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After getting a decent WWII firearm collection, I was thinking of getting into black powder firearms as my next collection to build.
I was thinking of starting off with a revolver, maybe the Colt 1851 Navy, but I am not very knowledgeable in these types of firearms.
Any help would be appreciated, and suggestions of what to get would also be helpful.
A repro or the real deal? Any of the repro's will serve you well. I can't speak on the real ones. Really comes down to what one catches your eye. It's a relaxing hobby, good to slowdown and enjoy the process.
Repo is what I think thinking.
I have seen Uberti and Pietta as common ones but I wanted to get second opinions.
I've had my 1851 Navy repro for 41 years. It has given me outstanding service I'm sure in line with the original. Every time I use it I'm amazed at how accurate it is especially since the rear sight is a notch in the hammer! It's branded Euroarms of America but I'm unsure of who actually made it. It had to be made by one of the two companies you listed as they were the only reproducers back then I believe.
Start with a '51 Navy the most popular handgun of the 19th century then move up to a Dragoon or some other Colt in .44. Don't forget the 1858 Remington which is an outstanding weapon as well then move off into the likes of a Star or some of the many other lesser known models.
I had a few myself, all repros. One was the Remington model army, .44 cap and ball. I had both cap and ball and cartridge versions, like the cartridge better of course. What a big solid gun they are. I also had the 1860 Army Colt cap and ball...with a crossdraw flap holster. Last one was the little .36 Navy cap and ball...too small for me. They were all nice but I let them all go and stuck with newer types. You have to like to work slow to really appreciate those. A slow range practice...
Of course, the myriads of black powder revolvers in Europe. Adams, Tranter, Glisenti, Gras, etc.
In terms of history and investment then original is the only way to go, and the very best example you can afford. If you want a shooter then definitely get a good quality replica, not an investment but good (albeit messy) fun!
all have issues.
the biggest is how the grips fit your hand... that's all really.
since the factory, and replacement nipple cones aren't made like the originals. and modern percussion caps aren't as strong as originals youll get more jamming then the originals would.
open top may not last as long, however you do get the bonus of the ability to remove the barrel and remove the cylinder in case you get cylinder binding on you.
Remington can give you better sights/
If you want to shoot it, repro. I have 4 or 5 repros, one original 1851 Navy dated June 1963 just in time to possibly have been at Gettysburg which is a cool thought. No proof it was there obviously Will probably never risk it by shooting it. They are a lot of fun to shoot. I've shot my Colt Walker repro with reduced loads and it wasn't the most accurate. Expect I need to shoot full loads. I have a Remington and 51 navy that I have shot and both were very accurate. I can't really recommend a brand as I have no idea what any of them are. I think most if not all were made in Italy which seems to be the norm. I can recommend a place to buy from however, Cabelas. Be patient and wait for a sale. They sell very cheap compared to anywhere else when they run their specials. Or you could luck into one at a yard sale like I did for $70. Most of the good sales however are around Thanksgiving and Christmas which is a long way off. If it's just an occasional shooter, brass looks the best but if you plan to shoot it a lot, go with a steel frame.
I think the repro Rogers and Spencer is worth looking at.. Petersoli is the best, Pietta is cheaper..
I will say 1 thing Brass frames stretch in time, Other than avoiding brass what ever puts a smile on your face
I would like to try one of Uberti's Dragoon repro's. Maybe one day i will do so.
Just wrote a book and posted it only to be informed i was not logged in?????
Got 3 Uberti at Midwayusa. I love them!!
---------- Post added at 08:26 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:24 AM ----------
Ok it went through.
Did the Original poster ever get a revolver?
Inquiring minds want to know!
You have to handle a few different models, see what feels good in your hand. Aovid the brass frame models, steel frame is best.
i have a 1851 Pietta and Uberti 1851 that i converted to 38 S&W cartridge. The cartridge conversion minus the loading leaver has an excellent balance, better than the Colt 1873 (in my opinion). The 1851 revolvers have a tighter cylinder to barrel gap than most others. The Pietta 1851 has a slightly small size set of grips on the factory models. I change grips alot using the fake pearl and ivory. I also like the 1861 Uberti too.Attachment 131186Attachment 131187Attachment 131188