[asnider123]

This is my wife's grampa's civil war revolver. After the war, he continued to use it as he 'cowboyed' all over the mid-west, finally settling in Indian territory (now known as Oklahoma). It is our most prized posession so it's not for sale or anything. Just wondering if someone might shed a little light on it.

Serial # is 9455 (on barrel and frame), cylinder has worn smooth, though I hear there was probably engraving on it at one time. It's a 4-screw frame, so it's set up for the rifle stock. Interestingly, there appears to be no mechanism the advances the cylinder between shots. Did the shooter need to turn the cylinder by hand? No wonder the engraving is worn off!!

Here's a pic of it, sorry, I dont take pitures so good!!

So what'cha think? A keeper? We certainly think so.:what:

Thanks, Alan in Indian Territory

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3840/1000786vp0.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/5730/1000787gl5.jpg
http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1425/1000785mu2.jpg

[B yond]

You'd probably get more attention if you posted this in the blackpowder section.

There is supposed to be a mechanism for turning the cylinder, it may be broken or missing on thie particular one. Replacement parts should be readily available if you're inclined to fix it.

Looks well used. Too bad guns can't talk; I'm sure it'd have some stories to tell.

[Old Fuff]

Don't worry... Any thread that starts out "1860 Colts Army" will get some attention... :eek:

It's an early one, made in 1861, so it saw most of the Civil War. As you noticed, it's set up to take a shoulder stock, as were most that were purchased for the Union army. However very few were issued with a stock. It is a true .45 caliber, although marked 44. The barrel is 8 inches long.

The part the revolves the cylinder is called a "hand." It should have a small spring on the back shaped like a question mark. If the hand spring is broken or missing the cylinder won't revolve. Try a test: Point the muzzle down and while it is pointed down see if the cylinder will revolve when you cock the hammer. If so it is a case of a broken spring.

Parts are available from: www.dixiegunworks.com

But if you order anything be sure to specify that you have an ORIGINAL Colt 1860 Army revolver, and not a replica.

The pictures looks fine to me. :D

[asnider123]

Hey Old Fuff,

WOW!! You're absolutely right, with the barrel pointed straight down, it does advance the cylinder! So I am guessing it just has a busted spring in there. Will lhave to do more research to figure out how to further break down the unit and get to the 'hand' and the 'hand spring' .. it does look like (with the cylinder removed) that there is, indeed, a spring sloating around in there behind the hand mechanism.. thanks a million.

[Old Fuff]

The Old Fuff is never wrong, but often hopelessly confused... :D

Somewhere we have a thread that explains with illustrations how to disassemble a Colt cap & ball revolver. When I have time I'll try to find a link.

Before you make any attempt to take it apart, buy a set of screwdrivers where the bits are ground to fit the screws. Otherwise you will likely mess up and burr the screw heads. Since it's likely that those screws haven't moved for a long time it may be necessary to remove the wood stocks and then soak the metal parts in a penetrating oil. Going slow is much better then using force. I'm glad to hear that only the spring is broken, which is not uncommon in a revolver of this age. Repairs should be relatively inexpensive.

[Jim Watson]

Don't guess and don't "figure it out." Study up and find out EXACTLY what is going on. Otherwise leave it alone or get it to a qualified antique gunsmith, you could klutz around and knock hundreds of dollars off the value, and enough off the appearance to matter.

[asnider123]

I understand going slow and getting plenty of info first. In fact, I have a gunsmith with 35 years of experience, I will check with him to see if he has any experience with old Colts. It may be money well spent to have it done by a professional.

On the other hand, I am in no big hurry to make repairs, after all I have no intention of ever firing the piece. It's an heirloom, might just leave it as-is.

I would like, sometime, to pick up a replica of it and try out firing cap and ball. Any suggestions on a pistol that won't break the bank?

Thanks again for all your help

Alan

[Preposterous!]

Hi Alan, you have a fantastic piece of history there.. I am hugely envious!

You can buy replicas of excellent quality made in Italy by a company called Uberti. Have a look here: www.uberti.com and you'll find a perfect (but new and shiny!) replica of your original. I am a UK resident but from lots of posts here I believe that you can buy them from Cabelas - www.cabelas.com

Cap and ball revolvers are great fun and somewhat challenging to use. I recommend them!

Regds,

Preposterous!

[asnider123]

Preposterous, thanks so much for the reply. I will check out Cabelas and other places. I have seen (on Gunbroker) models made by euroarms, pietta, uberti, others. There are even Colt licensed original replicas. Lots to choose from. You say the Uberti is the best of them? Thanks, I will check it out.

Alan

[Old Fuff]

Link to Colt cap & ball revolver disassembly instructions. These instruction will work for most Colt or Colt copies, regardless of the model. Be sure to use correct screwdrivers, with bits ground to the right size for the screws you are working with.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=137102

[Preposterous!]

Hi again Alan, from the other side of the Atlantic!

I'd say that for quality and value the Ubertis are hard to beat. There are plenty of people who have great success with Pietta etc, but Ubertis seem a good reliable arm for the money. Only really bad stuff I have heard is about Armi San Marco, apparently some of these had very poor metals used in them leading to premature wear/breakage.

For quality, the Colt branded guns are hard to beat. They made several runs over different periods and I'm sure someone here will be better able than me to tell you the detail.. However the finish I have seen on them is better than Uberti in some cases.

Whatever you buy, I am sure you'll enjoy it - we were forced to take up muzzle loading handguns here in 1997 after cartridge handguns were banned, but I really enjoy shooting them.

Regds, Preposterous!

[asnider123]

A couple of friends at work suggest that, before I invest in a wheel gun, I should probably get a single-shot ball and cap and try it out. They say it is a lot less investment and it will let me know if I find it enjoyable. Whatcha think? Decent advice?

[Preposterous!]

I guess that depends on your budget.. and how patient you are.

For me, one of the frustrations of all caplocks is the time it takes to reload, so I'd rather get six shots loaded each time..

I think that for my money I'd choose a cared-for but used caplock revolver, made by Pietta or Uberti. That would make a more entertaining gun, for probably not much more than a new single shot.. avoid a brass frame gun if you can afford to though, as they are less durable than steel. It's possible to pick up a used Uberti for about £150 here, but I have no idea about values in America.

HTH,

Preposterous!

[Im283]

asnider If I was you I would go ahead and get a replica colt. There are several sources for these and the revolvers are mostly affordable.

Here are a few links to sites I have dealt with and can vouch for.
http://www.emf-company.com/1860-model-army-revolver.htm

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/index/index-display.jsp?id=cat20817&navAction=jump&navCount=1&cmCat=MainCatcat20712&parentType=category&parentId=cat20712

http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/bpArmyNavy.tpl

They sell Pietta and Uberti reproductions, not to knock Uberit's or anything but My Pietta works just fine. I would recommend you get a steel frame rather than brass if for not other reason than durability.

Get ready to become ate up with it!

[Gaucho Gringo]

An 1860 repro from Cabelas is going to cost you $210.00. Some single shots are not too much less than this and a lot of them cost more. And if you want to sell it a revolver is easier to sell and get more of your investment out of. Although I think once you shoot it you will be hooked and want to shoot it more. When I first started with my black powder cap and ball revolver I read all the info in the stickies. I followed the directions and had no problems and loads of fun. It really is so easy if you follow the directions and use common sense and safety.