revolver carbine

Good question. I would like to hear from people that have one myself.

I've always thought they are something that would be fun but pretty pricey for the novelty factor. Bet they would be fun for sh*ts and giggles or for buring all the hair off your arm if you weren't careful.
 
I have the Uberti replica of the Remington 1858 revolving carbine (I believe that`s what you are referring to), and it has always been a hoot to shoot....Just treat it and load it like you would a revolver....I have never had a problem.....And that means shooting it like a revolver....When you shoot a Cap `n Ball revolver you do not place your support hand forward of the cylinder, (or with any other revolver)....It`s the same with a revolving carbine....It`s does not seem to be as stable as shooting a typical carbine, but like all things, it just takes practice....
 
Hi: New to the forum and saw your post. I used to have a .44 Remington Revolving carbine and it was a lot of fun to shoot. Especially when my friends would shoot then have to reload while I just kept on shooting. You not only have to keep your hand from being in front of the cylinder - you have to keep your face way back too. If you try to put your face on the stock you'll get bits of percussion cap in your cheek or in your eyes.
It wasn't much good for hunting anything bigger than groundhogs or rabbits. You can only get about 30 - 35 grs of powder in the chamber and with a round ball there's not much "shock" value. I once shot a large porcupine that was attacking one of my apple trees and the porky took the whole cylinder before it gave up. I once fired at a cedar log butt from about 25 yds and the ball only penetrated about 6-8 inches.
Remember to put lots of grease over the balls to avoid a chain-fire. And really crimp the caps on the nipples as the recoil tends to shake them loose.
 
Airwolf said:
I have the Uberti replica of the Remington 1858 revolving carbine (I believe that`s what you are referring to), and it has always been a hoot to shoot....Just treat it and load it like you would a revolver....I have never had a problem.....And that means shooting it like a revolver....When you shoot a Cap `n Ball revolver you do not place your support hand forward of the cylinder, (or with any other revolver)....It`s the same with a revolving carbine....It`s does not seem to be as stable as shooting a typical carbine, but like all things, it just takes practice....
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Deserves a repeating ! :eek:
 
Didn't they stop making the original Colt revolver carbines (BP antiques) because there were problems with multiple cylinders discharging at the same time and blowing up?

I'm just wondering if the new versions (copies) have had this issue addressed... or if you still have to say a little prayer before shooting them, lol!

:D

Quote from Wikipedia:

Revolving rifles were an attempt to increase the rate of fire of rifles by combining them with the revolving firing mechanism that had been developed earlier for revolving pistols. Colt began experimenting with revolving rifles in the early 19th century, and made the revolving rifles in a variety of calibers and barrel lengths. Colt revolving rifles were the first repeating rifles adopted by the U.S. Government, and an early model was used in the Seminole wars in 1838.[1]

The most widely produced revolving rifle was the Model 1855. This was produced in a rifle version as well as a shortened carbine. In 1855 it became the first repeating rifle to be adopted for service by the U.S. Military, but problems with the design prevented its use until 1857. The principal problem was that gunpowder would sometimes leak from the paper cartridges in field conditions, lodging in various recesses around the firing cylinder. Hot gas leaking from the gap between the firing cylinder and the barrel would ignite this powder, which would in turn, ignite all of the powder in the chambers waiting to be fired. This is known as a "chain fire" and was a relatively common failure with early percussion revolving firearms. When this happened with the Colt Revolving Rifle, a spray of metal would be sent forward into the left arm and hand of the user.[2]

This fault resulted in an understandable distrust in the weapon. Commanders attempted to get around the problem in a number of ways. The rifle had to be properly and thoroughly cleaned, since sloppy cleaning would leave residue behind that would increase the risk of a chain fire. Some commanders instructed their men to fire the weapon only while supporting it directly in front of the trigger guard or by holding the lowered loading lever, which moved their left hand out of the path of danger during a chain fire. Other commanders instructed their men to load only a single chamber, preventing any chain fires from occurring. Loading a single chamber at a time also reduced the weapon to a single shot weapon, effectively defeated the entire purpose of having a repeating rifle.[2]
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colt_revolving_rifle
 
To stop chainfires all you have to do is put some grease (I used water pump grease) over top of the balls after you've finished loading - BEFORE putting the caps on.

I can see where in a battle situation that would have been an extra, unwanted step if the enemy were charging you. They weren't the best battle rifle!
 
762mm said:
Didn't they stop making the original Colt revolver carbines (BP antiques) because there were problems with multiple cylinders discharging at the same time and blowing up?
Click to expand...

Well that's good to know. Removes some of the desire for something else I can't afford. Worth asking Uberti before buying.
 
762mm said:
Didn't they stop making the original Colt revolver carbines (BP antiques) because there were problems with multiple cylinders discharging at the same time and blowing up?
Click to expand...

Berdan's famous Sharpshooters were issued Colt revolving-cylinder rifles prior to their receipt of Sharps rifles....:yingyang:...and they had threatened to mutiny over the Colts ! :evil:
 
Considering modern liabiity/litigation issues, the simple fact that these are being sold suggests that they can be used in a manner that does not place the shooter in peril.
With any revolver, you have to stay clear of the cylinder/barrel gap.
If you are depending on grease over the ball to prevent discharges from other chambers, conduct an experiment. Fire one shot, and see how much grease is left over the balls on each side of the fired chamber. (Might be an idea to remove all other caps while inspecting).
Multiple discharges can originate at the back end, too.
Are these a practical arm, or more of a novelty?
 
Well heres mine :) This one can shoot 455/476 and i load up full 45 colt loads in special cases wirth the rims thined to 455 thickness.
the stock comes on and off easy and the hammer pin can have the orignal one put back in in about two minutes.
Pretty slick unit and a perscribed antique to!
I just glued in the leather so it dont mark up the gun.
Works great and once clamped in place its tight.



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