Shootable examples are out there to be found, and for a "reasonable" price, but you'll need to be both patient and ready when the right one comes along! Go for it if/when the right one comes along. As infrequently as I'm willing to actually shoot any 1849 Pocket, owning a functioning antique definitely winds my clock.
It's definitely an effective system -- depending on the bay, sometimes too much so. Bay #1 has a steady breeze of at least 10mph, and it gets mighty cold when the A/C kicks on! This was recorded on bay #6, the last position in room 1 (of two) in the facility's "rifle" section. Smoke from this little .31-cal wasn't much, and way less than when I shoot certain 44 special smokeless powder "cowboy" loads.
The main issue with these small "pocket" pistols is their sensitivity to getting gunked up. Repro or artifact, it'll be the same.
Well said. I'd have to spend the money to have Colt research it, see where it shipped, etc. I would hope it shipped to San Francisco, into a 49ers pocket or belt to keep Claim Jumpers away!!The main issue with these small "pocket" pistols is their sensitivity to getting gunked up. Repro or artifact, it'll be the same.
Sure, it worked perfectly for 10 rounds, but if I'd gone 20, I'd wager there would have been fouling-induced trouble.
Pocket pistols -- especially the 1849 -- were for deterrence, even if effective (enough) at close range. It's not intended nor suited for extended firing.
It's still a fun gun to shoot, but a man has got to know his (gun's) limitations.
All indoor ranges should have good air exhaust & filtration as lead in air is always an issue.
Indeed! With what's now know about the dangers of breathing shooting exhaust, any range that wants to stay in business should have a system good enough so all of the shooting byproduct is carried forward and out/filtered rapidly. Should be nothing more than a whiff on the shooting line.
I contacted Colt to see if I could get a letter for my 1849 Pocket. Here's their response...
