BBL size / brass vs steel

[himem777]

I have seen The 1858 army in 5,8 and 12 inch. What are the pros and cons for the different sizes, and if anyone knows muzzle velocity that would be nice? Am I taking a hit in speed going from 8-5 or dose 12 have a velocity advantage?

Also in modern reproductions dose brass make that much of a difference?

 

[Norinco]

From what I've heard, shorter barrels don't make much of a difference in the fun department. You will barely notice the reduced velocity.

Many members here will tell you that brass frames are fine with the low powder charges that are recommended. Plus, the fact that it's a Remington, the frame will be more durable than if it were a Colt open top. However, the wear does not involve the frame stretching (unless you're doing it wrong), but rather frame at the rear of the cylinder peening.

 

[CaptainKirk]

IMHO, brass DOES make a difference, both in longevity and in maximum loads. I don't own any brass frame pistols and likely won't unless it's a baby-charge 'pocket pistol'.
Brass-frame pistol recoil shields take a pounding with full-house loads.The battering of the cylinder against it can weaken the brass over time.
As for barrels; a longer barrel will give you (obviously) more velocity. It will also afford a better sight plane (esp. with older eyes). In the end; your choice. I've made mine, though.

 

[arcticap]

With the brass 1858 design, the hole where the cylinder pin fits into the frame can prematurely wear into an oval shape. Then it will need a steel bushing to be inserted so that the cylinder pin will be centered and so to fix the timing problem that can result.
With the brass Colts, the battering of the recoil shield is more of the problem which can require a steel washer to be inserted. And the Colt arbor can still become loose.
But with the brass Remington the fix is a steel bushing or two.
And at the 50 yard distance, I think that the accuracy of the 12 inch barrel of the brass frame will be noticeably worse because of the lower velocity from loading less than optimum powder charges.
So the accuracy of the 12" barrel and longer sighting plane may not be able to be fully utilized.
At some target distance that probably holds true for all of the brass frame handguns, depending on the volume of the shooter's self-imposed powder limitation.

 

[himem777]

Thanks for the post that seems to be the popular consensus. It dose not look like the 12inch barrel will be more of a boon in power.

Thanks Again :thumbsup:

 

[himem777]

Dose anyone know what kind of velocity hit I would take if I went from 8 to 5.5 inch model.