New Pistol On The Way

[tpelle]

I currently have two percussion revolvers, an old Pietta 1860 Army (probably 30 years old), and a Pietta Remington New Model Army. The Remington seems like a great pistol, but I just can't get used to the grip shape. I really like the feel and balance of the 1860, but my old one has some issues - cylinder arbor is too short, mainly.

I had been thinking about a .31 caliber Remington pocket pistol, but they're a little pricey. And I just really like the 1860 Army!

So today I gave in. Cabelas has the 1860 Army on sale for $199.99, so I sprung for one! I also bought a repro brass Colt powder flask to go with it - my old one is one of those cylindrical ones, and I prefer the look of the ones with the flags and drum embossed on it.

I will be really interested to see if the arbor fit is better on the new pistol. From what I've read, Pietta is getting this right on their new revolvers. We'll see.

I may fool around with "adjusting" the arbor length on my old 1860 - right now I have a shim Locktited in to the bottom of the arbor bore in the barrel. I think I'll dig out the shims, and chuck the frame into my drill press and drill and tap the end of the arbor for a set screw.

I already have a civil war "Union" style rig for the 1860, including a cartridge box, etc., so I should be set!

 

[junkman_01]

I recently acquired an 1860 Sheriff from Cabelas and the arbor length was right on, the wedge is a nice thumb push and the timing is great. Yeah, I am satisfied, and I think you will be too. Congratulations.

 

[Prairie Dawg]

Piettas are the best they've ever been.
--Dawg

 

[BHP FAN]

Dawg's right. Pietta carries an undeserved reputation as the less well made replica, When in reality the QC has been steadily improving under Alessandro Pietta's watch, until finally they rival Uberti's in all but price.