loading cradle for cap and ball revolvers

[O.S.O.K.]

I just finished making a loading stand for my cap and ball's:

Loading without something like this is quite slow. I was going to purchase one but they looked so simple in design that I decided to give it a crack myself. Used scap materials to fabricate - including the leather which is from an old belt

Works on the dragoon (shown) as well as my 1860's and I think many other models as well.

Pretty easy to make - just used a scroll saw to cut the harness, a dremel to shape the part that fits the 1/2 cocked hammer and secured it to the base with wood glue and screws. The leather is secured to the yoke with contact adhesive.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

I think your design needs some field testing. I'm pretty busy, but if you send it to me, I'll see what I can do for you.

Looks good, I need to build one myself.

 

[Tight_Wad]

Nicely done, obviously a labour of love. Just one suggestion - had you considered adding beading to give a slight raised edge around the sides? That way, if you drop a ball it won't roll off and end up on the floor. You could even leave a few balls on the base for ease of loading.

I tried a loading stand once but tired of it and went back to using my hands. One thing the stand does have in its favour is keeping the muzzle pointing skyward when the gun's sat idle on the bench - a good safety consideration.

Tight Wad

 

[Plink]

Great job on the loading cradle! Looks like it fits the gun perfectly. I like Tight Wad's idea about the beading. I wish I had thought of that when I made mine.

 

[O.S.O.K.]

improvements

Thanks! Yeah, I had thought of adding some divots for the balls to rest in - but the beading is a good idea too. Might have to do that

 

[DrLaw]

Take a Dremel Moto Tool and add some depressions on either side of the gun. Then a little sanding and refinishing and viola'.

Otherwise, that looks pretty neat.

The Doc is out and wondering where some spare wood is now.

 

[Threeband]

I made one years ago out of scrap 1x4, MUCH cruder than yours. I used a brass hinge so it folds to go in my range bag. Also I chiseled out a notch for the butt to rest in. I think I pretty much copied it from the picture in the Dixie catalogue.

It is really a great thing, totally hands free.