Taking the plunge

[ak47ak74]

First time poster here, long time lurker.

I'm thinking about finally taking the plunge into the world of black powder and I wanted to get your guys thoughts.

I'm thinking about buying a cap and ball revolver, either a Colt Model 1860 or a Model 1851. Are these a good starter gun? What manufacturer would you guys suggest? I've been looking at Cabela's, Dixie Gun Works, and Cimarron. Who would you buy from? Cabela's offers a pistol with starter kit priced at $229.99 for the steal framed .36 cal. 1851 and $249.99 for the steal framed .44 cal. 1860. Is this a good deal? The kits come with a nipple wrench, powder measure, 2-oz. bottle of Cabela's Black Powder Pistol Lube, a powder flask, 30 lead roundballs, and 30 felt powder wads.

So what are your guys thoughts and suggestions for this newbie?

 

[Blizzard of '93]

Welcome to the Forum, you are getting a good deal either way you go. I had a '51 but it was a .44. (not original, they were .36)

 

[F.G. Ford]

I have had just about every model of Colt replica made.
The 44's make a lot of smoke, and shoot well, and are a little easier to load, if you have big fingers.
But the .36 is my choice of caliber, flatter shooting, cheaper on lead and powder.
The brass framed guns don't stand up, so pay a little extra for the steel, and the steel guns are easier to sell later.
Uberti manufactured guns are better finished and tuned.
For a good shooter the Remington has the edge over the Colt.
Although I shoot black powder in my rifles, you can shoot longer in a day with Pyrodex P it doesn't seen to jam up the cylinder, as black powder does.
The jamming (seizing) is an easy fix,( just wash the cylinder and axle) but it does take it's toll in the inner workings of the revolver.
I hope this helps.
Best Regards
Old Ford

 

[Tinker2]

"Cabela's offers a pistol with starter kit priced at $229.99 for the steal framed .36 cal. 1851 and $249.99 for the steal framed .44 cal. 1860. Is this a good deal?"

Yes, you should like them.

If you use a Cabela’s credit card you build up a rebate credit.
They also send me a $20. coupons once or twice a year.




Tinker2

 

[prowler]

Cabela's offers a pistol with starter kit priced at $229.99 for the steal framed .36 cal. 1851 and $249.99 for the steal framed .44 cal. 1860.

I have three of Cabela's (Pietta) 1860's that I have shot for SASS for over 15 years. These guns have thousands of balls through each of them and they still are as tight as when new. I have replaced nipples and a couple of hands. All items I consider normal maintenance items. The overall service has been excellent. Of course, when I bought mine, they were about $115.00, but then again that was a while ago.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

I tell new folks, ot learn with a single shot, before venturing into 6 shooters.

I personaly will never fire one, nor have nothing to do with them.

Ive seen too many chain fires, and thats one thing you will look forward to some time.

Regardless of what anyone writes below me.

Everyone know you will have more than one chamber go off at the same time, sooner or later.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

If you are set on getting a Colt type, look at the 1861 model. It comes in .36 cal. It looks the same as the 1860 model, just in .36. Either one, 1851 Navy or 1861 Navy, both are .36 cal and both fun and pleasant to shoot. Stay away from the brass framed stuff, go for the steel.

 

[Poor Private]

Now if your really serious go for the SS heck with the brass and steal. Easier to clean and nice and shinny too. :grin: Then after you have the ole BP roundball down you can get a conversion cylinder for it.
Actually in all seriousness, if know someone who shoots BP ask to shoot thiers a few times. Most BP shooters will let you try just to get another pard hooked in it. You can even call a shooting club or range and ask there. This way you get a gun your comfortable with.
Off Course now that you are semi hooked they are like Jays patato chips you can't have just one!!! :thumbsup:

 

[mazo kid]

Prowler, have you had any chainfires in your cap and ball revolvers? I haven't shot my Remmies or Colts near as much as you have, but I (SO FAR!) haven't had a chainfire in hundreds of rounds fired. Maybe I'm the exception?! Emery

