Good Classified Sources for BP Revolvers

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Simak

Simak

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Howdy:

I haven't spent a lot of time on BP forums and was wondering what are some good sources for purchasing a used BP revolver online?

Thanks.
 
Be very cautious when buying used black powder weapons. Many, MANY of them have not been cared for properly and the owners don't even know it. Even an honest seller may not know the condition of what he is selling. Most don't even know how to check the breech area of the bore for pitting. Unless you can inspect it in person or are willing to deal with returning ruined guns you bought sight un-seen, save an extra few bucks and buy new. I know some, if not many may disagree and have stories of great finds on on-line auctions, but there are far more junk guns than pearls. iIf you are determined to buy used on-line, ONLY deal with reputable dealers who have a liberal, fair return policy. Check Gunbroker.
 
The more I think about it, the more I think you may be right RD. There's no telling what I would be getting, which is why I am staying away from gun auction type sites. I was hoping to step up to a used Uberti 1858 with a stainless steel barrel. But I think I am going to go the new route.
 
Curiously, the used C&B revolvers very often sell for more than they can be had new at places like Cabela's. However, many models are no longer produced and used or second hand is your only option. e.g., Rogers & Spencer. Then again there are plenty of used C&B revolvers that sell for bargain prices as well. I have purchased many C&B revolvers on line based on posted images. The majority of the time the revolver showed up in better shape than I expected. Many of the small nicks and scrapes that show up vividly in a good close up image, are barely discernible to the naked eye, and a lot of time it turns out to just be a mark that wipes right off. Most folks can't seem to get a decent image of the bore though, so there could be surprises. I don't worry about return policies on Gunbroker. Its an auction site so I make a judgment and live with it. So far, that has been overwhelmingly successful for me.

On second thought, you should stay away from used C&B revolvers on line, that way I won't be bidding against you.
 
MLB, I applaud your success regarding on-line purchases. My experience is much less satisfactory. Last month I bought a used Hawken style rifle no longer in production, and a 50 cal. barrel also no longer in production. Both items have bores that are rusted beyond help. Both have severe problems in the breech area, the pictures of the bores both looked fine on-line. Since I dealt with reputable individuals, all I was out was return shipping. In both cases I feel certain the sellers thought their items were just fine. Neither individual knew how to properly evaluate a muzzleloader bore.

caveat emptor
 
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Noz - Thanks for the sassnet link. If I was going to purchase used, it would be from a forum with classified section where the likelihood of getting a decent C&B is better than on an auction site.

Malachi- I've also noticed that used C&B revolvers often sell for more used on auction sites, than purchasing new!
 
I've had good and bad luck at auction sites, got a SS ROA at a real bargain, only to find a serious pitted spot about 1" from the end of the barrel, it shot ok, but every time I cleaned it, I saw the spot and wanted to shorten the barrel or replace, both very expensive propositions. A SS frame came up on Ebay for a relatively good price and it was in pristine condition, seems the owner took it apart to sell it piece meal on the site so they could sell the entire gun on Ebay and get more than selling the gun complete on other sites. I switched over the frame/barrel and now I've got a pristine gun for still less that the going rate at auction, plus I've got a spare frame to play with or sell. I've also got 2 Thompson sidelock rifles bought as parts that are excellent.
 
Cabela's had the Uberti Walker on sale before Christmas for a few bills over $300.
It's pretty easy to get 10% to 20% off on their gift cards, and free shipping offers plus they send out discount code post cards for $20 off regularly.
That would have made it possible for the the end cost of the Uberti Walker to be around $250 ish plus tax
 
Noz - I own Piettas and don't much care for them. My new 1858 has a front sight that leans to the left (barrel needs to be realigned to the right); the frame gap for the hammer has too much clearance; the hammer leans over to the left; and the left wooden grip creaked everytime I held it, so I had to use wood filler and sand it to take up the slack. The Pietta is also bulky which I don't much care for, which is why I am stepping up to Uberti.
 
robhof - the ROA is built to a much higher standard than the Italian variants, so you'd have a much better chance at finding something decent on the used market.
 
Places to buy BP revolvers:
http://www.gunauction.com/
http://www.gunsinternational.com/
https://www.gunsamerica.com/
http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=156_183&sort=2a&page=1
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/black-powder-revolvers/_/N-1115136/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_567338580
http://www.riverofguns.com/
http://possibleshop.com/pistol-uberti.html
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=701_709_712
http://www.armslist.com/
http://www.emf-company.com/
https://www.midwayusa.com/black-powder-handguns/br?cid=23204
http://www.oldsouthfirearms.com/
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/
http://www.regtqm.com/Articles.asp?ID=239
https://www.jedediah-starr.com/index2.htm
https://www.buffaloarms.com/
Last but not least:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?forums/buy-sell-and-trade-black-powder-firearms-and-acc.71/
My sincerest apologies if I missed anyone!
 
Thanks Ephraim for the handy list! I'm going to surf through the links to see what's out there. Being a newbie, I'm unable to post in The High Road classifieds, otherwise I would. But one thing is for sure, I like these forums and plan on sticking around.
 
Simak said:
Midland Man - the problem with Cabelas is I seldom see Ubertis, which is what I want.
Click to expand...
ahh okay I didn't realize well forgive me well I think cimmaron firearms sorry about spelling but I think they have ubertis I heard they have some issues with the arbors on the colt clones but not sure about that!
 
Ephraim Kibbey said:
Places to buy BP revolvers:
http://www.gunauction.com/
http://www.gunsinternational.com/
https://www.gunsamerica.com/
http://www.simpsonltd.com/index.php?cPath=156_183&sort=2a&page=1
http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/browse/black-powder-revolvers/_/N-1115136/Ns-CATEGORY_SEQ_567338580
http://www.riverofguns.com/
http://possibleshop.com/pistol-uberti.html
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.php?cPath=701_709_712
http://www.armslist.com/
http://www.emf-company.com/
https://www.midwayusa.com/black-powder-handguns/br?cid=23204
http://www.oldsouthfirearms.com/
http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/
http://www.regtqm.com/Articles.asp?ID=239
https://www.jedediah-starr.com/index2.htm
https://www.buffaloarms.com/
Last but not least:
https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?forums/buy-sell-and-trade-black-powder-firearms-and-acc.71/
My sincerest apologies if I missed anyone!
Click to expand...
thanks for posting these sites I been asking for this info in the past but not much was ever posted! :)
 
midland man said:
ahh okay I didn't realize well forgive me well I think cimmaron firearms sorry about spelling but I think they have ubertis I heard they have some issues with the arbors on the colt clones but not sure about that!
Click to expand...

Yes I don't know about the newer production but all of the Ubertis I've owned did have arbor length problems. Not a huge issue to fix though. The Piettas arbors are almost always right. They almost always need some work to make them the way they should be. The advantage of Cimarron is they sell models that are historically accurate and have the markings on their guns done more tastefull instead of all the gawdy markings you see on ones from other distributors like cabelas
 
One thing I've notice about the gun auctions, is a lot of sellers don't accept standard forms of payment like credit cards and expect you to jump through hoops for a used gun. Then there is the factor you don't even know what you're getting. So, it's probably better to purchase from a regular sports outlet.
 
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