cant decide

J

JC5503

New member
Hey all,

Im new to BP revolvers but wanted to get into them for plinking and maybe hunting, So I found some on sale at Cabelas but I dont know enough about them to know if its a good buy or if it would be just junk:o. So if anyone can tell me about the 1851 Confederate Navy .44 caliber Sheriff revolver I would appreciate.
 
JC

There is no way to recommend one pistol over another but the Sheriffs model is a nice pistol.

I can't remember the sale that is on right now but I can tell you that Colt clones can be a tiny bit more finnicky that Remington clones. A good way to start would be the 8 inch barrel 1858 Remington in steel. It is on sale almost non-stop for 199.99.

I had a Sheriff's model in .36 and it shot fine. The first four shots I put through it went inside of four inches at 25 yards. You may find that it shoots significantly above point of aim. This is disconcerting and takes a little getting used to.

The Remington should pretty much shoot POA.

If you have not already done so, go read the postit at the top entitled, "So you talked your wife into letting you buy a cap and ball revolver." or words to that effect. It is a storehouse of info.

Note that I recommended the Remington over the Colt but there is no real reason for you to change your mind if you have your heart set on the Colt. I like Colts better'n Remingtons but cleaning, field stripping and such are easier with a Remington.

I alway like to leave the post like this because now, fifty people will respond with arguments why Colts are better or Remingtons are better. It is truly fun to watch.
 
Remington. They're stronger.

No. Colt. They're prettier.

No. Remington. They're stronger.

No. Colt. They're prettier.

No. Remington. They're stronger.

No. Colt. They're prettier.

Ford.

No. Chevy.

Ooops. Wrong thread.

etc.

etc.
 
The so called Confederate Navy has a brass frame and wont hold up to heavy loads. You'd be better off with a steel frame. IMHO the Remington is more beginner friendly but the Colt isn't that hard to learn.

Chevy
no, Ford
Wait, Chevy
Ummm Ford
oh jeez
 
IMHO, for a first BP cap-n-ball revolver, start with a Remington-style reproduction. They don't have a barrel key which is one less thing for a newbie to worry about. Terms like Confederate and Sheriff are often used for modern versions of the old designs. In some cases a Confederate model is a .44-cal version of a revolver that was originally a .36-cal. Sheriff usually means a shortened barrel version.

So, you take a Colt's 1851 brass-framed replica, bump it up from .36-cal to .44-cal, clip the barrel and call it a Confederate Sheriff's model. I suspect the demand the this version wasn't what Cabelas expected and that's why we're seeing it at a bargain basement price.

Unless the Confederate Sheriff model really appeals to your sense of style (not just your wallet), I think you'd be happier with one of Cabelas discounted steel-framed Remingtons. As Doc Hoy noted, they are frequently on sale for $199.99.
 
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The Remingtons will eat any load you can cram into it as long as you use BP or a BP substitute. They'll take conical 200gr bullets too.
 
Even though I am a died in the wool Colt's style revolver afficionado. I tend to agree with Doc and the others that advocate a Remington style revolver as one's first foray into the BP C&B experience and obsession. Once you become fully immersed into the smoke lord lifestyle, and get a few thousand rounds under your belt, you can graduate to the more complex and beautifully styled Colt's.

Oh, and, by the way..............................

Mary Ann
 
You mean they make revolvers with brass frames? :D

And by the way . . I'd gladly take Mary Ann AND Ginger . . . you can keep Mrs. Howell . . . . . .
 
I couldn't decide between the Colt and the Remington; so I ordered one of each.

Now, I can't decide between Mary Ann and Ginger....hmmmm. :D
 
Not a problem helpin' you out with your decision ... Remington would be the Rev to choose.
and Mopar for your muscle Car/Truck :O)
This 1861 Remington Old Army is still makin' Smoke and thowin' lead since 1862 ... So one a them 1858 NMA .44's from Cabelas should last you long enough, and remember you'll be buyin' more soon :cool:
SundayBackyard30.jpg
 
I can't decide either.

I got an Army,a Remmie and a Navy.When you can't decide you get em all.Shoot the hell out of them and somewhere in the smoke of thousands of rounds the answers will appear. I don't care for 36 cal. I took the Navy and used my 44 cylander and Barrel and gave it a good try.For me the small grip is a problem.For some one else it could be a plus.
Now its 44 Army vs 44 Remington, Pietta vs Uberti, and Triple 7 vs Pyrodex P. I am still no closer to which one I like best. There are plus's and minus's to each.
I never could make up my mind between Mary Ann or Ginger and today Mrs Howell ain't looking bad either.
Guns are a personal choice,what I like I am sure somebody some where really hates. It 's Ford or Chevy,Vanilla or chocolate.
Take your time,go look at the guns ,get what you want and go shoot the thing .If you don't like it sell and get something else.
 
JC5503,
I have one of those. I shoot 20grs FFFg Goex+lube wad+.454 ball. I would not exceed 25grs powder on a regular basis since the brass frame is softer than steel and it could shoot loose with heavy loads. The Colt Navy style guns are round ball only. You cannot get a conical under the rammer. No big deal since the ball is just as much fun, easy to load, a cinch to cast and easier on the gun.
 
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