Rem 1858 5 1/2 barrel

[monkr]

Does anyone shoot the 1858 rem with the 5 1/2 inch barrel? I have the 8 inch barrel and like it even though I have taken some time off shooting 357 mags and 22 revolvers. Getting ready to do some more BP and thinking of getting the shorter barrel. Once again I appreciate ya'lls input.

 

[Norinco]

Are you getting a new barrel or a new gun?

 

[monkr]

A new gun

 

[Norinco]

I've shot one before, but I can't really say anything for or against it. I personally prefer full sized revolcers.

 

[Poor Private]

I have both. The 8" one I bought for civil war reenacting and the 5 1/2" I bought for use for both BP and .45colt conversion. The 5 1/2 inch was a tuned Cimmerron Arms Uberti with every thing proofed(barrell, cylinder, frame) cost was 325(2009)addition of the conversion cylinder and the milling out of the back plate to accept cart was another 300 bucks. So I have 650 bucks in a pistol. I like this gun because it don't take a week to pull it out of a holster-- shorter barrel quicker pull.
The 8" is a Uberti Mellinum I paid $165(2000) that has seen hundreds of shots (both real and blank)through it. This past winter I replaced the the trigger spring in it for a whooping $3.50 from Dixie. This pistol will also use the conversion cylinder.
But the primary reason for both was Black powder target shooting, civil war reenacting and taking them out for when I to the "woods out back".
The shorter seems a bit better balanced due to the shorter barrel. But the 8" fits my hand like an old glove due to all the rounds that I have put through it.
My reccommendation is to buy BOTH!! :rotf:

 

[Sharps1863]

Uberti makes the 1858 already converted now, in
38 special, 44WCF, 45LC. I was looking at converting a Dragoon, but with the cost, like you I would have had over $600 in the pistol. so my Dragoon is up for sale to fund purchase of the New Army in 38 speciaL"cheaper to shoot" With 5-1/2 inch barrel.
To-- Monkr, "BUY IT",it would carry good in either a shoulder holster or on a cross draw on your belt and the 8-inch barrel on your side. Cabalas had them on sale. I have a 8 inch barrel 1858 Peitta brand from them, I'm well pleased with it and right now they have 5.00 shipping for Fathers Day special. only thing make sure you have someone at home to sign for the pistol, because they require that for delivery. "Pain in the backside" at least for me. :cursing:

 

[The German]

Got myself a Pietta 1858 with the short barrel two days ago from cabelas on sale for $199.99.
Very well made, good timing. Shot it yesterday with 30 gr FFFg,felt wad, 454 balls and crisco as lube. Rem #11 caps. Shot slighly under 2 inch group (6 rd) - however 7 inch high at 15 yards of the bench -very pleased! Love the ballance of gun and chose it over the 8 inch because I like the easier carriage in a cross draw holster when horseback riding.....( will take the gun for my horseback trips). Only negative part is the shorter loading lever and therefore hard to load balls.... Buy one you will love it!!

 

[Steve French]

I have five 1858 Remingtons, 2 Pietta 8 1/2" steel frames, an Armi San Paolo 8 1/2" brass frame, an old Richland Arms 8 1/2" brass frame, and a Pietta Bison 12" brass frame. I wouldn't know how to handle a short barrel Remington.

 

[nkbj]

[quo Only negative part is the shorter loading lever and therefore hard to load balls.... Buy one you will love it!![/quote]

About a half a foot of traditional hydraulic hose slipped over the lever makes loading much better.

 

[The German]

like the idea of the hose.....thanks!!