Colt 1860 Army

Texan Scott · May 19, 2013, 09:04 PM

Ok, my eyes are bigger than my budget, sadly... there are now three black powder gun I feel I must have. One is the Colt 1860 Army, which I've never even handled. (Yes, I've been ogling gun porn again).

I was surprised to see it is a 5- shot; does it need to be carried with an empty cylinder for safety like the '58 Remington, or does the hammer properly index between the charge holes?

Also, the biggest complaint I see in forums is the "wedge"... what is it, what does it do? What happens when it peens or flattens/ loosens?

Curiosity will get me killed... probably by my wife.

Willie Sutton · May 19, 2013, 09:35 PM

The 1860 is a 6-shooter. Load five and carry one empty. Or load six and don't drop the darned thing. Or load six and learn to use the small pin between two of the cylinders as a hammer-rest.

Lago Vista close to you? Have friends at the airport there.

Willie

.

NormB · May 19, 2013, 09:35 PM

The gun can be loaded in all chambers and carried safely. There are indexing pins between the chambers at the rear end of the cylinder that fit into a slot in the hammer. Carried with the hammer down, you cock the hammer and the hand pushes the cylinder to index at the proper place. The "wedge" is the way the barrel is "married" to the frame. There's a slot in the barrel (below the barrel/forcing cone) for the wedge to slide in and pull the rear frame forward and close up the cylinder/forcing cone gap. People often "hammer" these in place until the wedge is peened or the slot in the cylinder shaft elongates. They're fun guns though and the higher grade models will last decades.

Ed Ames · May 19, 2013, 09:41 PM

It should be a six shot. You load five for safety or use the detents.

The wedge is what holds the whole thing together. Theoretically you can whack the wedge, take the barrel off the frame, swap the cylinder, drop in another (loaded), whack the wedge back in place, and keep shooting. In practice, well...... you'll find out when you have it.

It is part of the cleaning disassembly process normally.

The 1860 was the first BP revolver I ever fired, and is a personal favorite of mine. I want a proper 1862, which is a five shot and smaller framed version, but most that I've seen are just cut down 1860s.

Texan Scott · May 19, 2013, 09:47 PM

Lago Vista's a couple hours east of here... real estate's s lot pricier too (for a reason. Lake country's nice!)

Not sure where I got the idea the 60 was a five shot ... but that answers that nicely, thanks!

And the wedge serves the same function as on a muzzle loader more or less... cool, thank you!

EljaySL · May 19, 2013, 10:14 PM

Be aware that when you first get a new one there's a 50/50 chance that you will have to use some substantial force to get the wedge out. They loosen up a bit over time.

There are pros and cons to the various designs - cap and ball revolvers were a transitional technology and they're all pretty quirky. After you really get running with the 1860 go get a 1836 Paterson or 1847 Walker so you'll really appreciate how much progress they'd made by 1860!

Willie Sutton · May 19, 2013, 10:21 PM

^^ what he said... And then try an 1851, and an 1861, and an 1862... and then some cartridge conversions...

By the time we get to the 1873 things were getting purty well figgered out up in Hartford, with those pesky Rollin White full-thru the cylinder bore patents expirin' and all...

Seriously, the later the model, the better these things are. The 1860 is a beauty, the 1861 fits the hand better and is likely the best balanced, and there's nothing sexier than a 1862 Pocket Police.

Willie

.

Lunie · May 19, 2013, 10:49 PM

Cylinder swapping can be done quickly and easily, if a person is inclined to do so.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWneV...ature=youtu.be

There are also other vids that should show and tell you most of the ins and outs of the 1860, like this one from Mike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx5vOndeFwM

DoubleDeuce 1 · May 20, 2013, 01:51 AM

The Uberti version of the 1862 Colt Pocket Police is slick. Much better than the Pietta, which is not a true 1862 version. The Uberti 1862 is .36 cal and a five shot. Think of miniature 1860...

72coupe · May 20, 2013, 08:58 AM

If you go to Fredricksburg, don't go to Texas Jack's. Don't walk around the store and see all the cool stuff they have particularly 1860 Armys.

If you do you will not leave empty handed.

Uberti 1862 Pocket Police.

Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon.

