[savit260]

So I picked up this Cap & Ball Pietta 1860 Army a while back second hand, and decided to do something a bit different with it. Now I know this certainly isn't "period correct" or anything, but I thought I'd have a few things done to it. Work was done by THR's own Hoof Hearted.

First I had the hammer lowered and re-checkered. Had a modern style dovetailed front sight installed. Action job set up for reliable ignition. All the lettering on the barrel removed and reblued, and finally a Howell's 5 shot 45 Colt conversion cylinder fitted to it.

I plan on using the cap & ball cylinder primarily but wanted the option of having a black powder cartridge cylinder as well for ease of unloading should I happen to be carrying it. :)

Had Rob at Simply Rugged make up a nice Sourdough Pancake for it too.

YES, I know the grips are AWFUL!! These are the ones that came with it when I bought it. I removed the big plastic stars, and filled the holes and gave them a quick tongue oil job to hold me over till I get something better. Probably going to do some Bar-S Tru Ivories, but I'm open to suggestions.

Just curious what you guys think of my little project replica .

The target pic is with the Cap & Ball cylinder at 30 feet off hand at the local range.

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/11778_4057570886515_762020271_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/579850_4057580046744_1499400968_3332100_1148638913_n.jpg
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/154510_4057575246624_1499400968_3332094_1590265944_n.jpgp
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/403548_4057584766862_1945264976_n.jpg

I should add that I don't plan on shooting any smokeless through this. Any 45 Colt cartridges will be loaded with Goex or Swiss if I can find some.

[junkman_01]

It looks mighty fine sir, mighty fine! :)

[CraigC]

Nice! What a coincidence, Gary is doing basically the same thing with my Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon as we speak. Getting an action job, Kirst gated conversion and a brass Skinner dovetail front sight. Should have it back next week. Think I'm gonna let Sack Peterson do some elk antler for it.

[savit260]

Thanks guys.

Craig, funny you mention Sack... as I was just looking at a thread over on the other board, and saw a set of smooth Elks that made me a all tingly inside.

These grips that are on it feel wonderful, but are uglier than a back of rocks.

[savit260]

Haven't shot the conversion cylinder yet, but I loaded up a few rounds with 30-ish grains of Goex, Ox yoke wad, under a Hornady lead ball.

Hopefully I'll get a chance to try a few out tonight. Figure those ought to hit close to where 30 gr of loose powder and the same ball hit.

[CraigC]

Those smoothies turned out particularly good! I was thinking about something like 20% bark.

[savit260]

How do you like the Tru-Ivories on you your '72 Open Top? That '72 OT of yours was actually one of the guns that really got me turned on to the Open Top Colts.

[CraigC]

Thanks, I love `em! If I don't do the elk antler, I'll probably do another set in TruIvory. Probably get them aged this time.

[towboat_er]

Looks great. Some fine shooting too!!!!!

[Hammerdown77]

Nice! What a coincidence, Gary is doing basically the same thing with my Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon as we speak. Getting an action job, Kirst gated conversion and a brass Skinner dovetail front sight. Should have it back next week. Think I'm gonna let Sack Peterson do some elk antler for it.
Man, you'll definitely have to post pictures of that one when it's done, especially with the antler on it. Don't know that I've ever seen a Dragoon with elk antler.

[Jaymo]

Shortened barrel/lowered hammer/dovetailed front sight just seem to look SO right on the 1860 Colt.

[CraigC]

Don't know that I've ever seen a Dragoon with elk antler.
I couldn't really find any pics of Walkers or Dragoons with custom stocks fitted. Should be a nice treat! Hopefully it will be back in hand next week. I'll shoot it a little and then send the grip frame to Sack.

[chicharrones]

That's a beauty, savit260. It looks good even with the existing wood. I can only imagine how much better it will be when you change that out. :cool: