Author Topic: Any tips for a first time black powder revolver buyer?  (Read 1005 times)

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Offline DakotaElkSlayer

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Any tips for a first time black powder revolver buyer?
« on: December 14, 2005, 07:25:28 AM »
Think I am going to go up to Cabela's and pick up a black powder revolver out of their bargain cave.  I was wondering if you guys have any tips for me before I choose my new revolver?  Ya, I know, that a Ruger Old Army is the way to go, but needless to say, money is REAL TIGHT right now.  Thanks in advance...

Jim
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.

- Albert Einstein

Offline Cowpox

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Any tips for a first time black powder revo
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2005, 09:52:49 AM »
The cap and ball revolvers Cabelas stock are mainly Pietta and Uberti products. Both are reasonably good quality, and should give good service. If you buy one from their bargain cave, it could well be one that was returned because of problems, so look it over careful. Cock it a few times, to be sure it functions smoothly, and locks up tight. Also watch the cylinder latch, to make sure it is timed correctly. Some of them are timed so poorly, that the latch is released almost as soon as the cylinder starts to move, and results in a ring worn around the complete circumference of the cylinder. If you have more than one to choose from, pick the one that releases the latch closest to the mortise in the cylinder. Make sure the loading lever operates smoothly, and the hammer sits squarely in it's mortice, without hitting on one side or the other. That is about all you can tell, without shooting them. Other than that, it is all a matter of personal preference. Pick the one you like the best !  You will need a powder flask with the correct spout for the caliber, and a capper, then read other threads on this forum for safety tips on how to avoid chain fires, and other pitfalls. There is a lot of good information posted on this forum, by old hands who are expert on these fun old designs, and you can find out everything you will need to know, just by reading. If you are like most of us, this will be the first of many cap and ball revolvers that will soon have you building a new cabinet to keep them all in. Have fun !
I rode with him,---------I got no complaints. ---------Cowpox

Offline jgalar

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Any tips for a first time black powder revo
« Reply #2 on: December 14, 2005, 03:27:26 PM »
Unless you know what to look for, I would not buy from the bargain cave as you can't return it if it doesn't work properly. Cabelas is very good at taking returns/exchanges on their cap and ball guns that are defective and bought normally. I bought one 1851 navy colt from Cabelas that the cylinder was so loose that the hammer would not even pop a cap. Cabelas exchanged it no problem. I have bought 5 cap and ball guns from Cabelas - only the one 1851 had a problem.

Offline DakotaElkSlayer

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Any tips for a first time black powder revo
« Reply #3 on: December 15, 2005, 06:11:34 AM »
Thanks for the replies!  Ends up, they had a ton of different ones in the Bargain Cave.  Most of them looked like they were never used or really handled...  
  I was handling them for over an hour...  One that was listed as stainless was actually nickel plated...  Buggered screws on that one...  Finally decided on a Pietta 1862 Army Police model in .36.  Looks and feels like a new revolver in every way.  The only complaint is the trigger...a bit of travel before the hammer falls, but for $117 I am not complaining :grin:

Thanks,

Jim
He who joyfully marches in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.

- Albert Einstein

Offline flamenblaster

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Any tips for a first time black powder revo
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2005, 02:16:29 AM »
My first and probly best advice is stick with steel frame...brass is simply not as strong and the few dollars u will save up front wont last long..also..dont expect too much as far as power goes..u simply cannot get it with a c&b..not without going against common sense (black or equivalent i mean..never smokeless)..and enjoy it...try as hard as u can to make it accurate..tweak the sights..etc..and have fun :grin:  :grin:  :grin:
Good friends will come, and good friends will go...but jerks will just accumulate.

Offline Mulegunner

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Any tips for a first time black powder revo
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2005, 03:30:55 PM »
My advice was gonna be to run away but its too late for you too.  You have now joined the ranks of CB'ers.  No one has created a patch that replaces the smell of black powder and there are no 12 step programs out there either.  You will now look down on people shooting those "trendy" cartridge revolvers with disdain.  People at a shooting range will move away from you once you shoot......fearing that you are gonna blow yourself up!   :-D   Make sure you give a range report as soon as possible!