The Big Dixie 1858 Remington NM

[Swandog]

Big brown truck delivered the Rem with large grip and oversize frame tonight from Dixie. Very nice finish from blueing to wood grips. Not a blem or scratch anywhere except the brass inside the trigger guard needs polishing but I expected that from what I've read. Timing seems spot on and I had to dry fire it once to test the trigger and I like it. My Colt is a bit too light in my opinion.

I have never handled a 1858 before and I have big hands and have read SO much about the middle knuckle getting hammered that I opted for this large framed version. I may not have needed it because my middle knuckle totally goes past the trigger guard. I was worried about not reaching the hammer with my thumb without screwing up my grip but all is well there. The hammer comes back easily and don't believe I need a lighter spring.

My nipple wrench will not work on this cylinder; its too wide. Is there a special wrench for the Rem? It works fine on my Colt.

Anyway, I'll disassemble tonight and de-grease but I want to wait to fire it until I get a proper nipple wrench. In the mean time I'll just fondle it!

PS, I had a wee bit of trouble getting the cylinder back in but have that figured out nicely.

 

[arcticap]

It's a great looking gun.
Can you tell us the proof date code [usually 2 letters inside of a square box stamped onto the frame]?
I'm curious if it's an older production model or a current one.
Thanks and I hope that you enjoy it for many years to come.

BTW, RMC makes a sturdy revolver nipple wrench that's made in the USA that fits many Colts and 1858's.
It's on eBay listed as "RMC Revolver Nipple Wrench Item #ML063" or direct from RMC-Ox Yoke:--->>> https://www.rmcoxyoke.com/inc/sdetail/rmc_revolver_nipple_wrench/17324/236

 

[bang]

I have one of the target rem. Shooting conical raps the knuckle some but if you drop the powder a bit it rocks sweetly.

 

[Swandog]

It's a great looking gun.
Can you tell us the proof date code [usually 2 letters inside of a square box stamped onto the frame]?
I'm curious if it's an older production model or a current one.
Thanks and I hope that you enjoy it for many years to come.

BTW, RMC makes a sturdy revolver nipple wrench that's made in the USA that fits many Colts and 1858's.
It's on eBay listed as "RMC Revolver Nipple Wrench Item #ML063" or direct from RMC-Ox Yoke:--->>> https://www.rmcoxyoke.com/inc/sdetail/rmc_revolver_nipple_wrench/17324/236

In the box is CS. Not sure what that means.
Thanks for the link!

 

[trent/OH]

CS should be 2017 production. Italian muzzleloaders have that 2 letter code nowadays which corresponds to the year of manufacture. I'm trying to enclose an article about it, but it only goes up to 2003. You have to work it forward from there.
http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf

 

[arcticap]

CS should be 2017 production. Italian muzzleloaders have that 2 letter code nowadays which corresponds to the year of manufacture. I'm trying to enclose an article about it, but it only goes up to 2003. You have to work it forward from there.
http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf

Here's a new Italian proof date code chart for you that shows future codes through 2024.
Just save it to your computer.

 

[drobs]

Nice looking gun.

I'm trying to gauge the size of "big grip." Here's my 2 Pietta's for comparison.

 

[bigted]

You are the first person i have heard of that admits buying that large frame enlarged grip Rem new army.

I would be very interested in the difference between yours and the regular frame/grip. I am hoping you know someone with the regular frame that you can handle and report back with your impression of the difference.

Congrats on your new aquasition .

 

[Swandog]

I'll even admit I wish it was bigger. I'm exactly 163 miles one way to a Cabelas and thats the only store with the Rem anywhere near me. If I ever get down there I'll compare. In the mean time here's a shot of the grip without my hand in it.

 

[bigted]

Thanks for the photo. Can not tell exactly but it looks remarkably like a colt style grip ... maybe between the 51 and 60 grip. Hard to tell without an overlay to compare.

 

[Gee Dog]

That’s a handsome pistol, congratulations. There is no “large frame” Remington. Traditionally Pietta’s are a little larger than Uberti’s, overall. I’m taking your new gun to be a Pietta but have had to infer that since you haven't told us the maker (maybe I missed something).

The frame in the grip area has remained consistent. Modernly, for Piettas’s, the wood panels are considerably thicker than they were in pre CNC days. Those are easy to sand down if too thick for any particular owner. I'd lay money you are going to enjoy shooting that. Well done.

 

[Swandog]

Gee Dog, thank you and yes, it’s a Pietta. It’s also Dixie Gun Works exclusive extended frame/large grip model that’s $20 more than the standard Rem.

 

[Gee Dog]

Hi Swandog - Is the model number on your new Rem RH0140?

I called Dixie late in the day from CA to get more info but the gun smith was gone for the day and the lady asked me to call back tomorrow. I have three Pietta Remingtons which I really like but have always thought just a little more length in the grip would be perfect.

I had not heard of this version before - it sounds ideal.

Again, congrats on the new score.

 

[Swandog]

Yes, that’s it.

 

[drobs]

It looks a little bigger to me. Maybe more room behind the trigger guard?

I've read complaints of other 58 owners getting their knuckles bashed by the trigger guard.
I can't say I've noticed it with my pair. Then again, I've been shooting my Colts more than my Remingtons.

I think you're going to have to buy a 2nd standard Pietta 58 for comparison purposes.
Plus you really need a pair. Figure it's just as difficult / easy to clean 2 at a time as it is 1.

 

[Swandog]

Yeah, I really want the 5 1/2” RMA ! A field trip to Cabela’s is in the works.

After really going over this gun I found under the loading lever on the barrel they stamped “2017”. This must be something new.

 

[fireman1]

Swandog...how north in northern Michigan? I'm north of Lansing, maybe we can get together and compare 58's. I got a pair of Pietta's

 

[Swandog]

I’m just a little south of Mackinaw. Quiet aways from Lansing.

 

[drobs]

I’m just a little south of Mackinaw. Quiet aways from Lansing.

Was up that way in October visiting family in Traverse City. Visited the Mackinaw Bridge for the 1st time. Real cold wind that day.

 

[Swandog]

Not as cold as today! lol
New nipple wrench should be delivered today and might shoot tomorrow. Supposed to be -20F wind chill so probably not.