New to antiques with a Colt!

[MosinMan13]

I just got my first antique pistol, I was on the fence about a ball&cap but I’ve got a soft spot for the old colt SAA, unfortunately that soft spot is much deeper than my pockets so I found a reasonable condition Thunderer 41LC.

I have some questions, I did search, but I didn’t find any answers.

1. I’m hesitant about getting an RCMP letter, I don’t plan on taking this off my own private acreage and to be honest I feel like the whole point of these is to not have to register it with the government. Given that it’s in an antique caliber, all original with markings that back it’s age (1892) and I looked it up on the colt website to verify, it should be fairly easy to argue. I also don’t think relying on common sense and the government meeting in happy union is a smart idea, so I was wondering if anyone thinks simply printing out the legislation around antiques, and buying one of those Colt history authentications would likely suffice just to insure I can prove it’s manufacture date, backed by serial numbers, backed by the manufacturer of the gun with any relevant history they provide?

 

[vagrantviking]

The frame is the antique determining factor (and caliber). The internal parts and even barrel or cylinder can be changed without changing the status.

Personally I wouldn't be interested in the RCMP letter. There used to be a template for making your own at the top of the black powder forum. Include the specifics about the gun and how it fits the antique requirements as well as the the section of the legislation that applies.

 

[MosinMan13]

Personally I wouldn't be interested in the RCMP letter. There used to be a template for making your own at the top of the black powder forum. Include the specifics about the gun and how it fits the antique requirements as well as the the section of the legislation that applies.

I had heard something about that, do you thing a vetted and sealed historical document from Colt effectively does the same thing? Essentially specs out the configuration, year of manufacture, factory etc.


On a side note I figured out my mechanical issue so it’s just a matter of sourcing parts.

 

[LawrenceN]

I've had a lot of Smith & Wesson antiques pass through my hands while I was determining exactly what I wanted. One is held up now in customs so either I'll be in a battle with some bureaucratic bonehead or I'll get to talk to someone reasonable and intelligent before I get my pistol. I personally wouldn't bother with the FRT letter. I bet I have an easier time loading for my .44 Russian than you do for your .41 Colt.

 

[vagrantviking]

I had heard something about that, do you thing a vetted and sealed historical document from Colt effectively does the same thing? Essentially specs out the configuration, year of manufacture, factory etc.


On a side note I figured out my mechanical issue so it’s just a matter of sourcing parts.

I think a copy of the Colt letter along with the legal sections alongside would be a very good demonstration that you know what you are doing and are in the clear.
My disclaimer is that I've never had to explain antique rules to an officer of the law and everyone of which will have a different level of knowledge and attitude about firearms so results will vary.

 

[vagrantviking]

I can hook you up with hollow base bullets for the 41LC once it's in hand too.

But would agree 44Russian is a bit simpler to load for. Sometimes overcoming the challenges adds to your level of satisfaction at the end of the day.

 

[MosinMan13]

I can hook you up with hollow base bullets for the 41LC once it's in hand too.

But would agree 44Russian is a bit simpler to load for. Sometimes overcoming the challenges adds to your level of satisfaction at the end of the day.

That’s good! I’m feeling confident, I don’t plan on flashing it around anywhere but in the event I ever do have to explain it I hope the law on my side plus due diligence in my documentation will prove if nothing else that it is what I say it is.

I looked at some of the smiths but to be honest they didn’t do anything for me, if it came down to anything else I was looking older at Colt Navy’s and Remington army’s, there’s just something ###y about a Colt revolver. I figured even if it ends up too hard to source material for it’ll make a beautiful wall ornament and something to show the next generation.

I might hit you up for the lead though, I found a bag or hollow base 200gr already and 24 new starline brass from a really helpful dude out west, now it’s just a die set and maybe a mold. Derv was super informative and put me on the hunt for an MP mold but we’ll see if I luck out.