Any One Here Shoot Percussion Revolvers?

[growr]

Flashovers are NOT a fun experience by any means....in 1972 (when I was a sophomore in High school and still knew everything ) I had all 6 go off in my 1860 Army made by CVA.

I didn't believe that you needed to seal the cylinder with grease/lard etc to prevent that. Also used too small a ball for a proper fit...

Didn't start again until 2004 when I started in SASS and then got a proper education on Cap& Ball handling.

No handgun made had anything on that experience....no harm done to the gun not even the ones that went straight into the frame!

Randy

 

[slumpy]

I see bp revolvers at cabellas on sell for around 199.99, are these worth the money to get started into bp shooting. I think they are the coltarmy.44 reproductions.

 

[Muley Gil]

Stick with steel frame revolvers and avoid the brass framed ones if you intend to shoot a lot.

 

[Erich]

 

[semperfi71]

ferilmerril,

Love that photo! You guys look like you are about ready to be "up-to-no-good"!

growr sez:

"I changed the nipples from original to ones made by Treso and use Remington #10 caps as they go on and seat fully with ease and also STAY on after firing which was a HUGE improvement for me.
I no longer put any grease over the ball as a sealant, but instead use a wonderwad and then seat a .454 ball that when being seated is shaving off a small ring of lead thus sealing the cylinder....no more grease running all over my pants and holsters!!"

Dead on with that advice. I have found that what ties up the cylinder is not the fouled cylinder base-pin but the fouled front of the cylinder. I brush off the face after each cylinder full. A cap-n-baller will run for quite while on that.

I have been shooting percussion revolvers ever since 1972 and have shot and owned probably all of the different variations available except the Lemat.

It takes a list of specialized tools, some home-made, to properly clean them but with the correct tools and cleaning solutions I can clean a cap-n-ball in 45 minutes and a modern smokeless revolver in about 30. Not a big difference. The key is getting the proper cleaning tools and solvents. I use half-n-half Windex-with-vinegar and water. Although I still think soapy water with a clean rinse works the best.

Percussion revolvers with the correct loads and a good gun can shoot into 2 inches or less at 25 yards. I have also seen some really poorly machined and fitted cap-n-ballers shoot very well.

I only shoot black powder and will always stay with that.

Make well sure you have on old clothes when you shoot and when you clean them. You will get "greasy-black"!

I also shoot about six conversion clones with black-powder but that's another thread some day.........

 

[Bat Guano]

Got my first one, an original 1851 Navy, in 1963. Transferred to MSU and there was a little gunshop just off campus. I had just gotten there and was checking the place out. Among other things this old Colt that had seen better days was hanging on a peg, priced at $35.00. I took some of my textbook money, bought it, and kept it in my dorm room till Christmas when I took it home and shot it. Had my first and only chain fire with it. Still have that old relic but like me, it's now retired. Comparable rough originals now sell for about $1200 so it turns out the money was well spent.

Since that time I've had one nice original 1860 Army, about three replica 1860s, a 2nd gen. 1851 Colt, two ROAs, and a Uberti Dragoon, Walker, and 1861 Navy. The 1861 Navy is my favorite for looks and shooting qualities. The original 1860 was a beautiful piece of gunmaking, equal to the best S&Ws; it just that you don't see many in good enough condition to really appreciate it. The ROA is a factory original 5 1/2" stainless with adjustable sights with a letter. As far as I can tell it's one of a kind. There are a few around modified from 7 1/2" but this one was made that way.

I wish Ruger had made a .36 version of the ROA but you can't have everything.

They are fun, but thorough cleaning gets tedious. For that reason I find the tales of Hickok firing and cleaning his pistols every day head to believe. He wouldn't have had time for much else in the course of a day.

 

[dinooch]

I love my 1860 .44 replica. It's accurate and fun to shoot. I also have a Confederate Remington copy with brass frame. I only shot it one range session and found it not to be trusted and have turned it into a safe queen. The 1860 is a Lyman and a damned good solid performer. I even carried it one time for giggles concealed as it is on my NY State CCW. Emptied it by firing a week later and it performed like a champ. No guys, it will never replace my real carry guns but could you imagine if I actually had to use it that time? Sitting on a charge of 45 grains of Pyrodex P a .451 ball would make for a pretty bad day for an unsuspecting perp.

 

[BearBio]

A couple of mine. First, an antiqued Dragoon replica. Knife and sheaf made by yours truly. Knife handle is buffalo horn

A second one: Replica Army. Knife and holster by me, myself, and I. Slim Jim was made for a Schofield, that's why the cartidges.

Here in Washington, we can carry a sidearm during muzzleloader season==BUT it has to be a muzzleloading pistol. Fairly common to find bears and lions attracted to a kill.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The Colt Drgaoon is my favorite. I like the heft, and firing it with full power loads is like firing an M-28 with 38 Specials.
Covering the cylinder mouths to prevent chainfires is a MUST. I use store brand shortening, inexpensive, plus it keeps the fouling soft so cleaning often involves only a good wipedown.

 

[Muddyboot]

I'm a big fan of cap and ball revolvers, Uberti's are excellent shooters.
Great fun to shoot, they make you slow down and enjoy the day.

 

[BearBio]

I had some "likes" posted, so here's a couple of experimental pictures:

Let me know what you think!

 

[Cyrano]

Classy holster and scabbard; GREAT knife and very nice 1860 Army.

 

[A10]

I have an 1858 colt copy and a Lyman plains pistol. Both are great shooters, but the Lyman has an edge on accuracy. I don't think there has ever been a better pointing handgun invented than the 1860 Army.