Blackpowder Revolver .44cal

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A_Matthew

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I'm new to blackpowder shooting, and was wondering what your thoughts were on a good .44cal blackpowder revolver. Any style, length, or age, but with a going rate of under $140. I just want something cheap that will be indestructible and make a lot of smoke.:D:D:D So if you know of any good models that are readily available, please post! (Also, any tips on what to look for when buying a bp revolver would also be appreciated.)
Thanks in advance. Matthew
 
There are a couple inexpensive 44 cal. PB revolvers. Both Traditions and CVA make brass framed revolvers in both the colt and remington configuration. Check Dixie Gun Works web site.
 
The sale prices are lower at Cabela's than at Dixie. And signing up for Cabela's emails will eventually get you some coupon offers.

http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/brow...SBC;MMcat104791680;cat104701680&WTz_stype=GNP


However if you want something that costs $140 or less, visit this classified ad below and call Hardy. He owns a BP shop in South Carolina and wants to get rid of some of his brass frame revolvers at extra low prices (starting at $125).

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=435252

But you'll be able to make more smoke with a steel frame revolver and it will last longer too.
Don't forget that you may also need a few accessories.
 
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For that price range you're looking at a brass frame. Personally, given that you can usually get steel framed guns for $50 or so more, I just couldn't bring myself to spend (I'm tempted to say "waste", but I won't :)) the money on a brass framed gun. The steel will wear better and last much longer (and IMHO, looks a lot better, but that's subjective).

Only possible exception I see is that if you wanted an 1851 Navy that duplicated the Confederate issue ones that sometimes had brass frames. From a historical perspective (even though it's a replica), I can understand that. Brass framed Colt 1860's or Remington 1858's though? Bleh!

Colt usually has steel framed Pietta versions of the Colt 1851, Colt 1860, and Remington 1858 designs on sale for $200. I have a Pietta copy of the Remington 1858 which I am quite fond of. The action is just stronger and more solid than the Colt designs. That said, as a matter of completeness and sheer variety I still intend to get the Colt models eventually too.
 
Colt usually has steel framed Pietta versions of the Colt 1851, Colt 1860, and Remington 1858 designs on sale for $200.

I think you mean Cabelas, not Colt. You and I both WISH we could get a Colt for $200.

I know, they both start with 'C', so you were close, but no cigar!
 
Don't let the anti-brass crowd scare you. Brass framed guns are just as good, you just gotta treat them right. However you can find some good deals on brass or steel framed guns on many of the sites mentioned. Also try the BP forum on "The Firing Line". They have a classified section attached to their BP forum. Don't forget to check the Classifieds here at THR also.
 
I think you mean Cabelas, not Colt. You and I both WISH we could get a Colt for $200.

I know, they both start with 'C', so you were close, but no cigar!

Yeah I knew it was Cabelas not Colt but sometimes the connection between my brain and my typing fingers don't work right. I type a little over 120WPM so I often just don't see a typo :).
 
Cruise your local gun shows. You'll see plenty of them, and while your there you can pick up everything you need to shoot it. You will probably spend another hundred on all the goodies. Have fun
 
Thanks for the links and info. Definitely very informative! Also, what is the cutoff price on a standard bp revolver? As in, at what price do you start paying too much? Is this too much to pay for a new bp revolver, or could I find a used one cheaper that is just as good?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...=SBC;MMcat104791680;cat104701680;cat104503680

The nice thing about it is it comes with an accessory kit. But do you think it is worth it? Matthew
 
There are user reviews stating some of their opinions about the starter kit which currently adds $50 to the price of the gun alone which is on sale for $199.99.

DesertDawg

...Out of the "Starter Kit"; I like the powder measure. The plastic flask is okay; but its spout could be a little smaller. I'll be ordering a real flask soon, along with a spout kit. The capper is.... disappointing. The tip has fallen off it, causing caps to drop all over the ground, several times. I've recovered most of the unfired caps, but more than a few were wasted. I've found that I'm faster and less wasteful just fumbling the caps onto the nipples with my fingers....

Crowriver

...I got the starter kit with the gun and that was also quite nice. Although I plan to replace the plastic powder flask with a brass one before I start shooting....

r527

...The lead balls that come in the Starter Kit are very inconsistent in their roundness and I achieved much better groups using Hornady .454 diameter .44 caliber lead balls (product #6070), which by the way, weigh approximately 140 grains.... I would not order the combo Gun w/Starter Kit again as the items in the kit are not top-of-the-line and most of them are not really necessary. The gun itself is currently available ON SALE....

Liketomakesmoke

Gun yes - starter kit no

...If you have any black powder accessories on hand skip the starter kit. It contains a plastic flask with no dispensing release, just a rubber cap on the spout. The kit also contains less than a standard size package of balls and wads. Buy accessories "a la carte" and get a metal flask with the correct size (+/- 24 grains) measuring spout. A spare cylinder and an aftermarket external loader helps make it more pleasurable to shoot....


MountainHiker

...I am satisfied with the revolver and starter kit....

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Shoo...=SBC;MMcat104791680;cat104701680;cat104503680
 
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I just found a bp revolver at a local antique gun shop. (For those of you who live in North ID, it's called Pony Express.) The gun is a 1860 or 1858 steel framed Connecticut Arms copy of a Remington. The guy says it has very minor pitting on the barrel, but no actual rust. He says its been used, but is in very good condition. Price: $139. I'm going to try and make it over there and maybe, (if he lets me) take some pics to post here and see what you guys think. Matthew
 
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