Manhattan Arms .36 cal(?) revolver

[oldfoneguy]

I can see that with something made in the last century but not a pistol from the 1800's. Has there been an xray taken showing for sure there isn't any corrosion hiding in the chambers? The steel from those days isn't as strong as from say 50 years later. It would only take some slight metal lost to corrosion to make the pistol unsafe. That's the primary reason these pistols seem so overbuilt. They added extra metal to make up for it's lack of strength. Add in the fact that there are some completely wrong screws in critical areas and that makes this a wall hanger. What could he say if after the first shot the pistol went flying off and all he had in his hand was the grip and trigger guard. Oops wouldn't cover that.

Once I shot my M1886 Kropastchek made in 1889 and was satisfied. The first shot was with it on top of and covered with old tires and a long string on the trigger just in case. Call me vain but I love my face just the way it is. I do routinely shoot my WWI era bolt actions because of their strength. Much more modern steel formulas and reduced velocity hand loads give me a warm fuzzy feeling all day long. - Bill

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[browningautorifle]

not a pistol from the 1800's.

I never get a chance at those. Closest I had was an 1886 rifle and an 1873 Winchester carbine. And yes, the firing pin/bolt of the '73 broke and had to be repaired.

[mrclark303]

I can see that with something made in the last century but not a pistol from the 1800's. Has there been an xray taken showing for sure there isn't any corrosion hiding in the chambers? The steel from those days isn't as strong as from say 50 years later. It would only take some slight metal lost to corrosion to make the pistol unsafe. That's the primary reason these pistols seem so overbuilt. They added extra metal to make up for it's lack of strength. Add in the fact that there are some completely wrong screws in critical areas and that makes this a wall hanger. What could he say if after the first shot the pistol went flying off and all he had in his hand was the grip and trigger guard. Oops wouldn't cover that.

Once I shot my M1886 Kropastchek made in 1889 and was satisfied. The first shot was with it on top of and covered with old tires and a long string on the trigger just in case. Call me vain but I love my face just the way it is. I do routinely shoot my WWI era bolt actions because of their strength. Much more modern steel formulas and reduced velocity hand loads give me a warm fuzzy feeling all day long. - Bill

Sorry to the late reply, in Greece at the moment, quietly cooking by the pool with a few cold beers..

My mates Colt is typical of the good examples found here in the UK, private purchase, London proofed and very little use indeed.

He did have it carfully (and thoughly) checked prior to adding it to his FAC.

I remember when he bought the piece though, tatty finish, but no pitting or corrosion, very tight action, perfect indexing and no damage to the nipples.

Quite a few .36 Colts were retailed in the UK and never really used, just kept in a drawer at home.

I've always liked the look of the NMA as a shooter, build like bulldozers!

I had a very nice example a couple of years back (Collectors piece, not to shoot), but made the mistake of selling it .... regretfully