[M.E.Eldridge]

I want to get an 1851 Navy Revolver. However I have some questions: What caliber were the original revolvers? and are Traditions revolvers any good?

[mec]

The steel frame May Be. Brass frames generally make better paper weights than shooters. Original Navies were .36 caliber and the colts were marked .36 on the left rear of the trigger guard. some of the replicas are in .44 but this was not the case with original navies. On the other hand, some rare colt prototype 60 armies had some earlier features associated with the Navy.

[Old Fuff]

MEC is much too modest… :D

Go to this forum’s search feature, and you will find many informative threads on various black powder revolvers that he posted. He has also written a book recently, and I suggest that it would be highly advisable to purchase a copy before you buy any revolver.

Be warned though, this kind of shooting is highly addictive … :evil:

[M.E.Eldridge]

Whats the title of this book? I can never have too many guns, books, or books on guns.

[mec]

My policy is to never dispute anything ol'Fuff has to say. The book is:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595357962/ref=pd_cmp_rvi_2_i/104-8883467-2323938?n=283155
and is also available online at
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=VO79PftBVi&isbn=0595357962&itm=1
if you want me to get a few cents more commission. available in paperback, cloth bound and e-book

He is correct in that these things are extra addictive. Best advice is to buy good quality even if it costs a few dollars more (very few dolllars actually as the BP replicas are far more affordable than most good modern revolvers). Then be prepared to spend more time fiddling with them, cleaning them, making minor repairs than you ever would with the more modern designs.
With those things in mind, you will get into them with an open mind and find that they will continue to amaze you with their accuracy and handling qualities.

[M.E.Eldridge]

The book looks good, I'll probably order a copy within a few weeks.

[Peter M. Eick]

I just got my copy of the book. Excellent work! Definately worth the money.

[mec]

Oh good. It's not perfection or the last word but it's gratifying that a lot of enthusiasts seem to be enjoying it.

[Manyirons]

Also on order! Thanks to Mastercard&Amazon!