Texan Scott · May 20, 2013, 01:32 PM

Texas Jack's, huh? Yeah, I'll avoid them like the plague...

treblig · May 20, 2013, 01:53 PM

Ed, the Uberti built 1862 Police has the smaller "pocket' frame. Its the Pietta or Palmetto(?) built 1862 Police that are built on the cut down Navy or bigger frame. You can get them just call Taylors or Cimarron Arms they have the Uberti framed 1862 Police. They are sweet to handle and at 36 caliber pack a punch also.

Ed Ames · May 20, 2013, 01:59 PM

Thanks guys (including OP for tolerating my distraction from the main questions)...I suspect y'all just cost me some cash!

. I knew I'd seen a small frame '62 but every time I went looking with money in pocket I must've hit a pietta.

Cosmoline · May 20, 2013, 02:57 PM

The 1860 is a light, elegant and easy-handling revolver. In some respects the Single Action Army was a step *backwards* from this design. It does sometimes have that sticking cap problem, but there are fixes for it. And I believe the core problem lies with modern caps, not with the revolver design.

Quote:

Or load six and learn to use the small pin between two of the cylinders as a hammer-rest.

This is what I've been doing. Works fine.

genekoonce · May 20, 2013, 03:53 PM

FYI, to not go to Texas Jacks is to deny yourself an exceptional experience. I have gone there and not spent any money! Of course, my wife had the checkbook and credit cards and she made sure she was at a store on the other end of Main Street. Seriously, the staff there is very knowledgeable and very helpful.

Ed Ames · May 20, 2013, 03:56 PM

Do they sell real black powder?

And welcome to THR Gene.

genekoonce · May 20, 2013, 04:26 PM

Last time I was there they only had American Pioneer, but they said they do stock it and it sells quick. Thanks for the welcome.

genekoonce · May 20, 2013, 04:28 PM

PS. They arre the retail store for Cimmaron Arms so they have a wealth of BP experience

Ed Ames · May 20, 2013, 04:40 PM

Darn. I'm looking for any place short of Hobbs, NM that sells real black powder.

genekoonce · May 20, 2013, 04:45 PM

The Powderhorn in San Antonio carries BP

Rojelio · May 20, 2013, 05:25 PM

Quote:

The Powderhorn in San Antonio carries BP

The last time I checked there, they don't stock the real stuff any more, unless they just started to again.

In San Antonio, Dons Gun Shop on Fredricksburg Rd. was the only place I could find it.

Ed Ames · May 20, 2013, 05:39 PM

Getting non-substitute powder is a real pain. I'm down to my last pound of fffg and have been wanting to try a flintlock (meaning ffffg for priming) but I never guessed it would be easier to buy the stuff in California (OK, 8 years ago) than Texas.

rodwha · May 20, 2013, 10:09 PM

No BP at the Powderhorn. Don's does. And BassPro might.

wap41 · May 20, 2013, 10:52 PM

There are a few sites online that have schuetzen BP for 14.00 lb plus shipping and hazmat and it's instock

Pancho · May 21, 2013, 12:35 AM

actually the Remington has a very positive tween position hammer notches allowing for the carrying of 6 charged chambers with relative safety.The colts have small tween pins that connect with the hammer. effective but not as effective as the Remingtion
I personally fell in love with the 60 colt which led to 36 1861 Navy and finally two 1862 police

May 19, 2013, 09:04 PM	#1
Texan Scott Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Location: The Texas Hill Country Posts: 2,226	Colt 1860 Army Ok, my eyes are bigger than my budget, sadly... there are now three black powder gun I feel I must have. One is the Colt 1860 Army, which I've never even handled. (Yes, I've been ogling gun porn again). I was surprised to see it is a 5- shot; does it need to be carried with an empty cylinder for safety like the '58 Remington, or does the hammer properly index between the charge holes? Also, the biggest complaint I see in forums is the "wedge"... what is it, what does it do? What happens when it peens or flattens/ loosens? Curiosity will get me killed... probably by my wife. __________________ In extraordinary sincerity, T.S. Enough "conversation"... STAND AND FIGHT.

