Black powder Revolvers

[gunmaker]

I have both the colt 1860 .44 & the  Rem. .44  both are very good guns uberti's  the Colt hands down fits my hand like an extension of my pointer finger, but I do like the Rem. as well--I can't decide only had 'em since 1978.   

[pilgrim]

     Thanks Hawken50, Texasranger, flintboomer and gunmaker for you input and help.  I plan on going to Cabelas on Thursday to check out their Pietta 1860. From there  I will backtrack and stop in at Dixons Muzzleloading shop, 10 miles away from Cabelas.  I know that Dixons had revolvers in the showcase, and I need to call them to find out who the manufacturer is.  I don't feel they would have the same as Cabelas.    Besides I  need some supplies and I buy most all my supplies from Dixons.  Support you local Muzzleloader shop. 

[Hawken50]

   Might aughta mention somethin on the Colt pattern revolvers.Most every one I've had shot about 6 to12 inches high at 25 yards.Ya gotta remember these revolvers were designed to hit a man sized target at 100 yards. Uberti and Pietta reproduce the sights the same as they were when Ol Sam was buildin them. When ya decide on which one to get there are things that can be done to git em on target. Heck when i get time might put up a tutorial on it if there's enough interest.

[pilgrim]

     Thanks Hawken50.    In my research, and I research a lot of customer reviews,  several  stated that on the colt, they filed a deeper V into the trigger notch.  Others filed the rear sights on the Remington style.  But most all did say the pistols fire high.  There is a Petta target model that the rear sight has elevation and windage.  Still undecided on this particular revolver,   After comparing all, I have some down to 3 model.  The 1851,1858 and the 1860.  But not certain if Remington style or Colt.  Need to handle each and go by feel in my hand.  If the revolver feels like an extension of my hand, whether I like the pistol or not, that is the best one for me. 

[flintboomer]

The colt style will always shoot high except for the 1860 which may be close or on point of aim with about 20-22 gr.
My Remingtons shot low I so filed the front sight to bring them up to point of aim except for the target model and it shoots high with 25 gr and there is nowhere near enough adjustment in the rear sight to compensate.

[pilgrim]

     I just returned from 4 hours of traveling and looking ate BP revolvers.    Oh brother, I came home empty handed, just could not decide.  Wanted to get 3 different revolvers, so left without one.  First I went to a new gun shop, 10 miles from home.  Saw what appeared to be an Original Colt, for $1700.00.   Then I eye a sweet little 36 cal 185?, 1851 or 1858, Colt style Umberti.  She was so sweeeet and delicate.  From there I traveled 40 miles to Dixons shop.   There I almost went nuts.   I handled a hand cannon, needed wheels for this used ASM Walker.  No wonder they call it a horse pistol, need a horse to lug it around.  But in nice shape.    And what cI feel is reasonable $$.  Also checked out a Ruger, discontinued model fetching $490.00.  Not really traditional, but probably a good shooter.  Dixons had mostly all Umberti's revolvers.  I did look and handle the 1860.  Since I couldn't decide which one, I left with none.  They had several used revolvers.    Of all the revolvers I looked at,  the horse pistol seemed to be made the best.  Everything appeared to lock up tight.  I especially like the fact that when the hammer strikes the cap, there is no large gab above the cylinder contact point.  it was the only revolver that did not have a gap when the hammer was in the fried position on a bare nipple.     I did get a Dixie Gun Works Catolog and some .010 prelubed patches for my single shot hand guns.    Tomorrow is another day??still  like the first 36 cal revolver.s    is a beauty,  used for $225.00.  Seems too much for a used Umberti 36, but

[flintboomer]

Check the online prices for that Uberti .36 and see how it compares and you might decide to get it after all.
The walker really was intended to be carried in a saddle holster and replace the carbine, not carried in a belt holster. They were meant to be a "hand cannon" with lots of power and portability, not concealability.
DECISIONS, DECISIONS,  let us know what you decide.

[beowulf]

check the prices from cabela`s  . they are usually running a few specials , and sometimes you can get a good deal ! like all the colts , but agree with bill hickok , like the 51 navy in .36 about the best !

[Hawken50]

Just a caution on the asm Walker.Parts availability is almost non existing. My 1860 army is an asm and i am forced to modify any parts i need. If ya can buy either Pietta or Uberti. Just my 2 cents and prolly worth every penny.

[pilgrim]

    Thank You Hawken50.  I will follow your advise.   I may also try my hand at making a somewhat simple repair on an A Umberti.

[Dogshirt]

Just my  $0.02, but I REALLY dislike (HATE) the fact that Colts have to have the barrel removed to remove the cylinder. This to me is a GRAND way to
mess up accuracy and I will NOT own a Colt until they use Remington's top strap! The Colt system looks flakey, dangerous, and counter productive to any imbalance of accuracy. NO WAY will I shoot a Colt that hasn't progressed to the topstrap model! 

[William]

..........is a beauty,  used for $225.00.  Seems too much for a used Umberti 36, but

That is too much for a used percussion revolver especially since Cabelas puts the Remingtons on sale periodically for $229 brand new.  That is for the Pietta however, but it's new.  However, is the .36 you are looking at has an action job, preferably by someone well known for them then it's a good deal.  If it locks up tight and is well timed, no ring around the cylinder then it's a decent deal even if it doesn't have an action job, IMHO based on my CAS experience.

[pilgrim]

     On Saturday, I went to Cabelas.  Looked at their selection. Had several on sale.  Again, I couldn't decide.  Really like the 1860,  but sort of wanted a Remington style, Uberti.  So I left, empty handed again.  Stopped at Dixons on the way home, to look at their used revolvers and new Uberti's.   Was going to buy a used Pietta 1860, all but rung up when I figured I could  get a new one at Cabelas for $40 more.  Had the .454 rb and all, up until I finally decided against any purchase.    When I finally do get something, I will have no choice to change my mind. 

[William]

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I'm thinking that for all but the Ruger cap & ball replicas that .451 balls are what is needed for .44 caliber revolvers.  Despite the RB diamater you should always get a lead ring after ramming the load down into the cylinder.

[Hawken50]

I have used .451 in my asm 1860 and it shaves a good ring,on my walker though ya need 454 to seal good. Ruger old armries use a .457 ball.For most guns .454 gives better sealing and more accurate.