Pietta 1851/1860 Sheriff 44 Questions

[Zulch]

Hi all, Thought I would ask for some opinions. Do you think that changing an 1851 Pietta Sheriff model to an 1860 Pietta Sheriff is an okay thing to do? I've thought about doing that, when and if the necessary parts become available? I may be waiting a long time but that's okay. I have weighed the thoughts of just outright buying an 1860 44 cal since the price really isn't that much more to do just that. I do however like the shorter barrel on the Pietta Sheriff models. I also realize that this is a "fantasy" revolver. I've spoken with a nice person at VTI and they told me the barrel and loading lever assembly would be on back order if I decided to go that route. I've noticed that a lot of folks out there have made some of their own creations with various parts with some great success. I may not be thinking of everything as I should. Has anyone out there ever done this before? I would appreciate any feedback. I have thick skin, so fire away. Thank you,
Tim

 

[rodwha]

Sure it is, and there are examples of modified percussion revolvers so you’re just skipping the gunsmith if process. I’m not one to care too much about what others would think about it unless I were trying to be more specific (time period maybe or a copy of a specific example).

 

[Zulch]

rodwha, Thank you for your response and interest.
Question. Do the long barrels give you more velocity? I'm rather new to all of this. I really like the short barrel on this revolver as it is. It's not quite as cumbersome?? as a long barreled revolver. I do have a few long barreled colts. I do like them but just thinking of a different option in having a revolver with a shorter barrel.

 

[Eyrie G. Dogg]

Hi Mr. Z --

Buy a 5.5" since you want one. That way you'll have two guns on the deal, instead of just one, for only a little more coin.

Yes, a longer bore 8" produces more energy than a 5.5", significantly more.

With a 30 grain charge and a .454 you can expect about 40 ft/lbs more jam with the longer barrel.

Those shorty 1860's look great and handle really well. It's no mystery as to why you would like one.

The best play economically would be to leave that Navy as is and get you a nice new Sheriff's mod. That way you'll have them both.

Best wishes and good luck.

 

[Zulch]

Hi Mr. Z --

Buy a 5.5" since you want one. That way you'll have two guns on the deal, instead of just one, for only a little more coin.

Yes, a longer bore 8" produces more energy than a 5.5", significantly more.

With a 30 grain charge and a .454 you can expect about 40 ft/lbs more jam with the longer barrel.

Those shorty 1860's look great and handle really well. It's no mystery as to why you would like one.

The best play economically would be to leave that Navy as is and get you a nice new Sheriff's mod. That way you'll have them both.

Best wishes and good luck.

Thank you so much for your input. I am in no hurry. I tend to lean your way though. I like the longer barrel too. So I've been around long enough to not be too impulsive. I like the octagon barrel as well as the rounded. If I wait long enough I'm sure I'll make a good decision. Weigh all the pros and cons so to speak. Very nice of you to post. Thank you, Tim

 

[Zulch]

I have a lot to think about bottome line.

 

[Bibbyman]

I bought a 51 Navy Dixie Yank and happened to have a long barrel I could fit and try. I ran both length barrel shots through a chronograph. The velocity difference is substantial.

 

[drobs]

Back when Cabellas wasn't owned by Bass Pro and frequently had sales. I bought a fantasy 44 Pietta 1851 Navy with short Sheriffs barrel and brass frame for $150.

The barrel swaps perfectly on to my Pietta 1860 Army 44 revolvers. Ebay frequently has / had barrels and other parts.

 

[Zulch]

Back when Cabellas wasn't owned by Bass Pro and frequently had sales. I bought a fantasy 44 Pietta 1851 Navy with short Sheriffs barrel and brass frame for $150.

The barrel swaps perfectly on to my Pietta 1860 Army 44 revolvers. Ebay frequently has / had barrels and other parts.

drobs,
Thank you for the input and suggestion of eBay. I have poked around there of late but nothing currently out there. I may just suck it up and buy an 1860 as I do love that revolver. We will see. Tim

 

[Zulch]

I bought a 51 Navy Dixie Yank and happened to have a long barrel I could fit and try. I ran both length barrel shots through a chronograph. The velocity difference is substantial.

Bibbyman,
Hi. Thank you for that video. I can see what you mean regarding velocity lost. Very nice video by the way. Thanks

 

[Zulch]

Okay. So I finally got the 1860 barrel and loading lever from Taylor’s. Turns out the revolver was actually originally an 1860. The 1851 sheriff replaced the 1860 barrel and loading lever. The person I bought it from gave me the history on the revolver. Here’s a before and after.

 

[hawg]

You did a good thing Zulch. You took a historically inaccurate gun and made a historically accurate one out of it. I'm sure it will be a great shooter as well as better looking.

 

[Eyrie G. Dogg]

Agreed. You took that in the right direction. Looks real nice and you still have the faux Navy shorty barrel to use for the occasional fun yard and garden chores. A 2fer. Well done.

 

[Zulch]

You did a good thing Zulch. You took a historically inaccurate gun and made a historically accurate one out of it. I'm sure it will be a great shooter as well as better looking.

Hawg, thank ya kindly sir

 

[Zulch]

QUOTE="Eyrie G. Dogg, post: 12128278, member: 249823"]Agreed. You took that in the right direction. Looks real nice and you still have the faux Navy shorty barrel to use for the occasional fun yard and garden chores. A 2fer. Well done.[/QUOTE]
Eyrie G. Dogg . Thank you. Yep, 2 fer 1. This is my first 1860 and I must say I am real pleased with it !! Thanks again. Tim

 

[Captain*kirk]

I'd call it a keeper.

 

[Zulch]

I'd call it a keeper.

Thank you Cap. I am very happy with the outcome. Can’t wait to send some lead down range!