Opinions on Pietta 1851 Confederate Navy revolver?

[kyron4]

Thinking about getting into a BP revolver and leaning towards the Pietta 1851 Confederate Navy .44 cal.. First a few questions, will cci #11 caps work on this pistol ? I have a good supply of #11 caps but have never even seen #10 caps . Next, some have said the brass frame pistols don't last or hold up and will only handle "light loads". Any truth to this ? Overall, is it a quality pistol as far as durability , accuracy, and maintenance ? Any thoughts or opinions ?
-Thanks

 

[nick_1]

its not historically correct. it would have been in .36cal. Its a brasser. fine if you just want a wall hanger but if you are interested in a gun to shoot regularly with whatever loads you wish and last a lifetime get a steel frame.

 

[1950DAVE]

Never had a problem with my .44 cal brass, shooting 20 grains mostly. But I don’t shoot thousands of rounds either. If I were to be buying new I would go with steel. Hard to pass up a brass for $50.

 

[nick_1]

After shooting 3 brassers loose I see that as just $50.00 down the drain.

 

[Freedom]

Remington 1858 will give you a MUCH(!) more enjoyable experience!...just saying.

 

[bigstick6017555]

Buy quality---cry once, buy cheap---cry twice

 

[nick_1]

1851 navy is awesome just get 36 cal. with steel frame. if you want a .44 get a 60 army or an 1858

 

[smokeum54]

Id go with steel frame as well. My experience with brass frames has been pretty good with light loads but they do wear. As far as not being historically correct or a fantasy gun i don't really mind. I like having the options, get what you like.

One fantasy gun i bought on a impulse buy, a month later they came out in steel. Gonna get the steel frame sooner or later. This should ruffle some feathers, brass 51 navy .44 buntline

 

[B P Arn]

Gasp!!! Where's me smellin' salts???

 

[nick_1]

I have a buffalo fantasy gun but its a brasser and looser than an old saloon gurl now....

 

[kyron4]

Glad I asked here first, I knew I'd get the skinny. Thinking the steel 36 is the way to go.

 

[Freedom]

The 36cal, 1851 London model Uberti, has long been spoken of as being finished to a higher level....not sure if that is true or not, but out of 20 open-top Colts it is the "only" one that shot perfectly out of the box. (An yes the arbor is short on it too.)

Every Remington1858 that I have checked has had bore restriction at the frame threads....but this can be easily lapped out, and it doesn't interfere with the revolver's functions.

 

[Smokerr]

Remington 1858 will give you a MUCH(!) more enjoyable experience!...just saying.

1858 Rem vs a Brass Frame or vs Open Top ?

I figure everyone has their druthers, I like my 47 Walker and the open top has been an eye opener., I would not tell someone its better or more enjoyable. It is for me but there are far more not me's out there than there is me.

As long as you are out there enjoying the shooting no matter whats you gots is what counts.

I build up my own target rifles. I sure won't tell anyone my setup is the answer, its is for me, others have their own take.

Flip side is I have a 1911 Swiss Rifle and its a hoot to shoot. The straight pull appeals to me. Not popular to say the least. I have fun with it, others shoot 1903s, 1917s, Garands etc. We all are enjoying what we are doing.

A steel frame whatever will last better than brass, but if you want to shoot lighter loads a brass would do fine. As long as you go into it knowing what you are getting.

 

[cynthialee]

I have the very same gun and I like it. I shoot it with modest loads and it works great. Probably will stretch eventually but it doesn't get shot often. So that is likely a problem for someone in the future.

Shoots well enough. It is not a 'historic gun', but it does work the same.

If you have the money to go the extra for a steel frame spend the difference. I'd like to be able to run more powerful charges through mine, but it was what I was able to afford the day I got it.