Stainless Cylinder

[nkbj]

Today the better 2/3's and I were rummaging around out of town and a stainless Pietta 1858 cylinder was found.
Could the stainless spares be the answer to the question folks ask about leaving the revolver loaded long term?

 

[swathdiver]

You can leave a regular cylinder loaded near forever without worry of rust; if, it's been loaded right, and, kept under the right conditions.

 

[nkbj]

Too bad they didn't have a half priced .36 stainless. That would have become the extra clip for the .41.
I'll be back by there in a week or so and will check on that .44.

 

[F.G. Ford]

Hi,
Any cap & ball revolver can be loaded and kept so for a long time, without any damage.
"If" you start with a clean and dry cylinder, charge with powder, cover with a dry felt waxed wad, tight ball, cover with bees wax mix 60% bees wax, 20% murphy's oil, 20% olive oil.
Then cap, smudge the bees wax mix on the cap, to prevent moisture from entering from the cap area.
Remember now, if your cylinder is not in the gun, it is dangerous if dropped or bumped.
Don't shoot yourself! :shake:
Fred

 

[nkbj]

Had to go back by the store and look at that marked down spare cylinder. Oo, temptation. But, I already got a spare cylinder with the .44 when I bought it with the holster and flask for 150. So, no, I'm not springing for the stainless cylinder even though it would be perfect for total degreasing before loading for sitting around. But the 1851 .36 cylinders now, they were real tempting 'cause a .40 cal like Sam Colt experimented with would tickle me pink.

 

[old fogey]

Sorry, don't come around enough (just found this thread)! Instead of leaving caps on a loaded cylinder (too dangerous,) you can leave the cylinder "loaded" but uncapped for long-term storage using these (the revolver seals linked are specifically designed for long-term storage). Also, they're specifically designed for 1858 cylinders.

 

[azmntman]

Very cool! Thank you!

 

[AZbpBurner]

Today the better 2/3's and I were rummaging around out of town and a stainless Pietta 1858 cylinder was found.
Could the stainless spares be the answer to the question folks ask about leaving the revolver loaded long term?

Stainless may be rust resistant, but when it does rust, it rusts and pits with a vengeance. I wouldn't consider leaving any of my revolvers loaded for an extended time - especially my stainless.

 

[zimmerstutzen]

I have left a clean ruger cylinder loaded with black powder for two years, stored in a dry place. No rust or corrosion of any kind. Would never do that with pyrodex.