New Rogers and Spencer kit

[TheRodDoc]

From looking at the picture of the crack and frame finish I would say that they are made from Ductile cast iron or nodular cast iron. Not cast steel. Casting steel is expensive. I would bet most of the replicas are made from ductile cast iron.
If brass is strong enough then Ductile cast iron would much stronger then that. Ductile cast can be as strong as a lot of steels. Also malleable.

Cast iron has improved strength to weight ratio over steel.
Better surface definition and finish.

Also I wonder if it was even investment cast for if it was investment cast the finish should be much smoother then it is on this frame in your pictures. shouldn't even need any finish work.
Or at least could be. Finish could be shiny smooth with that process.

 

[BlackNet]

Ok, Big brown truck pulled up today. Left this big box on the porch then left. Here is the loot.

and the problem area on the other unit.

Now before anyone slams me for replacing the kit version I had with a finished version I wanted to see a few things and compare loads of areas. First to have a good working finished copy from a kit you must start with good quality materials. I have no problems with kits nor with working them but I do have major issues with any sub standard materials used. So a finished version should show off the quality and lead by example. If the finished product is crap there is no way in hell the kit version will be any better.

First thing I noted is the area where the handle meets the metal it's is the hardest area to fit. The problem area does not seem to be present either. The other area I noted is the rear of the trigger guard and how it was shaved down. It is not cleaned up as much as I had it in the kit but it does pass.

 

[arcticap]

It looks very, very good and it's not like any other companies are making affordable copies (well there's always Pedersoli & Feinwerkebau ).
Since it has the London Gray finish I guess that means that you won't be altering the exterior metal at all.
Good luck with it & enjoy that shooter!

 

[BlackNet]

Well as they say no story is complete with out a range report! So here goes.

We had a club meet today and I took my r&s to see how she handles. Several people have commented many times over the release screw in the cylinder pin, also the 'V' shaped groove in the frame (where the crack was in the other one) Well it's way easier to show than to tell but rest assured they are now fans of the R&S revolver.

The 'V' cutout is a bullet stop which allows you to load it with out removing the cylinder, we did load it this way several times to see how bad or good it was. I have to say once you are lined up properly it was nothing to it and it seats easily. The biggest problem I did see was the release tabs on the end could be sharp on the hands if in the wrong position.

The shape of the frame by the hammer is a big U shape, you can clearly see the parts inside the frame which is super super good when it comes time to clean, this is way easier to clean than the 1860 is. The nipple area is open and the spent caps falls off easily and due to it being so wide does not clog up. This also makes capping it way easier.

Accuracy! This baby is super accurate. I had holes being punched on paper that were overlapping, as did other people who fired it.

Overall I have to say it is a phenomenal winner and I am greatly impressed. The only drawback is the problem I had with the kit version and I wish that it was done in pure stainless and not plated.

 

[messerist]

Absolutely first class! I want one! Thanks for sharing your experience with the R&S.

 

[BHP FAN]

I am now,officially,jealous.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Nice!!!!

 

[faustopph]

What load did you use?What is the maximum that will fit in the chambers?Details,Details.
What distance?
Did I say I want one too? That is a sweet revolver.Would look good along with my Armi San Paolo 1858 .44

 

[BlackNet]

Today we used 15g of pyrodex and a .454 ball on a wood wad. Max for the cylinder? Well I am not 100% certain but I do know the chamber depth is 1.28" and I did have plenty of space to add more but not sure why you would want to.

 

[mykeal]

Excellent thread. The R&S is indeed a superb revolver. I own two and am very pleased with them; they are probably the best bp guns after my Rugers that I own.

By the way I'd also like to compliment you on your photography. You do an excellent job controlling the lighting.