Colt Pocket Models

[mec]

Some Original Pocket Models. the .31 is from the early 1850s. It came early in the production as the cylinder scene roll dies were still sharp and the stage coach scene is well etched. the Pocket Police comes from 1862

The Replicas are from 1985 The top being a .36 caliber Pocket Navy -an arm that was introduced at the same time as the pocket police above. The lower gun is the replica version of the 31 pocket. Both are Ubertis from the Allen Firearms periodl

From Replica .31 Pocket models:
Load Velocity Spread (5)
50 Grain Ball 12.5 FFFG 720 fps 51
50 Grain Ball 12.5 Pyrodex P 682 47
50 Grain Ball 10 Hodgdon 777 650 53
50 Grain Ball 13.5 Swiss FFFg 814 73
60 Grain Bullet 12.5 Pyrodex P 668 79
Pyrodex and H777 charges from measure calibrated for Black Powder. The volume is the same but the weight is different.

From Replica .36 Pocket Police:
80 Grain Ball Velocity Spread
15Gr FFFG 774 FPS 60
15Gr/ Vol. Pyrodex P 774 23

 

[Across The Pond]

Great to see those originals - and to contrast them with the Ubertis.

I have a Uberti .31 pocket of similar age to the one in the photo - great fun to shoot at 10/15yds, I struggle at 25. I was just thinking of trying some 777 in the .31, so will go with your 10gn (vol) recommendation.

I will try and post a picture of my .31 in the replica case that I made for it. Just need to work out how! I'll do a search on the forum - I am sure someone's already asked.

Dave

 

[Old Fuff]

You can't date when a revolver was made by the sharpness of the scene. Besides normal wear, Colt frequently replaced the dies with new ones when the older dies became worn. However the serial number on the frame (not necessarily other parts) will tell you what you want to know.

 

[Across The Pond]

Ok, hope that this first attempt at posting a picture works... here's my Uberti in its case. I made this myself, copying from photos of the originals. I added a replica mold, powder flask and nipple key, plus a genuine old cap tin. The ball and conicals you might just see in the top right were cast in the brass mold, but are not of useable quality!

I 'll probably make another for the .36 next, but am also thinking about trying holster making, so it might have to wait!

 

[mec]

You did a superb job on that case. I've actually shot some of the bullets from those replica moulds and have been satisfied with their accuracy. This is chiefly because my experience with shooting the pocket models is much like yours- I can't hit nearly as well with them as with the larger belt models.

 

[BigG]

I have an original 1849 Colt 31 that looks a lot like Across the Pond's except it has an inch more of barrel and of course the blue finish has turned brown. The shape is otherwise excellent with strong markings and pretty good stagecoach holdup scene. I looked up the serial # in Wilson, once, and know it is pre or during Civil War years but age has caused my memory to falter. Need to get out Wilson again.

 

[BowStreetRunner]

nice pics and nice firearms
BSR

 

[mcneill]

Questions

Well, finally broke down and did it. Drove over to Fredricksburg last week and bought the only Uberti '49 Pocket they had in stock. It's a beauty. Now the questions:

1. Are you all shooting the .321 round ball? I see Dixie Gun Works has this size in their cast balls. (I had thought I would like to try the Hornady brand but I only see theirs in .310 and .315 sizes.) Any other suggestions for another source?

2. Does anyone make a cleaning jag for this caliber? For the initial cleaning I used a .22 cleaning rod.

3. All the nipple wrenches I have are too large in diameter to get to the nipples. I will order the Dixie "T-style Small Pocket Revolver" wrench and try it unless there is a better choice.

Thanks for your help/advice.


Jim

 

[mec]

I go for the t style- with the sliding cross handle and the little brass knob on the end- from dixie or whoever. the 320 -21 balls are right. I orderded some hornadys and the company I tried was out of them. Sent Warren /Ozark balls instead and they were lopsided and undersized. I bought some 315s by mistake, these might work in the tighter Pietta 31s but just role into the Uberti. I believe they are made for one of the patched ball rifles or pistols.

I found that the ten grain spout on my 31 mould actually throws only seven grains. ten grains is a good charge, 12.5 is nice and 13.5 is a tight fit.

 

[Derek]

Across-the-Pond,beautiful job on the case!I'm trying to rig one for a couple of saw-handled "duellers"[but with rear sights and rifled] I'm making, how is that done? Are there any books or other sources of info you could recommend?Right now I'm leaning towards a felt covered tray of thin wood slipped into the box.Am I on the right track?

 

[mcneill]

Thanks, mec - knew you would come through.

By the way, am enjoying your book.


Jim

 

[oneshooter]

Has anyone tried 4fg in your pocket models? I would tend to believe that it would raise velocity somewhat.

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[mec]

tried something called GATOR that was supposed to be 4f. turns out we got lower velocities than with 3f so I don't think the stuff is quite up to snuff.

glad you're enjoying the book.

 

[arcticap]

#0 Buckshot

I was at gunshow recently and bought a box of Hornady #0 Buckshot .320 diameter. Some BP rifle shooters say that they use buckshot successfully. Might it work satisfactorily in the Uberti pistols?

 

[Smokin_Gun]

My 1848 ASM (Armi San Marco 1973 vintage) Baby Dragoon uses Hornady .315 balls and a tight fit. I have seen that the chambers are larger about .321" on Uberti 1849's.

 

[mec]

I've heard that about the buckshot. My Uberti chamber measure about .317 and the Pietta are a little smaller. actual 320-21 balls work very well and if the buck shot is that size, it should be ideal. Haven't tried it myself.