May 19, 2013, 09:35 PM	#3
NormB Member Join Date: January 16, 2013 Location: socialist occupied Maryland Posts: 37	The gun can be loaded in all chambers and carried safely. There are indexing pins between the chambers at the rear end of the cylinder that fit into a slot in the hammer. Carried with the hammer down, you cock the hammer and the hand pushes the cylinder to index at the proper place. The "wedge" is the way the barrel is "married" to the frame. There's a slot in the barrel (below the barrel/forcing cone) for the wedge to slide in and pull the rear frame forward and close up the cylinder/forcing cone gap. People often "hammer" these in place until the wedge is peened or the slot in the cylinder shaft elongates. They're fun guns though and the higher grade models will last decades. __________________ NRA certified Pistol Instructor, Personal Protection, Firearms Safety, RSO -> 1999. NRA Patron life member. CCRKBA Life member. GOA member/donor. C&R FFL. "Every man, woman, and responsible child has an unalienable individual, civil, Constitutional, and human right to obtain, own, and carry, openly or concealed, any weapon -- rifle, shotgun, handgun, machinegun, anything -- any time, any place, without asking anyone's permission." The Atlanta Declaration by L. Neil Smith, 1987

May 19, 2013, 09:41 PM	#4
Ed Ames Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Tejas Norte Posts: 2,224	It should be a six shot. You load five for safety or use the detents. The wedge is what holds the whole thing together. Theoretically you can whack the wedge, take the barrel off the frame, swap the cylinder, drop in another (loaded), whack the wedge back in place, and keep shooting. In practice, well...... you'll find out when you have it. It is part of the cleaning disassembly process normally. The 1860 was the first BP revolver I ever fired, and is a personal favorite of mine. I want a proper 1862, which is a five shot and smaller framed version, but most that I've seen are just cut down 1860s. __________________ Don't hide arms, get sidearms!

May 19, 2013, 09:47 PM	#5
Texan Scott Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Location: The Texas Hill Country Posts: 2,226	Lago Vista's a couple hours east of here... real estate's s lot pricier too (for a reason. Lake country's nice!) Not sure where I got the idea the 60 was a five shot ... but that answers that nicely, thanks! And the wedge serves the same function as on a muzzle loader more or less... cool, thank you! __________________ In extraordinary sincerity, T.S. Enough "conversation"... STAND AND FIGHT.

May 19, 2013, 10:49 PM	#8
Lunie Member Join Date: March 21, 2011 Posts: 493	Cylinder swapping can be done quickly and easily, if a person is inclined to do so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWneV...ature=youtu.be There are also other vids that should show and tell you most of the ins and outs of the 1860, like this one from Mike: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx5vOndeFwM __________________ ----------PLEASE---------- DON'T FEED THE ENGINEERS

May 19, 2013, 09:35 PM	#2
Willie Sutton Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 52	The 1860 is a 6-shooter. Load five and carry one empty. Or load six and don't drop the darned thing. Or load six and learn to use the small pin between two of the cylinders as a hammer-rest. Lago Vista close to you? Have friends at the airport there. Willie .

May 19, 2013, 10:14 PM	#6
EljaySL Member Join Date: September 10, 2011 Location: California Posts: 139	Be aware that when you first get a new one there's a 50/50 chance that you will have to use some substantial force to get the wedge out. They loosen up a bit over time. There are pros and cons to the various designs - cap and ball revolvers were a transitional technology and they're all pretty quirky. After you really get running with the 1860 go get a 1836 Paterson or 1847 Walker so you'll really appreciate how much progress they'd made by 1860!

May 19, 2013, 10:21 PM	#7
Willie Sutton Member Join Date: April 28, 2013 Posts: 52	^^ what he said... And then try an 1851, and an 1861, and an 1862... and then some cartridge conversions... By the time we get to the 1873 things were getting purty well figgered out up in Hartford, with those pesky Rollin White full-thru the cylinder bore patents expirin' and all... Seriously, the later the model, the better these things are. The 1860 is a beauty, the 1861 fits the hand better and is likely the best balanced, and there's nothing sexier than a 1862 Pocket Police. Willie .

May 20, 2013, 01:51 AM	#9
DoubleDeuce 1 Member Join Date: July 27, 2008 Posts: 313	The Uberti version of the 1862 Colt Pocket Police is slick. Much better than the Pietta, which is not a true 1862 version. The Uberti 1862 is .36 cal and a five shot. Think of miniature 1860...

