1851 Navy Pepperbox .36 cal
- Thread starter noelf2
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http://www.cabelas.com/product/Piet...pperbox-Cal-Black-Powder-Revolver/2373101.uts
That is a wearddd looking gun. I have a hard time believing it's a replica of anything.
That is a wearddd looking gun. I have a hard time believing it's a replica of anything.
Resurrecting this thread from last year. On Cabela's there's an interesting review of the pepperbox:
"I enjoy collecting percussion revolvers and this one really captured my attention for a possible Cowboy Action Shooting side-match shooter. In case you are interested, this basic Colt Navy frame, when the 3-inch cylinder is removed, will receive a .36/.44 standard cylinder and .36/.44 barrel assembly, making this a convertible firearm. This revolver is an attention-getter among black powder enthusiasts, and also a truly manageable handgun in action."
So if you have an old pietta brass frame colt navy that's getting some frame stretch, this might be your answer.
"I enjoy collecting percussion revolvers and this one really captured my attention for a possible Cowboy Action Shooting side-match shooter. In case you are interested, this basic Colt Navy frame, when the 3-inch cylinder is removed, will receive a .36/.44 standard cylinder and .36/.44 barrel assembly, making this a convertible firearm. This revolver is an attention-getter among black powder enthusiasts, and also a truly manageable handgun in action."
So if you have an old pietta brass frame colt navy that's getting some frame stretch, this might be your answer.
BlackPowderBen
New member
You've got me thinking now. I thought the arbor was larger on the pepperbox though, guess not.
The "Navy Pepperbox"
Re Pietta's '51 Navy Pepperbox: you may want to take a look at the "Forgotten Weapons" video entitled "Custom Walch Pepperbox"---most interesting. Also, somewhere on the Web is a photo of a Bentley pepperbox built on a conventional revolver frame---completely original. (This photo initially appeared as Plate 11 in William Dowell's book "The Webley Story.")
Re Pietta's '51 Navy Pepperbox: you may want to take a look at the "Forgotten Weapons" video entitled "Custom Walch Pepperbox"---most interesting. Also, somewhere on the Web is a photo of a Bentley pepperbox built on a conventional revolver frame---completely original. (This photo initially appeared as Plate 11 in William Dowell's book "The Webley Story.")
Since this has been brought to life again, I can confirm that my pepperbox will take a .36 pietta cylinder without help. .44 will not fit (of course, no relief in the water table). Just need a pietta barrel for it and it's a fine convertible setup. Hate to spend $125 for one from VTI gunparts, but may go that route eventually. All the barrels for sale on ebay must be solid gold. 
The photo of Bentley's revolver-like pepperbox is in the High Road Forum's Black Powder Section, with the title "New EMF Pepperbox", posted back in September of 2011. If it won't come up, another photo of this piece appears on Plate 11 of William Dowell's book "The Webley Story."
TruthTellers
New member
I bought a Pietta '51 Navy steel frame from Cabela's last year when it was on sale. With gift cards I spent $80 on it and I feel it was a steal.
This Pepperbox tho... I'm all for convertible firearms of all kinds, but I see absolutely no purpose that this pepperbox serves other than to separate people from their mostly hard earned money.
If you want a small percussion revolver, wait for another 1851 or 1860 to go on sale at Cabela's, buy a spare barrel for it, and cut it down to 3 inches. Now you've got the long barrel and a spare short barrel that's way more sensible.
And if, IF, you really like pepperbox guns, get a vintage Allen & Thurber that was made in my neck of the woods almost 170 year ago.
This Pepperbox tho... I'm all for convertible firearms of all kinds, but I see absolutely no purpose that this pepperbox serves other than to separate people from their mostly hard earned money.
If you want a small percussion revolver, wait for another 1851 or 1860 to go on sale at Cabela's, buy a spare barrel for it, and cut it down to 3 inches. Now you've got the long barrel and a spare short barrel that's way more sensible.
And if, IF, you really like pepperbox guns, get a vintage Allen & Thurber that was made in my neck of the woods almost 170 year ago.
LOL, as far as I'm concerned, that's what all replica black powder revolvers are for. They are fun. The pepperbox fits the same bill.
Close. My plan is to get an 1851 Sheriff in .36, keep the barrel, sell the rest in parts. Cabelas currently doesn't have a sheriff model in .36 cal. I already have an 1851 snub nose in .44. The thing about this pepperbox is that the trigger is perfect. No creep at all. Perfect break at about 4 or 5 pounds. I have never had a replica revolver that good except for one I've had goonerized. I got a .36 cylinder for it on sale (Cabelas) and it's a perfect fit. Just need a wedge and sheriff barrel.