear sight!! Does not get shot a lot, but when it does, everyone wants a go!!
 
COREY said:
Thanks for the nipple upgrade idea. Will see wajt I end up with and see if Risty Woods can order them in (sold out right now).
Click to expand...

My friend. Track of the Wolf has a generous selection of various nipples along with the technical data what they actually fit.

Another source of great gunsmith knowledge old sixguns are some of the folks employed at Dixie Gunworks. Those southern boys have forgotten more than we will ever know ourselves. This is only readily apparent when you speak to them over the phone.
 
Well I made a decision. I asked a rsnge member who made a cowboy holster rig if he had patterns for any of the guns I have been asking about. Next thing I know I get a call saying his hunting buddy is selling a Pietta 1858 with a bunch of shooting supplies. Well, I am just waiting for the transfer to go through now. Will look for Slix shots when the sting of this and Christmas abait.
 
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