Brass frame revolvers

[Frod733]

Looking to get a Confederate style revolver in 36 caliber, with brass frame. Does anyone have opinions on whether older models from the 60's and 70's have softer frames, poorer parts than the new?

 

[maillemaker]

I can't comment on the quality of old vs. new, but today, about your only options are a Spiller and Burr or a Griswold and Gunnison.

 

[Frod733]

Thanks. Looked at some videos on brass frame guns on youtube. Some think they shoot loose. My shooting would strictly be target with reduced loads so that should not be an issue. Just trying to determine quality vs price.

 

[Jappo]

There's a 36 caliber brass frame called 1851 Colt Navy octagon barrel. Some come with an engraved cylinder and some non engraved.
If you're looking for a Confederate revolver, it looks like a Schneider and Glassic.
From what I've read its an accidental Schneider. It was actually made by the Italians to save money on manufacturing and sell it cheaper than the steel revolver.

 

[Frod733]

What I am trying to get at is whether the early cap and balls were of inferior quality and not worth bothering with. Softer brass frame, poor internals, etc. I am looking at defarbing one so an inexpensive one would be suitable, IF, it is of reasonable quality and reliability. Or should I look for something newer. I am planning on it being a shooter as well.

 

[hawkeye2]

If you can find a vintage one with low mileage it would be fine but if you are really worried about it just buy a new one. Either would work for you.

 

[Jappo]

Speaking of the Griswold, I found a Navy Arms ASM frame, barrel and trigger guard. $97.43. I thought, why not. Found the internals brand new $100.50. Then I found out I needed all the screws, all brand new. $60.95. Still needs a backstrap and grips. And of course a cylinder.
$258.88. A new one is $263.90 up to $306.78. If they have them in stock.

 

[Jappo]

What I am trying to get at is whether the early cap and balls were of inferior quality and not worth bothering with. Softer brass frame, poor internals, etc. I am looking at defarbing one so an inexpensive one would be suitable, IF, it is of reasonable quality and reliability. Or should I look for something newer. I am planning on it being a shooter as well.

As long as its a Pietta or Uberti your ok. All the others you are going to find are different brands no longer made and parts are an issue.
I think the wear and tear is user error. Especially the Colts pattern. Too much cylinder gap, heavy loads and driving the wedge too far. That puts a lot of stress on the arbor, pulling it out and messing up the threads.
These are some examples of some that I have gotten in for repairs.

 

[Widows Son]

What I am trying to get at is whether the early cap and balls were of inferior quality and not worth bothering with. Softer brass frame, poor internals, etc. I am looking at defarbing one so an inexpensive one would be suitable, IF, it is of reasonable quality and reliability. Or should I look for something newer. I am planning on it being a shooter as well.

Yes. They were junk. YouTube channel Blackie Thomas has a very good series on percussion revolvers, and in one (I can’t find the link now, but I think it was about brass frames) he discusses how when the centennial of the US Civil War came around, a lot of gun manufacturers made reproductions of arms from that era. Many were only intended to fire blanks and were simply not very strong and made with low quality materials. These low priced pistols were common on the market into the 1980s. (I certainly had one)