So I'm thinking about getting a black powder revolver. I'm leaning towards a Colt 1851 copy. Anyone have experience as to how the brass framed ones hold up versus the steel framed ones. I'll probably go with a pietta as their quality has always seemed above average. Input appreciated.
what BP handgun?
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- Lunenburg N.S.
Re 1851 revolver
Brass frame revolvers can be bought quite cheaply. used ones can be had for around $125.00. Do not however buy one!. If you do a fair amount of shooting, the frame will stretch, and they are not worth repairing. Stick with a steel frame gun. An Uberti would be my first choice or a Pietta, second choice. The Uberti will cost you a little more than the Pietta, but they are worth it. Of the thirteen Uberti cap and ball revolvers i own, my 1851 Navys are my favourite. They hold and point naturally, the size of the grips fit your hand just right. I use mine for Cowboy Action shooting. I have opened up the rear sight, and made them real tack drivers.
Pete
Brass frame revolvers can be bought quite cheaply. used ones can be had for around $125.00. Do not however buy one!. If you do a fair amount of shooting, the frame will stretch, and they are not worth repairing. Stick with a steel frame gun. An Uberti would be my first choice or a Pietta, second choice. The Uberti will cost you a little more than the Pietta, but they are worth it. Of the thirteen Uberti cap and ball revolvers i own, my 1851 Navys are my favourite. They hold and point naturally, the size of the grips fit your hand just right. I use mine for Cowboy Action shooting. I have opened up the rear sight, and made them real tack drivers.
Pete
Sweet Apple Pete is right on the money there. Stick with steel frame for strength and also for true period looks. My personal preference though is 1860 Army. I have had good luck with the 44 cal opposed to the 36. I had a 1851 36 with brass frame and had a lot of grief getting it settled down. Switched to the 1860 for a very short time, then went modern.
Now for accuracy the Ruger Old army is the only way to go, but you have to use .457 round balls. I used one of these for BP comp for 8 years until I switched to the TC Patriot...Now this is ACCURATE!!! I will try not to brag. I shot a, still standing, 50 out of 50 target at a local rendevous in the mid 80's with the Patriot. The closest I came to that with the Ruger was a 47 out of 50. Problem with the Ruger is. it looks like crap, with the target sights, then they brought the stainless version...PIMP GUN.
Hope this helps
Now for accuracy the Ruger Old army is the only way to go, but you have to use .457 round balls. I used one of these for BP comp for 8 years until I switched to the TC Patriot...Now this is ACCURATE!!! I will try not to brag. I shot a, still standing, 50 out of 50 target at a local rendevous in the mid 80's with the Patriot. The closest I came to that with the Ruger was a 47 out of 50. Problem with the Ruger is. it looks like crap, with the target sights, then they brought the stainless version...PIMP GUN.
Hope this helps
Black Powder Choices
I agree with the others go with the steel frame, and go after the Uberti line. If you get the Remington models you can purchase a cylinder that converts it to a cartredge gun.
I like my 1860, 1861, Remington 1858, and the Remington carbine.
All Uberti.
I agree with the others go with the steel frame, and go after the Uberti line. If you get the Remington models you can purchase a cylinder that converts it to a cartredge gun.
I like my 1860, 1861, Remington 1858, and the Remington carbine.
All Uberti.
