Getting into Antique Pistols and Revolvers

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Blackpowderbob

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Hey everybody, I've seen some threads about antique pistols and revolvers, and was wondering if there is a way to get into it, without spending $500+ on the gun it's self, (or am I dreaming?). Where is a good website to find these or a store? I've done a lot of research and most websites listings are very expensive, and I'm uncertain of the seller. I'm a big fan of Percussion cap pistols and revolvers. :0)
 
$600 is about as low as absolutely low you're going to see what you're looking for. If you look hard and are willing to fix them up you've got better odds of finding something in your price range. Realistically I'd say $700 and up up up and up is where you're looking. If you can totally overhaul a sound but really beat up gun you'll be able to go cheaper, though unless you make all the replacement parts it'll cost about the same (or more). IE - a colt pocket revolver sold on the EE recently. It was broken, trigger guard twisted, barrel?, Frame?, missing parts, not functional and very questionably saveable, for several hundred dollars.

Another option are the .32 rimfire revolvers and the cap and ball boot pistols. They're the "dime a dozen" antiques. Most people don't give them the credit they deserve in my opinion. They're small, cheap, functional and get the job done. Those are $150-$400 range. My suggestion is hang out on the blackpowder EE and watch what comes up for sale and what sells. That'll give you an idea of what is common and what they're worth. If you don't see it in the EE, or it's gone quickly, then expect to pay a little more than you would for something similar that's commonly for sale.

It's a neat area to get into, and take your time, there are some great deals and there are some bad deals, and sometimes it's hard to tell until you open the box up :p
 
And you can't forget the .25 rimfires and .38 rimfires and even the .30 rimfires. Saw a genuine Moore teat-fire several years ago in a shop. It came out of an estate, went for $150, so you can't ignore estate sales, either.

And then there are the ones that still are centrefire that you can't get shells for and still are old enough: .476 Enfield, .450 Webley & Scott, .442 RIC and about a dozen others, including a lot of European metric ones. French military revolvers were 8mm Lebel Revolver and they started making them in 1892, so you have 6 years to play with. And there were 7.5mm Nagant revolvers used in Sveden and Switzerland and 10.6mm in the Reichsrevolver...... and then you can always think about a Werder Lightning Pistol.

LOTS of scope.

Go for it.... just have fun while you're at it!
 
If you don't want to spend $500 your options are like h wally said, .32 rimfire revolver or percussion single/double. Its worth it to save the few extra bucks and get a nice centerfire revolver!
 
If you are looking for a gun you can shoot, I would stay away from the teat fire pistols. I have certainly never been able to think of a practical way to shoot one.

cheers mooncoon
 
There are good deals to found and it is possible to buy a decent centerfire in the range you seek, you just have to look a little harder, not just on the internet. Take your time, ask lots of questions. Have fun in your search. For me the search and research is the most interesting part of antique ownership, much more interesting than the eventual aquisition.
 
Have a look at the M1892 revolvers in 8mm. They are generally nice guns and cheap to shoot. Anyone able to post a pic of a teatfire? I've never seen a teatfire cartridge....
 
tactical870 said:
Have a look at the M1892 revolvers in 8mm. They are generally nice guns and cheap to shoot. Anyone able to post a pic of a teatfire? I've never seen a teatfire cartridge....
Click to expand...

X2 you should be able to get one out of the US for that price if you look hard enough
 
tactical870 said:
Anyone able to post a pic of a teatfire? I've never seen a teatfire cartridge....
Click to expand...

Here is one for you. It is the only shell I have ever seen.

cheers mooncoon

Cartridge2b.jpg
 
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