Thinking about getting my first cap and ball revolver.

[granth]

I'm seriously debating buying my first cap and ball revolver. I'm relatively new to muzzleloading, and I am uneducated in the ways of the cap and ball revolver. In your guys' opinions, what is a good "beginner" cap and ball revolver? I was looking at an Uberti 1851 Navy, but if you guys have any better ideas, let me know. Thanks!
- Grant

 

[granth]

Also, my budget is around $500.

 

[denster]

I'm seriously debating buying my first cap and ball revolver. I'm relatively new to muzzleloading, and I am uneducated in the ways of the cap and ball revolver. In your guys' opinions, what is a good "beginner" cap and ball revolver? I was looking at an Uberti 1851 Navy, but if you guys have any better ideas, let me know. Thanks!
- Grant

For a first revolver I would suggest a Pietta 1851 Navy with steel frame.

 

[Johnny Tremain]

Midway has the 1860 Army on sale

 

[45D]

Probably a Remington would be the best "starter" revolver. Less prone to cap issues ( but not immune), single piece frame means no grip frame screws and only 1 trigger guard screw. The Colt type (open top) platform is a little more involved with take down for cleaning and possible cap issues but could definitely be a "starter" as well! After all, it was for our ancestors!!
Main thing is have fun, be safe!!

Mike

 

[woodsnwater]

Traditions has an 1851 in a blister pack with a flask and a lot of the tools and supplies you will need.

 

[45D]

Lol!! First 3 responses with 3 different ( but good) choices!! Take your pick!!

Mike

 

[Phil Coffins]

Make sure it has a steel frame! Good suggestions from all. I like the Colt 1851 as it is trimmer and handles well.

 

[J dirt]

A Uberti navy is never a bad choice. Almost certainly you will be adding more anyway.

Like the old lay’s chip commercial, you can’t have just one.

 

[Rebel jim]

Most people suggest the 1851 Navy (good choice). I would suggest the Remington New Army.
But if your not sure about liking it or not or it just sitting around 90% of the time. I would suggest a brass frame 1851 Navy by pietta.
Not to expensive, good for learning and the .36 is rather inexpensive to shoot. Especially if your just punching paper.

 

[TrapperDude]

Probably a Remington would be the best "starter" revolver. Less prone to cap issues ( but not immune), single piece frame means no grip frame screws and only 1 trigger guard screw. The Colt type (open top) platform is a little more involved with take down for cleaning and possible cap issues but could definitely be a "starter" as well! After all, it was for our ancestors!!
Main thing is have fun, be safe!!

Mike

That was going to be my recommendation, too. I got a stainless Uberti Remington NMA for my first cap and ball revolver.

Actually, when I got it, I had no idea about the easier take-down and maintenance. I just always thought the Remingtons looked really sleek. It wasn't until I started learning more about BP revolvers that I learned of the differences between it and the Colts, other than that the frames were different. Heck, I didn't even know what a wedge or arbor were when I first got the thing.

But in the end, I can tell you that it had a much gentler learning curve than my Colt 1860 would have had for me.

 

[Andrewmtnman]

I have 1860 and 1851. The two pros on the colt for me is the larger grip and the look. The Remington army style is stronger framed with less wearing out issues. My suggestion is put both in your hands and see how they feel to you.

 

[granth]

Would any of you recommend Uberti or Pietta over the other? What’s the quality difference, if any? I heard that they were both solid.

 

[woodsnwater]

You could search ( Uberti or Pietta) here and read all day.

 

[B P Arn]

Uberti or Pietta; you can't go wrong with either one.

I strongly suggest a steel frame.

 

[granth]

Umberti or Pietta; you can't go wrong with either one.

I strongly suggest a steel frame.

Obviously a steel frame is stronger than a brass frame, but do brass frame revolvers have any distinct issues that a steel frame lacks?

 

[B P Arn]

Most of the brass framed revolvers (but not all) are not historically correct. The resale value on these is low, unless you find another new guy who doesn't know any better.

I like brass framed revolvers, and have a few that are reproductions of guns that were actually made way back when.

 

[granth]

Most of the brass framed revolvers (but not all) are not historically correct. The resale value on these is low, unless you find another new guy who doesn't know any better.

I like brass framed revolvers, and have a few that are reproductions of guns that were actually made way back when.

I see. I liked how they looked but nowhere near as much as a steel frame. Thanks for the info.

 

[B P Arn]

I see. I liked how they looked but nowhere near as much as a steel frame. Thanks for the info.

I like how they look too; you just have to be careful to get reproductions of guns that were actually made. For example, there were no brass framed 1958 revolvers made in the Civil War era.

I will send pictures tonight.

 

[springfield art]

I'm seriously debating buying my first cap and ball revolver. I'm relatively new to muzzleloading, and I am uneducated in the ways of the cap and ball revolver. In your guys' opinions, what is a good "beginner" cap and ball revolver? I was looking at an Uberti 1851 Navy, but if you guys have any better ideas, let me know. Thanks!
- Grant

You've come to the right place. I've seen so much info here from cap-n-ball revolver guys, you almost don't have to look any place else!