Small smoke box

[WestKentucky]

I'm looking for info on what to get as a first cap and ball gun. I have had a few colt clones but always in trade and never fired one. They all felt wierd in the hand, plus I couldn't get past the open top. I am more of a Remington type guy, but anything with a topstrap will work. I'm even interested in the little naa 22cb guns. I just don't know anything about muzzleloading handguns and need advice. I'm also not opposed to a single shot flint or percussion cap lock gun. Being it will strictly be a novelty I want something affordable, and relatively small like a pocket remmy or similar, but know better than to pass up an old army. Makes, models, prices, etc would be nice to help push me the right way.

I do have experience with caplock and flintlock rifles. I deer hunt with a 45 hawken clone made by TC. I have a small pile of .44 roundball as well so a small 44 would be nice but I'm thinking probably smaller caliber. Just a range toy so nothing crazy in the works.

 

[rodwha]

I'd say a .36 cal pistol may be better. The small pocket pistols may not be quite as satisfying, and not exactly because they are less powerful, but have the shorter sight radius. You could get a .36 cal Remington or Spiller & Burr ($263 at Dixie).

I think the revolvers may be more fun than the muzzleloader for range shooting.

Dixie Gun Works seems to have nice prices.

 

[rodwha]

Oh, and I hear the Colt '51 Navy is the ideal Colt as it just fits and points well. Ever have one of those come your way?

Cabellas also has nice prices and sales from time to time. I got my .44 cal Remington for $200 and $5 shipping.

 

[Patocazador]

Since you don't want an open top (Colt clone), the only real option is a Remington clone. Cabela's has them listed all the time. Unlike their open tops I don't ever remember a Remington type being on sale there.

 

[hartcreek]

What is wrong with open tops? It worked for Pattersons and Walkers and has worked fine ever since?

 

[WestKentucky]

Paranoia is what's wrong. In my brain I know the open tops work fine, but since I'm used to modern wheel guns with a topstrap I can't get my gut past the fact that it's different, and weaker. I don't want the thing to blow up in my face obviously so in my gut it makes more sense to get something resembling what I am used to which is more in line with modern design.

 

[rodwha]

You'd be fine with a Colt, but if you prefer a top strap it leaves you with the Remington Pocket or NMA/NMN (.44/.36 cal), or the Spiller & Burr. Or a muzzleloader, but I'd think a revolver would be a little more fun.

Of those I'd still suggest a .36 cal (Spiller & Burr or Remington NMN) as it's a little more gun, but doesn't use up as much lead/powder as a .44 cal. But I like a .44 cal and the thunder it creates...

 

[Armored farmer]

For your first I wd suggest either a '51 colt or '58 Remington from cabelas. I would have you choose the longer barrel version as they load and shoot easier.
You're either gonna love 'em or hate'em. If you have time, and like to fiddle and clean and load and fuss....You're gonna love 'em

It sounds like you're leaning towards the '58NMA. It is my favorite too, but it has its own issues. It seems that the Remington cylinder will foul up quicker than the Colt clones.

My $.02, Get a .44.