Pietta Snubnose & Birdshead Grip Models

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arcticap

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Pietta makes an 1851 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose model with Thunderer grips right from the factory. --->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/265...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

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Pietta also makes an 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with full size grips, which was also previously made with Thunderer grips.--->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/120...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

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Here's the Pietta 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with Thunderer grips: --->>> https://thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1860-snub-with-bird-head-grip.294765/page-2#post-3745274

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Although I only saw these available new in France, perhaps the Thunderer grips can be special ordered from EMF, Pietta, VTI or from the French seller.
 
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In another video, Mike compared the velocity and muzzle energy of different length 1860 barrels loaded with 30 grains of Goex 3F and a round ball:

8" barrel - 882 fps - 242 ft. lbs.
5.5" barrel - 805 fps - 201 ft. lbs.
3" barrel - 550 fps - 94 ft. lbs. [about equal to a .25 acp]

The 1860 snubnose should probably be loaded with 777 and more of it if considered using for self-defense purposes.
 
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The 1860 snubnose should probably be loaded with 777 and more of it if considered using for self-defense purposes.

If you are going to use 35 grains of T7 and a .44 conical then you are probably better off with a Remington New Model Army snubby.
 
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mec had tried 35 grains of 777 with a 195 grain Ramlok bullet without reporting any problem.
I believe that it was a full length Uberti 1860. --->>> https://thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/accurate-bullets.221771/#post-2704154

Even loading 30 grains of 777 should produce more velocity than the same volume of Goex 3F.


In another video, Mike compared the velocity and muzzle energy of different length 1860 barrels loaded with 30 grains of Goex 3F and a round ball:

8" barrel - 882 fps - 242 ft. lbs.
5.5" barrel - 805 fps - 201 ft. lbs.
3" barrel - 550 fps - 94 ft. lbs. [about equal to a .25 acp]

The 1860 snubnose should probably be loaded with 777 and more of it if considered using for self-defense purposes.
Probably 35 grains 777 and ball or 30 grains and a bullet. (Now I want to run tests!)

Alternatively don’t shoot anyone wearing anything thicker than a T-shirt. Probably best not to shoot anyone who’s heavily muscled either. I once assisted a young man who’d been shot several times by a .22lr revolver. Long time ago so I may not remember all the details but he was probably 5’7”ish and 190 or so. Two bullets stopped in his pectorals and he was also hit in the hip and thigh. The gun was a 6” barreled 9 shot revolver. I arrived maybe 5 minutes after the shooting and he was still willing and able to fight, the shooter, (his cousin) had prudently departed the scene. We picked him up later.

The first 30 years I owned my Navy Arms 1860 (Uberti manufactured) I used only
Goex 3f, maybe some Pyrodex P here and there. Full power loads only though, balls and bullets. Then I found Swiss and 777. So since then only Swiss 3f and sometimes 4f, or 777 35 grains behind a .457 ball or 30 grains behind bullets up to 225 grains. Most months in the summer I go through a couple pounds of powder, not all in this one pistol but still, it sees a lot of use. Ten years ago I shot a lot more and year round plus there was a stretch when I lived out of the country and couldn’t take it with me so that omits about 8 years of use but I’d say it’s a pretty good service record. I’ve replaced a wedge and nipples. I don’t have any concerns about the longevity of the open top Colts.
 
Some individual guns of any type can experience hammer reset if they're loaded too hot.
The blowback coming through the nipple orafice will cause the hammer to push rearward with enough force to recock the action.
It's not usually harmful to the gun but probably not very desirable either as it could cause wear & tear to parts if it's done repeatedly.
Once that happens then the hot loading should be adjusted to reduce the pressure a little.
That may have only happened to me once with an 1858 when I wanted to see how much Pyrodex P could be loaded under a round ball with heavy comopression.
It was pretty close to 50 grains, perhaps a little bit below that.
Folks should probably also be aware that loading extra 777 could cause a ball or bullet to loosen up enough to creep forward during firing.
 
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As allways ............... Lots of good advice from people on this forum.
I have tenderness for Colts myself, cause the grips on Remmies dont like my paws, I shoot them both tho. I only use the real black.
I have 4 brassers, 1 Rem, and 3 Colts all of which I dont load more than 22 grns of black.
Dave
 
I have an 1858 on the way to me. It’s part of the plan to prevent the spread of covid19. I’ll spend more time away from people, outdoors and shooting. I’m convinced that sulphur burned in large quantities can slow the spread.
Anyway, I found another Pietta Shooters Model on Armslist for a ridiculously low price. The owner didn’t know what he had or didn’t care so I snapped it up. I’m sure it’ll be resold soon but for now I plan to run it hard for a few weeks.
 
Mr.woodnbow...ever thought of making your own? I make my own and its better than swiss...not by much...but still a lil faster and cleaner. I always keep enough raw material to make me 100 pounds just in case a world wide pandemic happens or something. But it truly is an artform and its very fun.
 
Mr.woodnbow...ever thought of making your own? I make my own and its better than swiss...not by much...but still a lil faster and cleaner. I always keep enough raw material to make me 100 pounds just in case a world wide pandemic happens or something. But it truly is an artform and its very fun.
If the economy tanks, I may need to make my own. In fact it might not be a terrible idea to learn now.. either that or I’ll saddle up ol paint and ride down to see you. ;-)
 
If you are going to use 35 grains of T7 and a .44 conical then you are probably better off with a Remington New Model Army snubby.
That's fer sure. The next up from snubby shoots sweet at 18g and .454 ball. More than that in that size is nutz.
 
Have the Pietta 1851 snubbie w. Birds Head grips (from DGW). Great trigger. I am very pleased with its accuracy.
 
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