Been looking at bp revolvers for years. Can you recommend the ones are less likely to jam or misfire? I like to tinker on guns but some guns
can't be improved. Trying not to make a bad choice. thanks Hank (bullskater)
It depends upon your preference of caliber and handgun size, and I am only addressing Colt replicas here.
If you have small hands, you may prefer any of the various 1848/1849 Pocket .31 caliber revolvers. Armi San Marco made many during their tenure. Uberti is now the only current manufacturer,
If you have medium hands (I do, but with long fingers), I like any of the Navy sized revolvers in .36 caliber. I am not fond of any Navies in .44 as they are not historically correct.
Insofar as .44 caliber revolvers, they run the gamut from the Walker (4 lbs. 9 oz.) to the Dragoons (4 lbs. 2 oz.) to the 1860 Army (2 lbs. 8 oz.) The Walker and Dragoon revolvers are a chunk to carry around, but do make a huge satisfying BOOM when fired. The 1860 Army is much more manageable and has a 1/4" longer grip than the Navy revolver.
IMO, if you are looking to fire maximum loads, stay clear of any brass framed guns as brass is soft and will imprint the rear cylinder ratchet upon the recoil shield, producing severe cylinder endplay which is never good. Stick with the steel framed guns.
Any of us could go on and on, but I don't think you will settle upon a definitive answer until you do a bit of research and/or trial and error.
And then there are the Remingtons, and other repro revolvers no longer produced like the Rogers & Spencer, the Whitney, Spiller & Burr, et al.
Have fun! it will become more of an addiction as you gain more knowledge. Most of us here and on other forums have that addiction, and there is no cure.
Regards,
Jim
