[NCWanderer]

I folks, this is my first post so please bare with me. I ordered a New Model Army from Dixie and have just completed it all but the walnut grips. I'm not sure what to use to finish them. All I have on hand is some teak oil. Is this suitable for walnut or should I use something else. Also, I've read up on all the safety precautions on shooting BP revolvers, but when it comes time for that 1st shot, are there any other precautions I should take. I'm proud of my hands and would like to keep them. Any suggestions will be welcome.
Thanks
NCWanderer

[bigbadgun]

here are a few things.
1. Make sure that when you use either a wad between rounds or you use grease over ball.
2. Make sure that when you seat the ball the cylinder shaves a ring from the ball.
And im sure others are gonna drop in here. Welcome to the dark side.
So what you gonna buy next might want to start thinking about that.LOL very addictive sport.

[NCWanderer]

Thanks bigbadgun I'll remember that. after get used to this one, I've thought about an 1851 Navy

[sltm1]

NCWanderer, Welcome to a sport that's darn near as much fun as you can have with your pants up!! For the grips, unless you want them slick and shiney like varnish would give, I'd recommend either Tuoil or Linseedoil. As far as safety goes, some kind of eye protection (I just rely on my everyday glasses), if you use a wad, make sure it's lubed, make make sure your caps fit tight, if not squeeze them oval a bit. What else? Oh, ear protection and if you're shooting out in the hills somewhere, watchout for starting fires in dry grass w/ your wads. Now go make some flame and noise!!

[BHP FAN]

Don't take this wrong,but I like my balls big.Specifically,.457 for .44's and .375 [or .380,when I can find them ] for .36 caliber revolvers.This gives a more positive seal,and better accuracy.Also,someone [I think mykeal] pointed out that after the larger ball is seated,it has more bearing surface.

[Old Fuff]

Do make sure before you fire that first shot that all LOADED chambers are capped. Also before you load the cylinder, fire a cap on each unloaded chamber to burn out any oil or obstructions.

When you load a ball, be sure it's all of the way down and seated firmly on top of the powder. Never leave an airspace between the powder charge and ball. If you are using a wad, be sure that both it and the ball are firmly seated.

Push the caps firmly down on the nipples. If they seem loose, slightly pinch them and then push them on the nipples. Don't cap the nipples until the chambers are otherwise loaded.

Since you are just starting I suggest that for the first two or three shots you only load one chamber at a time. After that, you'll have the hang of it and can go ahead and load six at once.

[scrat]

Take it slow when you go to put the caps on make sure you pinch them just a tad to make sure they go on tight. other wise on your first trigger pull you might loose a few. Then your going to pull the trigger and the explosion may set off another chamber as well. This is called a chain fire and is very dangerous. its not that common but it can happen if you do not use wads or grease on the front and pinch your caps in the back

[Riot Earp]

Tung Oil and Danish Oil are both good for grips.

[messerist]

My condolences. Welcome to the dark side!:evil:

[Mike OTDP]

For the first few shots, load ONE chamber. You can't go wrong that way.

[banek]

First, to Mike OTDP there's a U.S. International Muzzle-Loading Team!? Please give me more info.
To NCWanderer I'm also new here so search through the black powder forums. Everyone is really helpful and I learned a lot my first time just scanning through. Also check out GINORMOUS and his chainfire yay incident. You'll find a lot of safety tips there.
AND DON'T FORGET EAR PROTECTION!!! I fired my 54 Cal Hawken pistol and it took a week to get my hearing back to normal and I'm half deaf.

[ClemBert]

If you go ahead with loading all six chambers then after each shot I'd take a look at the remaining unfired chambers to make sure none of the caps fell off. Do this until you have confidence you selected a cap with proper fit. This is especially true if you had to pinch the caps because otherwise they'd be loose.

[NCWanderer]

There's a lot of good stuff in these replies and I thank all of you for your input. I will definitely try to put it into practice. One thing I'd never considered is shooting gloves. But after reading Genormous's account of a chain fire, I will no doubt be getting a pair. I also would like to add that I'm so thankful that his injuries were not too serious and that he is OK. As I said earlier my 1858 New Army kit is all but finished. Only the grips remain. Also got to buy some powder, shot, caps, nipple wrench Crisco (or something for lube) and who knows what else. But regretfully I'm going to have to put the project on hold for a few days due to more pressing matters. (neglecting my chores) After I get back to it, I'll probably have more questions. Hope you all won't consider them elementary. Just trying to do my best, so that my next one may turn out even better.