[blarby]

The powdersmoke, that is.

I'm not new to the concept of blackpowder.

My father was a re-enactor, as a youth I just didn't "get" it.

I'm starting to.......

Now, with that said, its gonna be a bit before any blackpowder pieces come across my doorstep, and I want to make sure I select the right one ( two, actually).

And thats where I need your help !

I'm looking around for a both a rifle, and a pistol.

I'd prefer something fired by a cap. Flintlocks are cool and all...... Just not what I'm looking for.

I reload. I cast. I know how to, and have made, fine grade black powder as a youth with my father. I haven't done it recently, but I will again.

Now, onto the pieces......

I'm up for suggestions on a revolver, and a rifle.

I'd honestly prefer something in a current manufacture. Despite all of the awesome history of these items- Historical metallurgy and its failings don't excite me in the least.

I'd like something in 44 cal for the revolver... The concept of removable cylinders is interesting. Still haven't made up my mind on that'n- and I'll need the most help in that area. Are there any BP revolvers that use an elongated "bullet" not simply a round ball ?

That should tell you about my knowledge level.

Ok- let the schooling begin !

[ofitg]

It's hard to go wrong with the reproduction 1858 Remington, especially if you want the option of "speedloading" with spare cylinders. Uberti used to make the best repros, but now Pietta has caught up with them.

Most any percussion revolver can be loaded with an elongated conical slug OR a round ball. Your choice.

[Garmangabis]

When you get around to trying speed loading with black powder, practice without the caps in place, because it's pretty easy to set off one of the charges by hitting them against the gun or dropping them.

[Noz]

I'd start with an 1860 Army and a Trapdoor Springfield.

[Jaymo]

Remington NMA .44 reproduction and a Lyman Great Plains Rifle would be a great start.
I would recommend a TC Renegade, but they're out of production and may be hard to find. You may be able to find one in beautiful condition, for a good price. I didn
You could also get a TC Hawken.
The Lyman Great Plains rifle is sweet.

[loose noose]

blarby, How 'bout a 58 Remington and an 1873 Winchester, for a start. Pedersoli sells a sweet 1873 Winchester for right near $900.00, and a 1858 Remington Army is right at $299.00, both are highly accurate and sweet shooting firearms. So for right at $1200.00 you're right in the ball game.:D

[Doak]

I've shot in allota local rifle matches. The flinters always out-perform the cap guns. Hang fires & misfires alone put the cap guns off the back.

This testament applies only to BP, since the flash in the pan will only, reliably, ignite BP.

[EljaySL]

The most generic starting advice is a Pietta 1858 Remington and a Lyman Great Plains Rifle.

If you take a look at those and aren't impressed say why and people can steer you to something else. (I find the Lyman kind of unattractive but it's accurate and reliable and pretty fuss free so it's hard to argue with it for a first rifle.)

re: using something other than a ball in the revolver - yes, search for "conical" but as far as I can tell they're kind of a pain to keep absolutely straight, etc. I'm sure others will disagree, but that's my impression.

[Jaymo]

IIRC, the Lyman Great Plains Rifle is available in caplock and flintlock versions.
Flintlocks are fun. I wouldn't trade my rock lock for anything.

[Packman]

I started with an 1851 and quickly upgraded to an 1858. I rather enjoy the 58, it's a stupid amount of fun for not much money. I haven't taken the plunge on a rifle yet, but it's in the cards.

Percussion has kept my attention, but I'm coveting a flintlock.

[EljaySL]

I'd save the flintlock for the single shot pistol which should be the third one he gets. :-)

[blarby]

Ok, the remington is getting a lot of nods.

I think a rifle is out of the way for at least this year- with all of everything thats going on, I'm going to be lucky to sneak in a pistol.

For kicks- what do you think about this :

http://www.basspro.com/1858-Remington-44-Caliber-New-Army-Revolver-with-RediPak/product/57045/

Any thoughts on this brand ? The kit ?

By 44 cal- are they talking .430, or something else .... ? ( .432-.433etc)

Thank you everyone for chiming in- I appreciate it !

[BullRunBear]

Check out Cabelas. They have a Remington 1858 with a STEEL frame (always better than brass) and starter kit for less money.

C&B revolvers use slightly oversized balls. In this case the Remington usually takes .454 round ball. I never use conicals in mine so I'll leave those specs to others. When ramming the ball down there should be a very small ring of lead shaved off. That's why it tale a little effort to seat the ball.

As to a rifle: If buying new, here's another vote for the Lyman Great Plains. I've found MidSouth Shooters supply often has the best price on these but you'll want to shop around when the time comes.

Don't dismiss the idea of a used rifle. My Renegade has been utterly reliable for 30 years. The 1 in 48 twist barrel that it comes with can handle round ball or conicals. If cared for, a Renegade or T/C Hawkin should last for generations.

Good luck with the search.

Jeff

[swathdiver]

Which gun fits your hand best? Is your old man still around? What did he use?

How about a Colt 1860 Army or a single action Starr?

As for rifles, How about a P-58 or P-60 Enfield?

Might you also consider a double shotgun or a Kentucky rifle too?

[BHP FAN]

http://www.cabelas.com/ensemble/1858-New-Army-Revolvers-and-Starter-Kits/4338.uts?WTz_l=DirectLoad%3Bcat108601380

[loose noose]

blarby sorry 'bout the rant about the Winchester 1873, when I read your post I thought you said something a bit more modern. I would go with the TC Hawkins, or even the Lyman Great Plains Rifle, both have nice lines. Further I checked the cost on the 1873 Winchester, forget the "at about $900.00 try $1200+. Man they went up quite a bit.:o

[EljaySL]

Definitely Cabela's if you go with a Pietta. They seem to be the big Pietta importer and often have great sale prices.

[rio nueces]

'58 Remington and .58 caliber rifle musket.
Minie ball rifles load fast and without messing with patches. Better handing than Hawken replicas.
Besides, I can't stand double triggers.

[blarby]

Its ok loose- I meant modern production, not necessarily a modern design.

Its all good :D

I like the idea of not having to use a patch for the rifle- thats a bonus to me. The less components, the better- I'm looking at this as a 100% self sustainable shooting activity.

Got in touch with pops on the pistol............. 58 remy :D Guess that settles that one :D

Most of what he uses for rifles are patch required guns- and he doesn't cast, so he's of limited help there.

And, he's about 1500 miles away, so a short trip to go test some firing is a little out of order.

[EljaySL]

re: patches - you don't need to use pre-cut patches. You just get a strip of cloth of a good thickness, kind of drape it over the muzzle, push the ball in, and take your pocket knife and cut off the excess. Means the ball is centered in the patch, too.