1860 Price Check

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drftrman

New member
Today I saw a Traditions Pietta 1860 sheriff with thunderer grips. It was a antiqued model in .36 cal., and was quite probably the best feeling BP revolver I have ever handled. It had a couple of light sanding marks on the barrel, but otherwise was really nice. Price was 369 + tax. Does this sound like a high price for this gun? I passed it by, because I thought I could maybe find it online cheaper. I so far can't find another one anywhere. What do you guys think is it a good price?
 
I don't know what 'thunderer' grips are, so perhaps they have some value by themselves, but that seems to me to be at the top end of retail for an Italian 1860 replica.
 
I'm not sure how much that differs from the 1862 "police" but this one is $100 less.

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They also have the standard length 1860 .44 on sale again, for $199.
 
Pietta strikes again! They are calling that a Army model, a Army model should be a .44. What this really looks like is a 61 navy with a short barrel, fluted cylinder and a birdshead grip frame. Nothing historically correct but if you like it, I'm sure it would be a fun shooter. About $100 over priced IMHO.

I do like the birdshead grip frame, I may have to look into buying just the grip. That could make a nice Avenging Angel.
 
I was thinking of the Cabelas sheriff model (270.00), and adding the grips myself. VTI wants 70.00 for the back strap unfinished, and 50 for the unfinished grips. For that kind of money, I might as well just buy the one I saw.
I have only ever owned 1858 NMAs but I have to say that 1860 was a very comfortable revolver. Colts do have style.
 
Check prices at DGW, they are normally much lower than VTI. For $70 I just may order one of those birdshead grip frames, but for $50 I'll make my own wood grips.

I agree about the Colt grips, the feel is really different from the 58 Remie.
 
Does the term 'thunderer' grips refer to the birdshead grip frame shape?
Colts do have style.
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That gun is in no sense of the word a 'Colt'; Sam never produced an 1860 grip frame in that shape, nor the nickle finish. The only thing 'Colt' about it is the receiver shape. It's strictly a Pietta unique design.
 
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The THUNDERER grip shape was devised for the double action 41 caliber Colt. It looks similar to the "birds head" but has a protrusion on the upper back of the grip to allow better control while firing double action. I put a set on a BlackHawk a few years back and hated them.
 
WEDGE

If ya get the 1860 sheriff ,I did the wedge is a bear to get out..They pounded an oversize wedge which expanded the pin to the point its hard to remove the cylinder NOT FUNNY:barf:
 
FWIW - I've had a .44 cal 1860 Army/Pietta for over 15 years, that comes apart for cleaning w/NP.

The wedge & cylinder pin are entirely normal.

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LOL!!! And some people have no room for a ROA because of its "untimely" entrance into the world of black powder revolvers. I've got to give credit though. Pietta is very creative.
 
I have an older "1862 Colt NY Metropolitan Police" revolver from Pietta. Late '80s I beleive

It's handsome, nicely balanced, easy to shoot, and well made- oh, and accurate. I have put...let's see... perhaps 180-240 or so balls through it. I enjoy it thoroughly :)

If Delmar's advice seems interesting, then I can vouch for that revolver. I understand that I probably got a 'really good' Pietta for my vintage, and that today Uberti and Pietta quality is about the same

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As for it's historical accuracy, I am not a reenactor so that's not really a big consideration for me. I feel that as long as it is in the spirit of the old west, I'm happy. I really don't even care if it's not a tack driver as I just love the big boom and smoke!:)
 
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