1873 Uberti Cattleman BP

[Captain U-96]

I just got an 1873 Cattleman .44 with a 4 3/4 bbl. The gun was made in 04 according to the proof mark BU. Since I haven't bought a black powder revolver since the mid 80's, except for a 58 Remington repo I was supprised at the quality and fit, but I do have some gripes! First, the nipples are of variable height; which causes some of the caps to rub and stop the cylinder from turning. There is a ridge that is catching the high caps coming into battery. How would you suggest I fixx this problem? Thanks

 

[Phillip Allen]

are they screwed all the way in?

 

[Captain U-96]

Yes, that was the first thing I checked.

 

[Phillip Allen]

take the nipples out and stand them up and check for differences in hight...remember that the shoulder and not the threaded portion is the place to measure from...if they are the same it follows that the "sockets" are out of spec

surly someone hasn't put washers in there ?!

 

[Captain U-96]

No, no washers. I'll pull them out and check them again--this time with mic as well as visually. Thanks!

 

[Captain U-96]

I have two oversized nipples. It can be seen from the side easily, but after capping the cylinder, it really stands out! As far as depth goes, there may be a 1/8 turn difference between them. There isn't any cylinder play that I can feel forward and back. The first thing I noticed after opening the box was that it had been dry fired, then I began to worry.

 

[Phillip Allen]

you may be able to file them to the same size but remember to ream out the inside a little (doesn't need to be deep) to "sharpen" the nipple...not really sharp but not flat and wide either

 

[Captain U-96]

Thanks, that is what I figure I'd have to do, and order a spare set. I eventually want to get a spare cylinder for it too. During my search I happened on Taylor's site, and found out the have put this gun on clearance? It's my understanding this model of Cattleman was made for the British C.S.A.S.S.?

I'm glad I found this site, because I'm seriously thinking about building kits again; since I have found them at Dixie Gun Works. Thanks for your help. It is appreciated.

 

[Plink]

You might consider just replacing them with a set of Tresos or something. They're better nipples anyway and are more reliable and the caps fit better.

 

[Captain U-96]

Where can I get these nipples? Thanks

 

[BP Hunter]

Captain,

Just wondereing...how much and where did you purchase the cattleman? I've been looking for one and haven't completely commited to getting one yet.

 

[BP Hunter]

I have another question: Will a 45LC 1873 cattleman cylinder actually fit and work on this replica?

 

[Captain U-96]

I got mine from Thunder Ridge for $349 plus shipping. The cylinder loading tool they offer does not work with the Cattleman! I e-mailed, and called them and got no response. No, the .45 Long Colt cylinder will not work in the BP model. The firing pin is off set, as is the nipples. when you look into the cylinder the nipple comes in on the edge.

 

[Captain U-96]

Check Taylor's site, they hace the BP Cattleman on clearance.
http://www.taylorsfirearms.com/products/detail-clearanceItems.tpl?startat=21

 

[BP Hunter]

Thanks Captain. I want one so bad. I just bought a brand new Toyota Tundra and am adding this and that. So cash is a little short.

 

[Captain U-96]

I'd go with Taylor's! Because Thunder Ridge isn't very communicative if you have a problem. They state on their website that they are in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 A.M. and Noon to take phone calls, and the rest of the time they are in the warehouse filling orders. Just try calling them and you'll see what I mean.

The Cattleman BP is finished and fitted well. To look at it you'd think it was a .45 LC, till you notice the nipples. The fireing pin is in the hammer, but looks like a half 0 off to R center. I have the 4 3/4", and feel I got my moneys worth.

 

[BP Hunter]

Do me a favor. Get me the right load and if you're happy with it's accuracy, then I might just get it.

 

[Captain U-96]

I think you'd be better off just getting one for yourself, because it'll probably be early in the summer before I get to it. Since this model of Cattleman is not widely available I'd suggest you go ahead if you like it that well. I was hoping to get some work up info here, since someone here aught to have one. I don't know why Taylor's has them on clearance? My piece was drop--shipped from Indiana. I have to admit, I am happy to have found one at the price of $349. From what I understand, this model of Cattleman was developed for BP shooters in England who shoot CAS. I simply enjoy a trips out to the country to shoot and hunt during the summer months. The blood thinners kinda slow me down these days.

 

[Captain U-96]

BP Hunter Check this out!

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_187_189&products_id=3473

I don't have any experience with this company, but thought you'd want to have a look--see.

 

[BP Hunter]

Thanks Captian. Believe you me, I have benn shopping around for the best deal. If I were to get one, it's going to be through taylor's. I have heard somewhere of unsatisfied customers who bought some of their c&b revovlers from dixie.

 

[Steve499]

I bought a revolver from Dixie I wasn't happy with. They took it back, no questions asked, and credited my card back the purchase price. I have dealt with Dixie for several years and have nothing bad to say about the customer service I have received from them. My only complaint would be that they sell Palmetto made firearms ( the one I returned was a Palmetto) which I firmly believe to be sub-standard as a RULE, not the exception, and I don't think the founder of Dixie, were he still alive, would even offer them in the catalog.

The Dixie catalog lists the manufacturer of almost all the listed firearms, so if you have a preference for, or like me, an aversion to, a particular maker, you may choose with that information up front.

Steve

 

[Captain U-96]

I was seriously thinking about the Uberti Walker Kit they have for $265.

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_162_194&products_id=2033

 

[Steve499]

I think it's called a Walker 'cause that's all you can do when you're carrying one, too heavy to run with!

Seriously, everyone who gets one seems to really like them. I'd go for it!

Steve

 

[Captain U-96]

It's been a long time since I built one of these kits. I now have the tools to make it easier to do, and hopefully a nicer looking piece in the end.
I'll never forget the day I took my finished 3RD model Dragoon Kit out to test fire after completion! I was told if I didn't want to shoot a full load to fill the remaining space with corn meal, I went with the full load. I can't remember how many grains of BP I used, but it was a powerhouse of pistol to be sure. After pulling the trigger the first time ever on a BP gun my first thought was "I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of it"! And, how in the hell did they ever manage in combat with hand cannons like this? This was in the mid to late 70"s. I built a Philadelphia Derringer, and a Colonial .45 after that. I'm thinking it will be good for me to get into building kits again, now that I'm getting to be an old man, and have a better understanding and appreciation for the sport.