opinions on cap and ball kits

[FlintlockJonny]

Link

Hi guys, I have never shot a cap and ball revolver, But would love to learn. I am exploring options for Christmas. Does anyone have any opinions on any of these kits. I'd like to put one together. My budget is around $300. I do have a .45 cal. Kentucky Flintlock and would like something a little more accurate and fun to shoot. Also, I know it depends on where you live, but could I carry this one while hunting, to perhaps finish off a wounded deer, or try to pick off squirrels?

 

[Blizzard of '93]

some retailers have Pietta revolvers for less than 200$ but you will need some accesories to go with it. the '58 Rem models can be ordered with adjustable sights. they are generally regarded as good shooters. if you spent the time to browse some on-line auction sites a ROA could be found for around 250$ on up.

 

[mykeal]

Opinions on percussion revolver kits wanted. Hmmm.

Well, they're OK. Not usually much in the way of special skills or tools needed. Just sand, finish and assemble, they're for the most part significantly easier than the single shot pistol kits.

Depends on why you want a kit. If it's a money issue, a $300 budget will buy a fine, good quality, assembled revolver with significant change. If you just have the desire to be able to shoot something you built there are a number of good kits that will fit your budget and not challenge your skills. The selection of models and manufacturers is not as good with kits as with finished guns, though.

I don't have a recommendation as to which kit to buy. Brand names like Pietta and Euroarms involve little risk, so I'd probably stick with them, unless someone else here knows of one better.

 

[Rebel]

I would buy a Cabelas Target model 1858 Remington for $219.99. They are good accurate shooters. And you have enough left of that $300 to get a holster and some caps, wads and balls. Use a .454 rd ball in it.

 

[FlintlockJonny]

i was lookin at them thar cabelas guns.

 

[Zonie]

As was said, if you want to build a kit there are several makers. IMO you should avoid the brass framed ones. Oh, also avoid a stainless steel one.
I speak of this from experiance.

I bought a stainless Remington kit at a gun show for 60 dollars thinking it was just a carbon steel gun.
When I started working on sanding the frame casting I sanded and sanded with very little progress being made. It was only then that I started suspecting that this gun was not the fairly easily worked carbon steel so I tried blueing it. Of course it didn't "take".

Stainless steel is typically very tough and "gummy". It is much harder to work with.

If you are trying to save money, don't bother with kits. They usually are not that much less costly than the finished guns and you will never be able to obtain as good of a job of blueing as a company can do.

zonie

 

[FlintlockJonny]

thanks guys...I was just looking around here online and yes....the finished ones are in the same price range if not cheaper. I like the idea of building one, but hey....that can wait...i can build a loading stand instead! I need to make a trip to cabelas now. Thanks!