 

[mykeal]

Chain fires are easily prevented. All it takes is some attention to detail. You need to find some new friends to go shooting with, Johnny.

ak47ak74 - read this thread thoroughly:
Black Powder Essentials

 

Welcome to the forum from another newbie.
I recently bought Cabala's 1851 36 cal. It's a pietta but IMHO, it's a great value. It's also a hoot to shoot - very mild and cheap to feed. I do not recommend Cabala's starter kit. You can get that seperate pieces in much better quality for a little more. I use Pyrodex P in mine and have had no problems. Get some over powder wads too. Less chance of a chain fire.
I had problems getting the caps on so you may want to consider a quality capper (Cash)
Enjoy
Steve

 

[Leatherbark]

I've been shootin percussion revolvers almost every trip to the range since 1977.......I've never yet experienced a chainfire. Not that I wont, but just have'nt yet. I use grease over the ball so a spark aint gettin in there for sure. I have a cap on each nipple so a spark aint gettin in there either. I do take a small screwdriver and really pry those caps down good on their seat...........Can a spark get past grease?. After thinking about it maybe I shouldnt shoot my percussion revolvers beside anyone. I'd hate to splatter lead sideways and hurt someone....
AK ---you'll do fine with either. The Colt type will need more "Tuning" than the Remington type, but they handle better IMHO.........Bob

 

[Blizzard of '93]

I agree mykeal. loading a revolver takes some attention to detail, such as shaving a ring from the ball/slug being pressed, neatness with powder charging and correct size caps carefully (and safely) seated on the nipple, it's the price you pay for having the 6 shots.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I would get a Uberti and I would buy the necessary loading equipment separately. Invariably these starter kits are comprised of the cheapest generic stuff available. As to whether you want a '60 Army or '51 Navy, the deciding factor is probably going to be caliber. But both are accurate and effective. I have both Colt and Remington revolvers and much prefer the Colts for their nicer balance and less tendency to lock up from fouling. As to chainfires, I have been shooting these revolvers since the fifties and have never had one and none of my friends has either. Personally, I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the opinion of someone who "will never fire a C&B revolver nor have nothing to do with them" as this would seem to imply a lack of personal knowledge on the subject. The simple truth is that properly loaded C&B revolvers don't chainfire,and proper loading is simple to do. And these guns are an awful lot of fun to shoot.

 

[44-henry]

I own a copy of just about every Colt percussion revolver ever made and several Remington reproductions and have shot them thousands of times. I've yet to experience a chain fire in all the years I've shot them. I personally don't think it's all that likely when properly loaded, your mileage may vary.

I generally use a wad between the powder and ball and I also use some grease on top of everything to keep the fowling soft.

 

[ak47ak74]

Thanks for the replies guys and thanks for the link mykeal. I'll be sure to read it thoroughly.

I'm fairly set on getting a Colt, I just love the way they look. I have small hands so I'm thinking .36 cal. to start with but I do shoot a 1911 so maybe that doesn't matter.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Ive used wads over the balls, lots of grease, and still have seen chain fires.

They happen no matter what you do, at sometime.

 

[mykeal]

Ive used wads over the balls, lots of grease, and still have seen chain fires.

They happen no matter what you do, at sometime.

Well, in that case, Johnny, you are right to stick with single shot pistols.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

I'd be careful Johnny. You sound like a man who could have a chainfire with a single shot pistol! :wink:

 

[HarborMaster]

Ive used wads over the balls, lots of grease, and still have seen chain fires.

They happen no matter what you do, at sometime.

Do you pinch the nipples a bit so they do not fall off? Perhaps if you lose a cap your catching a bit of flash thru a nipple,. not the front of the chamber? How do your hands look after all these chain fires? Seems to me after one chain fire., youd be disfigured? Personally I have never had or seen a chain fire and I would never hold a board for a 3 fingered carpenter. I enjoy single shooters and revolvers Cabela's has been good to me.., consider the stainless 1858 .,as a starter gun ., stainless cleans easily.