where can i buy a cheap black powder revolver?

[J.T. Gerrity]

The first Colt-pattern guns were produced over 170 years ago... I think the design has proven itself to be quite viable and very safe . The brass framed guns do stretch out after many years of use and hundreds of rounds have gone thru them; it just means that you have to press the wedge in a little further. I've had mine for some twelve years; another writer mentioned he had his for fourteen years, and I'm sure there are others in this forum who have had their brass-framed gus as long or longer. I say don't knock it if you haven't tried it!

 

[jlundy46]

Pohill,
Thanks, I assume that a shooter will require regular maintenance if it is to last a long time. I have a Colt 1860 Army Officer's model that I don't plan to shoot, hence the Uberti. I see where you can get premade pellets now for
.44 caliber so you don't have to use powder. Anyone used them?

John

 

[Captain U-96]

I appreciate everyone's comments, and I have been doing some thinking on what's been said. So, in a way I guess you fellows have talked me into trying a Brass Framed revolver out. I've already been looking at some and have decided to go with the Pieta manufactured when I do get one.

Can someone explain why everyplace you go that sells conversions states Not To Be Used On Brass Framed Guns? Thanks

 

[dwave]

Brass is not as strong as steel. The ammo for the conversions might be a bit stout for a brass framed gun. If you buy a brass gun you need to lower the loads. I suggest that you just spend a few bucks extra and get a steel frame. Brass still works, but use light loads.

 

[BigBlock]

What I don't understand is why the heck are the brass guns cheaper? Isn't brass alot more expensive than steel?!

Other than a decoration I see no reason to buy one anyway...you're only saving twenty bucks. That's two boxes of balls.

 

[Captain U-96]

I thought Brass was easier to machine than steel since it is a softer metal. I can't figure why the price difference either. As popular as they are you'd think they'd cost as much or more!

 

[pohill]

I have a reverent respect for BP, and have seen others try it and balk, and never shoot BP again. I hate to see that.

No, that's a good thing, especially when we get good deals on hardly-used revolvers.

Two things come to mind when talking about brass framed BP revolvers:
Wayne (Rifle) has posted a way to beef up the recoil shield of a brass framer, and...
get more than one revolver of any material and shoot them in a revolving batting line-up so no one revolver gets overused.

 

[Captain U-96]

I can live with that idea! One for every day of the week, and two for Saturday!

 

[pohill]

I realized the other day that maybe I don't need any more BP revolvers when I started dragging them out to show a friend and actually missed one...
Luckily I remembered it before he left...can you see me running down the street, in MA, waving a Paterson and yelling, "Wait! You didn't see this one!"

 

[Ray P]

I have seen a brass-framed .44 colt that was badly deformed behind the cylinder "star" from many heavy loads. I could see the negative of the cylinder end bashed into the brass.

This was a while ago, but IIRC; the Senior Chief that owned it was trying to see if the base machine shop could fix his problem revolver

 

[pohill]

I have seen a brass-framed .44 colt that was badly deformed behind the cylinder "star" from many heavy loads. I could see the negative of the cylinder end bashed into the brass.

That's where Wayne (Rifle) beefs up the gun.

Do you buy your BP "stuff" in Kittery?

 

[Wwalstrom]

Brass easier to machine than steel

Yes, it is, and it's also easier to CAST than steel! Frames, trigger guards, and backstraps usually start out as a cast part, which cuts down on machining time. A steel part with take longer to complete the final machining and finishing, than the equivalent brass part.

 

[mykeal]

Brass frames cheaper than steel...

Perhaps it has to do with supply and demand. Prices of most things are determined by what people will pay combined with competition pressure. Brass frames are not as popular due to the lighter loads "stigma" - people just generally (that means not everyone, but most people) want to be able to load and shoot the max possible.

Personally, I'd never pay as much for a brass frame as a steel frame, as I don't think I'd get as much use out of it.

Anyway, that's my opinion.

 

[Ray P]

Do you buy your BP "stuff" in Kittery?

Yes! Been shopping there off & on since '75. Most recently, I have a SS Remington 1858 & a Lyman(!) Enfield Musketoon from them.

Just bought the revolver pellets; and they work great!