Which Cap & Ball revolver is better

[oldfogey4ever]

Only have a '58 Remmy (haven't fired a blackpowder opentop, have fired Peacemakers and [because the Peacemaker grip was derived from 1851 & 1860 Colts,] probably say Colts have better grip)- though prefer Remmy to opentop because of the strength and accuracy inheirant in Remmy design (noticed Colt copied it for 1873). Big plusses anfd minuses both ways though (Colt's can shoot longer with less care than Remmy's, but Remmy's far more easier to load [can carry replacement cylinders, big consideration today but apparently not one back in the day] and can shoot heavier loads without worry of permanent damage to gun [pulling arbor]).

 

[45 Dragoon]

Indian Outlaw, the full frame won out because of manufacturing. It's easier to screw a barrel in a frame than make a barrel assy.

Oldfoggy,
Why do you say Remington's are stronger? Because everyone else says it? (Not picking on you)
The Remie is very narrow at the rammer and is no way stronger (tensile or section) than the arbor. Btw, the Remie is the only gun I've ever bent while loading!!! (I admit it was brass but I don't think you'll bend a brass open top by loading !!)

Haven't seen a "pulled" arbor yet. Seen a few that were loose. Easy fix but more than likely wouldn't have happened if they had been set up like the original Colts. That's the problem with being the first successful anything, you've given everyone else the "thing" to improve on. The Remington is a great design, but it wasn't the first.

I've only had two bp revolvers that shot "one hole groups". Both were '60 Army Colt style (Piettas). I think the accuracy thing is more sights than design. The Remie has a much better sight set up than the Colts style.

I might remind you that I use a Remi with a 45C six shot conv. cylinder as a sometimes carry so I'm not being one-sided, just trying to be truthful.

Jmo.

Mike
www.goonsgunworks.com

 

[Malamute]

though prefer Remmy to opentop because of the strength and accuracy inheirant in Remmy design (noticed Colt copied it for 1873).

Actually, Colt didnt neccessarily copy the Remington, they had some models with top straps. The Root revolver was made in 1855, so perhaps Remington copied Colt?

It does make sense that the solid frame is simpler to manufacture.