Black powder NooB Help

Woodeneye

CGN frequent flyer
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
50   0   0
Location
Halifax
I was wondering if a Hawes model: navy caliber: 38 perc bbl: 7.5" thats in the EE for 200$ a good deal for a starter pistol to try it out to see if i like it?What other gear would i need to get going?Sorry for my ignorance but ya gotta start somewhere.
 
Hawes is probably the importer for that Italian .36 cal. (not .38 ) could be made by Armi San Marco, Armi San Paolo or other maker. The brass frame is usable if moderate loads are used up to about 18 grains of black powder.
Beside the gun you will need black powder FFFG a powder flask,.375" balls, some #11 Caps as well as some vegetable shortening with a bit of bee's wax added to seal the chambers to prevent chain-fires and a small drift to tap out the wedge to remove the barrel.
It should be noted that these guns tend to break springs ie the trigger/bolt spring and the hand spring so be prepared to get hands on to repair it. They are not hard to work on and need to be taken apart periodically for cleaning anyway.
If #11 caps are a bit large they can be pinched between the thumb and forefinger into an oval shape and then they will stick onto the nipples.
Just for reference I have included a picture of a similar gun that has been taken apart:
Pietta44CalApart004.jpg
 
Last edited:
I have two brass frame 1851 .36 cal and paid $250.00 for each, they make a .44 cal in brass as well but the extra pounding on the small frame could lead to the arbour coming loose or other problems.
Is it worth $200? I haven't seen one any cheaper and aside from the brass frame it could be a good shooter,both of mine are over 40 years old and still going strong. I replaced the nipples on one of them with stainless so that #11 caps would fit properly, and replaced some springs as mentioned earlier.

1911EuroarmsBresicaBrass36002.jpg

RangeMarch202011002.jpg
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom