Newbee to C&B revolver with some questions.

[JBMauser]

I bought a cheap Cabellas Pietta, 1851 Navy and this is my first C&B revolver.  Instructions are spartan to nill.  exploded parts view is the best info.  Some important questions,  #1 cap size 10 or 11?  #2 the screw over the wedge is a stop correct?  as the wedge wears the screw is turned in? #3 what are the small pins between nipples for, the hammer has a cutout to accomadate them but the timming of the piece precludes the hammer comming down on or over a pin> ??This gun will be fired with 5 rounds as the second gun in cowboy action shooting.  I need those caps to stay in place with rapid cycle.  my thinking is to tilt the pistol to the right (2 o:clock) as I pull back the hammer to allow any caps that need to fall free to tumble away from the action.  comments?  thanks in advance.  JB

[Cactus Cris]

OK-- Will try to answer as best I can.
#1-- you will have to try each size cap to see which will work best.  Best solution is to get a set of nipps from Thunder Ridge- Treso brand.  Then #11 will work.
#2- the screw is there to keep the wedge from falling out when you are taking the barrel off.  Wedge won't "wear" & the screw is either in tight or it is loose.
#3- the pins are there to set the hammer on originally if ya loads 6 chambers.  Pull hammer back & stop b4 it gets to 1/2 cock, turn cylinder till the pin lines up with hammer, let hammer down.
  When you seat the caps, use a push stick to really seat them on the nipps.  I prob would start with #11's.  They will fall off (shot ones)as the cylinder goes past the frame.
  If ya needs any more info- let me know.  I shoot nothing but C&B for 2 1/2 yrs., 3 matches a month, and have 18 of them.

[jgalar]

I have the cabelas 51 and 61 and they both take #10s with the stock nipples, but who knows on yours. I wouldn't bother or trust the little pins to hold the hammer, just load 5 if you're carrying the gun. Point the barrel up when cocking to allow any broken caps to fall away and not get stuck in the works when shooting.

[Gatofeo]

Search under my name, Gatofeo, for my earlier posts: "How to properly use a cap and ball sixgun" and "Found! Proper felt to make wads," or some such titles. Can't remember offhand what I titled them.
Anyway, lots of good info in there for beginners.
Cactus Cris has given you sound advice. Heed it.
Check out my posts for more detailed information.

[JBMauser]

Yes, I had read your felt post when you put it up.  I just copied it down for reference again.  The thing is, I had some of those dry felt wads and when I used them with a little of my beeswax crisco mix I felt the accuracy was poor compared to naked ball on powder.  I was shooting cowboy at the time.  I need to take my time with a rest and cut some paper to really tell the story.  Thanks for the info.  JB