So I want a reproduction of a blackpowder single-action...

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Dr. Peter Venkman

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Are there any makers that anyone can recommend? Uberti seems nice but I am trying to look at all of the available options. Even the local gun shop has one (1861 Navy), but the guy said he made it himself from a parts kit!
 
Uberti, Pietta and Euroarms (all Italian) make good quality replica cap and ball revolvers. Colt made excellent versions several years ago, many of which are still available on the collectors market. USFA makes superb but expensive modern replicas of the Single Action Army.
 
If it is a first gun I would go as inexpensive as possible within reason. If it is your first you may come to find out you do not like cap and ball revolvers. Now I am a doubting this will happen but I suppose there are some out there immune to the addiction of sparks and smoke.

Cabelas is as reasonable an option as any for getting in to this.

here are a couple I would recommend first.

1851 Navy in .44 cal. .44 is a bastard caliber but very common. $139
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0006186

Here is another version of an 1851. See the thread titled Griswold and Gunnison
It is $139 also.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0015516

Here is an 1851, steel fram in .36 cal. Historically correct $189
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0006189

And the other I would throw out there is the 1958 Remington. This is a steel frame in .44 cal. $199
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=pod&id=0006189

Any of these would be an awesome way to get into the cap and ball thing.
They are all made by Pietta Bros. in Italy.

Of course you best move was coming to this subforum. I recognize your screen name. But one word to the wise, there are liars, scoundrels and thieves around here. But they are the best guys I have ever known on an internet forum. trust their words to the very end.

I am sure others will chime in with better purchasing advice than mine.

Watch it, you will get ate up by this stuff.
 
Im283 is right about getting one of the cheaper reproductions to start off with. True, you might not greet each new day working on, reading about, or reading stories about BP. But, more likely, you’ll want to go with the cheaper revolver, so that you’ll have more money left over for another revolver, accessories and oh, yeah, ammo stuff and cleaning supplies.

Can only speak for the Remingtons, myself. Have a target and a standard; both in steel (personal preference). ‘Course, your arm of choice will be up to you. There’s more’n a few of them to choose from, and you won’t have any trouble finding someone, around here, to help with any of them.

Enjoy too much!
 
I would recommend staying away from brass framed revolvers - especially the Colt design with no topstrap.

When I was a kid, I stretched the frame on one when I cranked down on some loads that didn't go in easily, and I understand that I am in good company.

Last night, I saw a guy on the internet that indicated that he had a spare parts business by cannibalizing stretched brass framed Colt reproductions.

By the way, the thing that stretched was the threads on the inside of the receiver (just below the hammer) that the cylinder bolt goes through. Those threads take all the strain & force when you're cranking down on that loading fulcrum lever. The end result (on mine) was that the cylinder slopped forward so much that the advancing arm wouldn't engage the notches in the back of the cylinder.

You could also get a cylinder loading stand, but that will set you back another $20.00 to $55.00.

Also, if you decided that you didn't like it it may be much easier to sell a used steel framed revolver than a brass frame (for the above reasons).

Good luck. They're a hoot. Prepare to have black greasy hands.
 
I would recommend a good Remington replica with target sights and a steel frame. Why? Target sights make for a more accurate shooting experience. If you purchase a Colt replica, then its sights will not be as good. I speak from experience here. If you shoot an inaccurate revolver, then you may become discouraged with the black powder experience. That is the reason for my recommendation.

Let me also say that a good single-shot BP pistol such as a Kahnke or Buckhunter is also accurate. True, the are not repos of 19th century handguns, but their accuracy will beat the Colts. Consider this food for thought. I just want you to have an accurate handgun. Good luck.


Timthinker
 
Doc, Evil One is right. Jump on it! Some of the guys on this forum have taken advantage of the sale and I haven't heard anyone gripe about their guns yet.
You won't find it on Cabela's site. And you won't find it in their big 2008 catalog. It is on page 461 of their Spring catalog. The stock# is: CJ-21-0082 regularly $199.99 on sale for $169.99. Sale expires 3/3/2008 Telephone # 800-237-4444. It's an excellent deal and with the Euro/Dollar thing going on it probably won't be repeated. Go get em Doc and join the Sulphur Club.
 
I enjoy .36 Colts (less powder and lead) but I'm pretty much limited to punching paper at the range thanks to Canadian gun laws. They are very accurate and flat shooting.
 
You have a lot of good advice here. Only thing i would differ with is not going with a brass framed revolver. Brass framed revolvers work just as well as others. It is just recomended that you do not load them as strong as a steel framed revolver. I do most of mine with grains of 15-25. Works and shoots just fine. At least the paper does not know any difference. It is best to start on a low priced one. That way you can see if you really want to get into BP shooting. Same time if you dont like bp shooting. WELLL THEN im sure that you can find some takers on your purchases right here
 
I like to shoot my BP revolvers at the load that they seem to have been
designed for in the Difference of Opinion of 1861, ie. about 30 grains.
I like the Colt replicas for "pointability", but think that the Remmie with it's top strap is probably the stronger weapon.

My 2 Uberti Colt "1860 Army" are steel framed. My only comment on the steel vs brass frame is that people I respect consider steel a far better buy for slightly more money. I have never owned a brass framed BP revolver, but I have seen a couple that can only be described as junk -loose cylinder pins and flattened recoil rings.
 
If you are partial to the Colt design you can get a 1851 Colt Navy .44 cal
if you dont care than its not authentic steel frame for $165 From the Possible shop. Great gun I have one and I recommend this gun ti everybody. Great deal great gun.
 
Pietta has improved dramatically over the years, while Uberti faltered slightly.

Several months ago I returned an Uberti Remington 1858 back to Dixie because the action was ridiculously tight. I use them for martial arts/combat shooting as well as target shooting, so I need to have a much better action.

So anyway, I returned the Uberti and put in an order for a pair of Pietta 1858s in .44 caliber. When I got them, I couldn't have been more satisfied. Everything is PERFECT. Shoots good, looks good, and handles good.

Euroarms makes a very good replica of the Rogers And Spencer, and so far I have heard nothing but good reviews from Euroarms owners. Even though Uberi is kind of faltering, I still believe their Colt's are excellent. Since they are officially endorsed by Colt to make their blackpowder arms. Or maybe the Remmie I got from Uberti is a lemon.

But still, I would recommend Pietta. I have several weapons from them, including the 1858's, and they all are top of the line quality. I couldn't have asked for more.
 
The Remington from Cabela's is a great gun, but before you start to break it down get a good set of screw driver made to fit narrow slotted screw heads.
 
Sundance44s – Thanks for the article. Decided to tuck this one away, after getting to the flintlock shooter's priming flask bit. Know my day’s coming. Don’t know when, or where; only know that there'll be much laughter involved. My own, included. :eek:
 
Thanks for the responses guys. Don't worry, I don't have a problem with getting my hands dirty.

It looks like I've got a decision to make by the third.:evil:
 
Sounds like you have decided on the '58 Remington from Cabelas. I love my '58, though I did not get it there. Cabelas is great to deal with and they get into my pocket probably more than their fair share.

The other good one is the Navy BBG recommended from possible shop. That is a real good deal on a steel '51 Navy.

Looks like you go a lot of solid advice here, aside from the brass bashers ;)
I still say brass is fine. My old one is not shot out and the metal internals are what gave out, not the frame. But thanks to Macmac I can take it out and shoot it this afternoon!
 
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