Cartridge Guns... What to get?

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Ed Gallop

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I'm having an old fashioned oiled drop loop cowboy holster made for my 1860 Army 44 with 8" barrel and will get it in about a month, with 45 cal loops. I hope to get an early model cartridge revolver to fit the holster, probably a 45 with a 7 1/2" barrel. Been looking for a couple months but can't find one that I can afford. Almost bought a used Uberti Cavalry last year and been kicking my own butt since then.

It will hang below an autographed photo of the TV's Gunsmoke crew, with vest and marshal's badge, but I also want to do some fast draw shooting privately in my back field. Can't shoot like Marshal Dillon but sure would be fun trying to be as fast. :) Like to have any suggestions as to what and where to get one at a reasonable price ($400 up to $500, or less)?
 
I assume you want an Old West style gun. For $400 to $500 you could probably get a used Ruger or a new Taurus Gaucho. I prefer the Gaucho because the manual of arms is identical to a SAA, but safe to carry with 6 in the wheel.

If you want something a little different, I think I've seen Schofield reproductions for around that price (maybe a little more).

There are a lot of options for that price range. I'd recommend going to a gun show so that you can compare a lot of different models and see what you like best.
 
If this holster realy fits the 1860 Army it probably won't fit any later Colt or Colt clone. That would leave you with either a conversion cylinder for the 1860, or a replica of the "open top" Colt 1872. (to see examples go to www.cimarron-firearms.com). None of these options would be inexpensive.

Also, practicing your quick draw, in private or otherwise, will quickly tear up the gun.

But then, it is your gun.
 
I've been shooting black powder off and on for over 45 years, and modern guns of course, but never shot any 1800s cartridge revolvers. I have a lot to learn and appreciate the help provided on this forum.

I don't want a cartridge conversion or use my 1860 Army. I want a similar cartridge revolver that would fit the holster. I can see why an open top Army would not be the same but the Model P, Cavalry or Frontier looks very much the same basic shape, just a half inch shorter barrel. I wouldn't think it would be a problem but I am inexperienced. If it is a problem then I would break it into the new gun and not use the 1860.

I found a Cimarron Cavalry for $499.00 at the Gun Broker Auction that ends Tuesday. Not sure it is a good buy because I know very little about them. Sure wish I had a local friend that did.

I didn't know fast drawing would tear up a gun. I keep my guns in a holster and remove them to fire. The only difference would be removing it on every shot. Dropping the gun would tear it up but speed isn't as important as safety, minimal accuracy, or being rough on the gun. Not interested in fanning or competition, just drawing and shooting without direct aim for the fun of it. How would that tear up a gun?

I wouldn't even try to draw like the fast forward shooters in spaghetti westerns, but James Arness style looks reasonable. I'll likely loose interest in favor of accuracy anyway so doubt I'd tear up my gun.

Back in the 60s, when I went through the FBI's firearm training, there was an Agent Moorse, or similar name, from Norfolk VA (met him there again in the 90s) that would run, draw, tumble head over heels in a roll, and fire while upside down in mid air. He would hit the target every time. Some here may know him. Quite a show, but didn't seem practical so I never tried it. Now, that I don't need to be practical, I'm too damn old to try it. But shooting like James Arness does look like a fun thing to learn.
 
The biggest difference between a '60 Army and a Model P is the top strap on the frame, making the frame larger from top of strap to bottom of trigger guard, as well as a larger cylinder on the Model P. The cartridge ejector on the SAA is also another factor (this would also rule out an open-top 1872). The Army will fit somewhat loosley in a SAA holster, say, a double loop mexican style, but the SAA will not fit a '60 Army slim jim or other fitted holster. SAA is just a larger gun. Both fit well in an Army flap holster, but I guess that would cut down on the fast draw somewhat... :uhoh:
A Schoefield definitely will not fit.
BTW, the drop holster and belt were invented in the 20th century and, like a holster leg tie, weren't used or available in the Old West.
 
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How to tear up a single action revolver:

Cock it quickly, the quicker the better! Of course this cause the cylinder to rotate faster then usual until the cylinder bolt pops up and engages the notch in the cylinder. All of this fast action will soon batter the notches in the cylinder until it no longer locks up securely. Not to worry, a new cylinder will only set you back something like between $50.00 to $100.00.

Now when the cylinder locks up, if the hammer isn't stopped by the backstrap (this takes precise fitting) the hand will batter against the cylinder's ratchet because the cylinder can no longer revolve. :eek:

All of this tends to break trigger & bolt springs and an occasional hand spring too. :what:

Well at least you can avoid some of this by buying a Ruger. They at least use coil springs. ;)

The 19th century Colt's came with mainspring that were so heavy you couldn't speed-cock them, and for that reason tended to last. :)

But anyway, have fun - just don't plug yourself. For some reason it's the gun that always gets the blame. :uhoh:
 
I would have to disagree with the above. SAAs are pretty common at SASS and other CAS meets, where rapid fire is the name of the game. A professionally set-up gun with a properly done action job will accomodate fast draw with no problems. Just ask Evil Roy. ;)
 
A professionally set-up gun with a properly done action job will accomodate fast draw with no problems. Just ask Evil Roy
Click to expand...

I didn't get the impression that the original post indicated that Ed Gallop was in the market for an expensive action job.

While I'm not into serious SASS shooting, in my experience Ruger's are more popular then Colt's. I did examine one of Evil Roy's revolvers offered by Cimarron Firearms, and while it was a nice six-shooter I saw no reason it would stand up to rapid fire any better than that company's Model P.

In terms of extended rapid firing the old Single Action suffers from shallow cylinder bolt notches and weak flat springs. Some of this can be overcome by custom fitting, but good professional work doesn't come cheap.

I suspect that Evil Roy can afford extra cylinders and springs... :scrutiny: :)
 
No... I'm not in the market for an expensive action job, no matter how much I salivate when I see one. Can't afford it.

I doubt I will be able to cock fast enough to create any excessive strain. I can see how it would in competition fast draw though.

I wouldn't think a problem with the bolt/cylinder would exist but would anticipate breaking the bolt and trigger spring, or maybe the hammer spring. Even more, the hand spring of some revolvers are more brittle than others and heavy cocking would drive the hand up hard. I make sure the slot where the spring slides is as smooth as possible because I have broken a Pietta and an ASM hand spring. The colt is very flexable and better built. Don't know about Cimmaron or others though. I also brokeen the trigger/bolt spring on a Pietta Spiller and Burr. There isn't any serious cylinder damage or wear and I shoot them a lot. Might be a problem with finding or making parts for some models that no longer exist. Otherwise, springs are easy repairs.

As for the holster, I'll break it in to the new revolver, and not use the 1860 in it. Guess I should have ordered for a 7 1/2" barrel instead of an 8" but hopefully it will not be a problem.

I did know that cross draw was a common way to carry holsters in the 1800s but I did not know drop loops didn't exist at that time. I like authentic when possible but, in this case, I'm more interested in having fun and having a cowboy display to go with my autographed picture of the Gunsmoke crew. Should look nice on the den wall.

Thanks again to all... Ed
 
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