Brass versus Steel framed revolvers

[bezoar]

Just wishing for some good quality comments from those that have used brass and or steel framed revolvers.

Did you notice any big differences in weight, accuracy, reliability, functioning, wear and tear of the revolver?

 

[biliff]

Cowboy Action shooters stay away from the brass framed revolvers as they shoot loose pretty quickly even with light loads. The steel frames hold up much better.

 

[Don]

I have heard it repeatedly said that brass frames don't hold up as well as steel frames and I would never dispute this. As far as them being used by coyboy action shooters you need to remember that they put a lot of rounds through their guns and use the rammer attached to seat new rounds. This is what wears them out. If you are likely to use them only occasionally and load the cylender off the frame than I think a brass frame will last quite awhile. Remington brass frames I have read are more durable than the colt style. Keeping powder charges at 25 grains or below will also lengthen brass frame life. If you shoot a lot and like to use full throttle loads than get a steel framed gun.

Don

 

[musketman]

I know one guy who likes the look of brass, so he had a steel frame brass plated, cured his "shooting loose" problem...

 

I've owned both in the past but now all my revolvers are steel frames. Regarding weight, accuracy and functioning I couldn't see much difference. The brass will flex more but that's to be expected as it's softer. Over time the functioning of the brass frames I had deteriorated due to the softness of the brass and peening changing the geometry of the parts and fit. The steel frames beat the brass frames in spades regarding wear and tear.

As was said if your shooting is only going to be occasional and with light loads the brass should be fine and there is historical documentation for brass frames in the Confederacy. However, if I were starting out again today I'd only purchase steel. It's just a better material for revolver frames.

Vic