Questions about revolver!

[tinroad37e]

First, what is the correct percussion cap size to use on these revolvers? I bought some size 11's Remington caps and they seemed kinda loose on my 1860 and 1858. I may get some 10's and try them. How common are chain fires from the cap end of the cylinder from loose caps?

Second, my Traditions Pietta 1860 is already getting the cylinder marks after 12 firings. Is this normal? They don't go all the way around. Just on the leading edge of the small indentions on the cylinder. If I'm not mistaken, these are called the bolt stop.

I'm tired of shooting my Glocks and giving the cap and ball revolvers a try. I have a Cimarron 1858 on the way from Texas Jacks. I've been told they are about the best importer, but I was highly impressed with the quality of the Traditions Piettas.

 

[pohill]

caps

From an old Colt Industries pamphlet:
"Percussion caps are now made in sizes from nine to thirteen. Ten and eleven are the best numbers for the small and medium-sized arms, and twelve for the larger sizes, although, as different-sized nipples are sometimes met in specimens of the same model, no hard and fast rule can be given. It is better to have caps slightly too large than too small, as large caps can be pinched together at the bottom enough so they will stay on the nipples, but small ones must be driven down on the nipple by the blow of the hammer, and this process frequently cushions the blow to the extent of producing a misfire."

 

[Tommygunn]

...my Traditions Pietta 1860 is already getting the cylinder marks after 12 firings. Is this normal? They don't go all the way around. Just on the leading edge of the small indentions on the cylinder. If I'm not mistaken, these are called the bolt stop.

These are called "anticipation notches." I have a pretty fair collection of BP revolvers. It's not uncommon for the bolt to score them, unfortunatly. Sometimes the bolt is cut slightly too short and it doesn't quite align with the anticipation notch, and the timing is a bit off.
It doesn't, in itself, mean the revolver is bad ... but it does get it looking used. I don't know what to do about it -- it's six of one, half dozen of another whether you get a revolver that does it.
I guess you could say it adds "character."

 

[Smokin_Gun]

Cylinder line/mark

Back off the bolt spring screw so as the bolt doesn't drag on the cylinder but still locks up. Usually about an 1/8 -1/16 of a turn loose.
That's the first thing I do when I get a new Rev...stops the line on the cylinder and saves the notches especially on an 1860 variety.

 

[sundance44s]

Sundance44s

Yep they must tighten the bolt trigger spring screw at the factory with air tools ...i`ve had a hard time breaking them loose ...i always loosen the ones on new guns just snug then a 1/8 turn .

 

[Cincinnati Slim]

Caps and sizes

Howdy There,

Got a Pietta 1860 myself. Like it just fine. Get yourself some TRM or Treso replacement nipples. Much harder and more consistent than the factory jobs.
The Tresos like #10 caps, Thunder Ridge Muzzleloading cones fit Remington #11 caps perfectly. I got a stainless cylinder for the Pietta "US Marshall" from Cabela's. Pietta's 1860 and Navy models use the same cylinder and a lot of other parts in common. The stainless cylinder is easier to keep clean and don't show bolt drag marks !

Keep yer pretty engraved blue cylinder for show/spare.

Cabela's also have a Pietta spare parts kit for about $ 35.00.
Look at their "Navy" models and it'll show up as an accessory. Fits their 1860 model fine and has all the parts you'll ever need (springs, hammer, bolt, hand, trigger etc.) to keep your 1860 shootin'!

These things are a BUNCH more fun than modern guns. You'll be wantin' another before long, trust me !

Happy Trails

Cincinnati Slim

 

[pohill]

warranty

Keep in mind that these revolvers are usually warranteed for a year. I've gotten replacement parts from Traditions (Pietta) and Taylors (Uberti) for nothing. Both are good people to deal with if you have any gun issues.

 

[tinroad37e]

Thanks for the info. I'll try to loosen the bolt spring screw. The pistol functions perfectly. I only paid about $180 for the pistol. Even cartridge revolvers get drag marks.

 

[mec]

All of the manufacturers now recommend number eleven caps and this is fine with CCI caps. Their number 11 is about the same size as a Remington number ten. With Remingtons and rws, number tens fit everything I have better than elevens.

Chain fires are not very common with most revolvers.
the drag line probably does come from the bolt dropping early. I don't have much experience with replacing parts in pietta revolvers but find that the spare parts you get from Taylor, Cimarron or VTI are oversized. You can get them to drop the bolt in the cylinder notch lead by carefully shortening the leg of the bolt that rides on the hammer cam. By the time this leg is just the right length to let thehammer engage the full cock notch with the cylinder in the revolver, the bolt drops right into the cylinder notch leads. My uberti's are not ringed.

 

[tinroad37e]

1847 WALKER

I held a Uberti Walker recently and it makes the 1860 feel like a bb gun. They are not too much fun to shoot, but man I feel like I have to have one. I thought about a dragoon, but damnit, it's not a Walker. I ordered a 1858 from Cabelas and when it arrived I was highly dissappointed. It didn't have the love and care shown to it my other Pietta and Ubertis have. Must have been made on Friday. I don't necessarily believe there is much of a difference anymore between a Pietta and Uberti. I have seen good and bad of both. My Traditions imported Pietta is awesome, the the Cabelas Pietta wasn't as nice. Does Cabelas import these Piettas themselves? I got my Traditions Pietta from Bass Pro.