Author Topic: 1858 or 1851 .36 or .44? (Read 1731 times)

dchi · « **on:** May 03, 2006, 06:32:21 AM »

I have sereval modern pistols some really high end, but wanted to get in cap & ball. Seems really cheap and different. I will more than likely get it from cabella's. Which of their italian models seem to shoot better, the rem 1858 or colt navy 1851? Also is the .36 more accuarate than .44's or are they about the same? One last thing I really prefer the 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inch barrel models. I don't espect them to shoot near as well as a decent modern pistol. Im sure some of the better cap and ball revolves can but I want to start out with a beginner pistol in case I don't like the hassel of loading and cleaning.

zoned · « **Reply #1 on:** May 03, 2006, 10:05:43 AM »

I've always preferred the .36. Like .22 caliber in cartridge guns, IMO it is the better target round.

Top strap revolvers are a little stronger, but heavier, and don't tend to shoot loose over time. Still, a .36 Navy is a very good gun which will last for years if you don't hot load it. As with rim and centerfire, revolvers are fiddly to clean because there are six holes in the cylinder, and the cone area gets real cruddy.

> in case I don't like the hassel of loading and cleaning.

Consider a muzzle loader. Like single-shot cartridge arms, the slower pace lets you relate more to the weapon and make every shot count. Much less hassle to clean, too.

Wynn · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2006, 11:42:46 AM »

I have both. I shoot my 1858 Remington in .44 far more often and much more accurately than the Colt Navy in .36. Both guns are Piettas but the navy has had the trigger worked over and a blade sight dovetailed into the barrel. By all rights, it should be the better shooter but it usually stays home and the Remington goes to the range/hunt club. Just my preference.

wild willy · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2006, 03:02:17 PM »

I have both .36 and .44 like both, find the .44 a little easy to load bigger chambers easier to put powder in larger dia. ball easy to handle don,t be too surprised if your cap and ball gun outshoots some of your modern guns

jgalar · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2006, 03:24:35 AM »

I have the 1851, 1861, 1858 Remington all in 36 caliber and the 1860 in 44. All were bought from Cabelas all are Piettas. The Colt style will shoot longer between cleanings, the Remington will start jamming up after a few cylinders. The triggers are better on the Colt style at least on my guns. I prefer the Colt style, but that is just a personal choice.

I think the 1851 Colt would make a good first gun as its the cheapest incase you don't care for cap N ball.

jgalar · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2006, 03:40:56 AM »

I may get flamed for this :-) but I shot some American Pioneer in my 1861 Colt and it was very accurate though not powerful. The American Pioneer is not corrosive and cleans up easily if there isn't any lube in the bore or cylinders before firing.

zoned · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2006, 08:06:15 AM »

> American Pioneer

Have you tried 777?

burntmypiston · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2006, 05:00:38 PM »

I just got into C&B revolvers. Bought the Cabelas 1858 Remington with the checkered grips (Pietta). No problems at all and alot of fun. Like you, I wanted to try something new to me. I always stayed away from these guns because of the cleaning and corrosion issues. Happy to report that this is the easiest gun to clean I own. I use 777 and Oxyoke wads with no other lube. Cleans up like new with hot water and then I put a light coat of Ballistol on it. No traces of corrosion and you can't even tell it's ever been fired. So much fun I just bought another, a Cimarron Dragoon.

dchi · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2006, 05:35:12 AM »

sounds great, I will give 777 a try. I like easy.

pastorp · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2006, 12:50:39 PM »

dchi, I used to own a 2nd gen. colt navy in 36cal. I liked it very much. Shot good too. But someone wanted it very much and I sold it at a profit.
I replaced it with a ruger old army. A little more money than the italian colt clones but very well made and strong. Check the ruger forum they come up there occasionally in the 3-400$ range. Regards, Byron

Will52100 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2006, 08:12:24 PM »

My personal favorite is the 51' colt navy. I didn't think much of the 36 till I tried it. Very powerfull little gun and the navy is a natural pointer. I have a pair, one pieta, one uberti and they are the most natural easist to hit the target guns I have. Not to mention there a bit cheaper on powder and lead since I cast my own. At least compared to a Walker. :lol:

I have a 58 Remington that I'm working on the frame and grips to see if I can get it to point a little better, I don't like the ballance or feel of it.