cap-and-ball vs. cartridge revolvers :: why the price difference?

[Kaylee]

well, the title pretty much says it all.

It seems to me there's at least as much machining work on an old Colt or Remington '58 cap and ball revolver repro as there is on a modern revolver with a bored-through cylinder.

So why are there a wagonload of BP revolvers in the $100-$250 zone, and not hardly a modern weapon (new) in the same price range?

Is it a function of stronger metallurgy being needed for the modern pressures?

Is it a matter of recouping R&D (still??)

Is it a domestic vs. import thing?

Is it a matter of regulatory compliance -- a function of it being more expensive to comply with regs for modern weapons? Or more liability insurance premiums?




-K

 

[Jim K]

Many of the percussion revolvers are simply not well made, which is OK for what is essentially a toy, but would not be acceptable in a revolver intended for serious purposes. Materials are also not as good. The original designs are not very good, either, as they were intended to be made with more primitive tooling than is available today. Soft steel and brass are common, and casting is the normal manufacturing method.

All of that being said, there is little doubt that other factors play a part. Most makers of modern handguns have had to go to self insurance, and one estimate indicates that one fourth or more of the retail price is for insurance against lawsuits, valid or otherwise. Most gun stores (if the owner is sensible) will keep a lawyer on retainer just in case, adding yet another expense.

In addition, compliance with all the laws regulating manufacture, distribution and sale of fixed-ammunition handguns is a costly procedure. A store selling modern guns may need an extra clerk just to handle NICS checks or to fill out state or local forms, where a store selling only percussion revolvers can (in most areas) dispense with that costly and demanding work.

Again, in most areas, percussion guns can be sold and bought by mail order, a much less costly way of selling a product than having a retail store premises, as required for obtaining a license to deal in modern arms.

Jim

 

[Blueduck]

My personal W.A.G. is lawyers...

I think if firearms enthusiast knew how much it cost to just manufacture a modern gun that requires little machiening like Glock, XD or S/W 99 they would

 

[Hal]

So why are there a wagonload of BP revolvers in the $100-$250 zone, and not hardly a modern weapon (new) in the same price range?

Apples to oranges since all those in that price range really are low qulity reproductions.
The Ruger Old Army retails for exactly the same price as a Vaquero.

 

[Dr.Rob]

1. Lower pressure loads = lower grade steel
2. existing designs with expired patents require no licnesing
3. less sin taxes on BP weapons because they aren't "firearms"
4. Low cost of labour where they are made


lets face it a signature series Colt is NOT a Pietta copy, they both might be made in the same place but the fit, fiinish and detail on the sig series are worth the increase in price. A Colt will also appreciate in value, where a pietta will always be worth $100.

 

[Sam]

10% difference right off the top from FET!

Sam

 

[Nick96]

I've often wondered the same thing. The final conclusion I've come to is government regulation, liability exposures and taxes. I've got an 1860 Colt reproduction that appears to be every bit as well made (or better) than modern centerfire SA revolvers. I can't comment about metalergy. But fit, finish, timimg, etc. is as good as modern centerfire SA's at a quarter the cost.

 

[Oracle]

From what I understand, the steel used in most C&B revolvers is much softer than the steel used in modern firearms. There are a number of companies that sell cartridge conversions for C&B guns (especially the 1858 Remingtons), and the conversion cylinders generally cost as much or even a little more than the gun, and these cylinders are made of much stronger steel than the revolver that surrounds them. Remember, black powder does not generate the pressures that modern smokeless powder does.

However, I think that a lot of people are correct in saying that the "lawyering up" necessary to be involved in the firearms trade is a good portion of the final cost of modern firearms. I've heard that it only costs Glock $75 to make one of their firearms, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if that was true.