1858 Remington. Yea or Nay?

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Snick91

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Hello everyone. Here's the deal, I have just recently been bitten by the black powder bug and am currently in possession of several Cabela's gift cards which are burning a hole in my pocket. I have always had an attraction towards the Remington 1858 and seeing how Cabela's has them on sale for $189.99, I figure I can't lose. Or can I? After countless hours of researching these firearms, my conclusion is that...nobody really has a conclusion. The general consensus appears to be split right down the middle and I can't seem to get a straight answer. I have read reviews from people stating that they are robust, solid revolvers capable of outstanding accuracy to people stating that the metallurgy is on par with silly putty and you're lucky if you can get one with a barrel that is properly aligned. I'm not sure if what I have read is the truth or complete lies (I'm hoping some of you might be able to set me straight on this). The only thing I do know is that the 1858's sold by Cabela's are manufactured by Pietta (which I am admittedly a little nervous about), but since my gift cards are only good at Cabela's, I really don't have a say in the matter. So my biggest question is, should I purchase one of these or completely erase the thought from my mind? I greatly look forward to any comments and appreciate all of your advice. Thank you. :)
 
I have 2 Pietta NMA's "Remington copies" one I've had for over 24 years & the other is now 2 years old "2 year old came from Cabelas" & both shoot very well for me & with proper cleaning & maintenence they are just as reliable as any modern firearm.
 
For me, the Remington never felt right in my hand. Nor does the Colts Model P or the 1851. In my hand an 1860 feels correct so that is what I use.

Does that mean I can't/don't shoot a 1858? Absolutely not, I used one in competition for a few years. Suggest you at least handle one before committing to it.

As for metal and etc. The italians have come a long way since they first started building these things in the 60s. I suggest staying with Uberti or Pietta but admit I have had good success with the ASMs I owned. On all my replicas, I've had to replace some parts but only after shooting them, a lot.
 
Cabela's 1858 Piettas are the best cap & ball revolver deal on the market and they have a no questions asked return or exchange policy, so there really is no risk.
Most of the Remington issues are minor in nature and they're the exception to the majority that are sold. Some folks would rather not return theirs opting to repair it themselves. Others simply exchange or return them.
As an example, one of the worst problems was the hammer catching on the side of the frame which required a shim or a return. The gun fired okay, it just created a small dent in the metal from being battered because it wasn't detected right away. And folks can even return it after they've gone out and range tested it for a while.
The chances are great that you'll be very satisfied and will love shooting it.
Catching the bug and shooting an 1858 is a lot like eating hot bread!
Try it and you'll either love it or like it a real lot! :)
 
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On one hand you're excited about the low price, and on the other hand you're worried about quality. There's no mystery here - that low price is obviously an indication that the risk of getting a poorly made gun is significant.

However, not all Piettas are made of silly putty, etc. They have greatly upgraded their production methods and equipment and put out far more good quality guns than bad. Still, that low price means the risk is higher...

Factor in the fact that Cabela's will stand behind the gun if you should get a bad one, and the decision should be obvious: take the risk. The 1858 Remington may not be the gun for you, and the quality may not be top drawer, but $190 is not a lot to risk and the odds are in your favor.
 
I have one of the Cabela's 1858's, it is a trouble free shooter. My only complaint was the trigger needed work, but for the price I'm pleased with it. It's the target model and once I got the sights squared away it shoots almost as well as my "shooters" model that is three times the money.

Many of the members here have bought the Cabela's 1858 model and I sure don't recall any major complaints about the quality.
 
As Voodoo said...with proper cleaning and maintance, it should serve you well. I bought the Target Model a few months ago, and though its only had eleven cylinders shot so far, I am more than pleased with its looks and function. When you go to Cabela's, look and hold all they have to offer, and choose whatever feels right to you. I'd buy the Remmie, and even if you feel you need something different, and you more than likely will, that Remmie will be your first of many more to come!
 
