BullRunBear
Member
I have some wonderful modern handguns: single action, double action, a set of T/C Contenders, adjustable and fixed sight. Nothing valuable or rare, just well made, functional firearms. Can I shoot them as well as 19th-century style cap and ball revolvers? NOPE! And that's sorta annoying. 
I spent a very pleasant couple of hours at the range yesterday with my new Uberti 1860 Army. 25 yards, mostly one-handed shooting, and I'm sometimes keeping 2" groups or smaller. A few times I had 3-shot groups touching. This is as good as my best with a ROA and adjustable sights. This isn't bragging, it's amazement since, inspite of my enthusiasm, I'm no great marksman. Obviously the gun makes the difference.
I used .457 round ball over a wonder wad and 20 grs. of 3F powder. I tried upping the charge to 25 grs but the groups started to string out horizontally even though they were consistent in elevation. I still have to hold about 10" low. The .457 balls are convenient since I use that size in the ROA so that's one less item to pack. Next time out I'm going to try the 50 yard targets.
I wish I had started C&B revolvers sooner. They are bringing some real pleasure to the hobby. The superb balance of the guns, the relaxed pace inherent with black powder shooting, even the periodic bore swabbing, all contribute to the enjoyment. It's even theraputic. I started the session with a headache and stiff back. By the time I left, the headache was gone, the back had loosened up and I had a smile on my face to go with the soot on my hands. As the commercial says: priceless.
Now the big question is which revolver to save up for next: 1851 Navy, Dragoon, Walker, etc. (The 1858 Remington I handled wasn't very comfortable. It felt like my hand was 'crowded'.) I'm also looking at a flintlock pistol like the Traditions Trapper. I think that's the name; it's the one that resembles the old T/C Patriot. Ah, so many guns. so little time (and money).
Regards, Jeff
I spent a very pleasant couple of hours at the range yesterday with my new Uberti 1860 Army. 25 yards, mostly one-handed shooting, and I'm sometimes keeping 2" groups or smaller. A few times I had 3-shot groups touching. This is as good as my best with a ROA and adjustable sights. This isn't bragging, it's amazement since, inspite of my enthusiasm, I'm no great marksman. Obviously the gun makes the difference.
I used .457 round ball over a wonder wad and 20 grs. of 3F powder. I tried upping the charge to 25 grs but the groups started to string out horizontally even though they were consistent in elevation. I still have to hold about 10" low. The .457 balls are convenient since I use that size in the ROA so that's one less item to pack. Next time out I'm going to try the 50 yard targets.
I wish I had started C&B revolvers sooner. They are bringing some real pleasure to the hobby. The superb balance of the guns, the relaxed pace inherent with black powder shooting, even the periodic bore swabbing, all contribute to the enjoyment. It's even theraputic. I started the session with a headache and stiff back. By the time I left, the headache was gone, the back had loosened up and I had a smile on my face to go with the soot on my hands. As the commercial says: priceless.
Now the big question is which revolver to save up for next: 1851 Navy, Dragoon, Walker, etc. (The 1858 Remington I handled wasn't very comfortable. It felt like my hand was 'crowded'.) I'm also looking at a flintlock pistol like the Traditions Trapper. I think that's the name; it's the one that resembles the old T/C Patriot. Ah, so many guns. so little time (and money).
Regards, Jeff