May 20, 2013, 08:58 AM	#10
72coupe Member Join Date: June 24, 2008 Location: Iowa Park, Texas Posts: 558	If you go to Fredricksburg, don't go to Texas Jack's. Don't walk around the store and see all the cool stuff they have particularly 1860 Armys. If you do you will not leave empty handed. Uberti 1862 Pocket Police. Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon.

May 20, 2013, 01:32 PM	#11
Texan Scott Member Join Date: May 2, 2012 Location: The Texas Hill Country Posts: 2,226	Texas Jack's, huh? Yeah, I'll avoid them like the plague... __________________ In extraordinary sincerity, T.S. Enough "conversation"... STAND AND FIGHT.

May 20, 2013, 01:53 PM	#12
treblig Member Join Date: September 13, 2012 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 167	Ed, the Uberti built 1862 Police has the smaller "pocket' frame. Its the Pietta or Palmetto(?) built 1862 Police that are built on the cut down Navy or bigger frame. You can get them just call Taylors or Cimarron Arms they have the Uberti framed 1862 Police. They are sweet to handle and at 36 caliber pack a punch also.

May 20, 2013, 01:59 PM	#13
Ed Ames Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Tejas Norte Posts: 2,224	Thanks guys (including OP for tolerating my distraction from the main questions)...I suspect y'all just cost me some cash! . I knew I'd seen a small frame '62 but every time I went looking with money in pocket I must've hit a pietta. __________________ Don't hide arms, get sidearms!

May 20, 2013, 03:53 PM	#15
genekoonce Member Join Date: May 19, 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 8	FYI, to not go to Texas Jacks is to deny yourself an exceptional experience. I have gone there and not spent any money! Of course, my wife had the checkbook and credit cards and she made sure she was at a store on the other end of Main Street. Seriously, the staff there is very knowledgeable and very helpful.

May 20, 2013, 03:56 PM	#16
Ed Ames Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Tejas Norte Posts: 2,224	Do they sell real black powder? And welcome to THR Gene. __________________ Don't hide arms, get sidearms!

May 20, 2013, 04:26 PM	#17
genekoonce Member Join Date: May 19, 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 8	Last time I was there they only had American Pioneer, but they said they do stock it and it sells quick. Thanks for the welcome.

May 20, 2013, 04:28 PM	#18
genekoonce Member Join Date: May 19, 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 8	PS. They arre the retail store for Cimmaron Arms so they have a wealth of BP experience

May 20, 2013, 04:40 PM	#19
Ed Ames Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Tejas Norte Posts: 2,224	Darn. I'm looking for any place short of Hobbs, NM that sells real black powder. __________________ Don't hide arms, get sidearms!

May 20, 2013, 04:45 PM	#20
genekoonce Member Join Date: May 19, 2013 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 8	The Powderhorn in San Antonio carries BP

May 20, 2013, 05:39 PM	#22
Ed Ames Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Tejas Norte Posts: 2,224	Getting non-substitute powder is a real pain. I'm down to my last pound of fffg and have been wanting to try a flintlock (meaning ffffg for priming) but I never guessed it would be easier to buy the stuff in California (OK, 8 years ago) than Texas. __________________ Don't hide arms, get sidearms!

May 20, 2013, 10:09 PM	#23
rodwha Member Join Date: October 28, 2011 Location: Texas Posts: 568	No BP at the Powderhorn. Don's does. And BassPro might. __________________ _________________________________________________________________________________ "Were I to leave where else would I go? Your words of life and of truth You hold." - Third Day

May 20, 2013, 10:52 PM	#24
wap41 Member Join Date: October 12, 2012 Posts: 97	schuetzen black powder There are a few sites online that have schuetzen BP for 14.00 lb plus shipping and hazmat and it's instock

May 21, 2013, 12:35 AM	#25
Pancho Member Join Date: October 23, 2007 Location: Southwestern, Ohio out in the country about 40 miles from cincinnati Posts: 1,650	actually the Remington has a very positive tween position hammer notches allowing for the carrying of 6 charged chambers with relative safety.The colts have small tween pins that connect with the hammer. effective but not as effective as the Remingtion I personally fell in love with the 60 colt which led to 36 1861 Navy and finally two 1862 police __________________ Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he's too old to fight, he'll just kill you. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck. A pipe gives a wise man time to think and a fool something to stick in his mouth