Hey, I've got Pietta NMR and wouldn't take a pretty for it.
And I have to agree with missuramoss.....I now want something else. I think what I'd like now is one of each :D
 
For me, the Remington never felt right in my hand. Nor does the Colts Model P or the 1851. In my hand an 1860 feels correct so that is what I use. ....... Suggest you at least handle one before committing to it.
Click to expand...

I agree with StrawHat. Pick the one that best fits your hand. Just remember that you WILL want to get another model SOMETIME.....:evil:

Piettas are reliable in my experience, and easy to keep in repair. As an added plus, they are not so expensive that you might be discouraged from experimenting a little to make the revolver better fit your style of shooting. I have the Pietta 1858 NMA on which I straightened the trigger and added approximately 1/8" to the length. The modification better suited my particular way of gripping the revolver. Had I goofed up the job, I would have only been out the cost of a new trigger. Had I owned a Hege or some other high-dollar gun, I most likely would have thought long and hard before I tried something like that.

Good luck to you, whichever model you decide upon.
 
I have a Cabelas Piettta 1858 and am impressed with the quality of the one I received. Fit and finish is nice. Had trouble finding caps to fit the nipples and still have to pinch them to make them stay on. Make sure you remove the nipples and put anti seize on the threads BEFORE you first fire it. I didn't and had a heck of a time getting the nipples out for the first time after shooting it!
Remington #10 caps fit best for me. It is my understanding that the Italian nipples can vary in size (that statement could open up a can of worms!).
Buy one and I doubt you will be disappointed!
 
It is my understanding that the Italian nipples can vary in size (that statement could open up a can of worms!).
Click to expand...

You are right about that 38-55. I replaced the nipples on my Pietta 1858 with Tresos and haven't had ill-fitting cap problems since. I use CCI #11s.
 
My buddy shot his Cabelas Pietta 1858 Remington for the first time last week. He had a blast with it. Definitely worth $189! Not many better deals around.
 
I love mine. I must say that I'm not a fan of cleaning after shooting with hot water, but it gets done.
$189 is close to what I paid and that was many years ago, so I'd say that's a good deal.

I've fired hundreds of .454 round ball from mine, many were fairly warm with Pyrodex Pistol and she's just as tight as new and not the slightest hint of timing issues.

4120734443_40d35104bb_b.jpg
 
Avoid the revolvers with brass frames. Brass-framed revolvers tend to have a poorer quality fit and finish. Buy one with a steel frame.
The Remington 1858 is stout, and can be an exceptional shooter, but doesn't balance or point as well as the Colt design.
But for a beginner, it would be difficult to go wrong with a .44 Remington. Use .454 or .457 inch balls, not the .451 balls that are often recommended. These will not only give you a better seal in the chamber, but provide a wider bearing band for the rifling to grasp, aiding accuracy.
A greased, felt wad between ball and powder will keep fouling to a minimum and enhance accuracy as well. If you use a greased wad twixt ball and powder, there is no need to put grease over the seated ball.
Avoid any and all petroleum products in your revolver. Use natural greases and oils.
Go to the sticky area at the top of this section and find my posts and others under "Black Powder Essentials." My two posts of, "Proper Use of a Cap and Ball Revolver," and "So you want a cap and ball revolver?" will give you tons of information. Other posts in that section will as well.
I've been shooting cap and ball revolvers since about 1970. I'd like to think I learned something along the way to pass on ... :D
 
I got one of the 58 remmie's from Cabelas last week while on sale for 189.00 and also took advantage of the 30.00 coupon offer.The question I have is min / max load for pistol. The information I recieved was mixed with one book saying 12-16 grains and the other book having 40 grains max.
Thanks for Help
 
There is no maximum load for a steel framed bp revolver. They can safely, although not accurately shoot all the powder you can get in the chamber and still seat the ball.

The most accurate load you'll have to figure out by testing. Start at about 20 gr and work your way up shooting 3-4 shot groups. The group with the smallest diameter is the most accurate.

Notice I said 'smallest group'. Don't make the mistake of thinking the shot closest to the bull's eye is the most accurate load.
 
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