Thinking of starting into c&b

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PhilTheClimber

Inactive
I'm thinking of starting into the cap and ball world. I have a few modern pistols and rifles but am looking for more of a hobby (boy does .40 and .357 ammo get expensive) than a self defense weapon now. I like the idea of being able to use a conversion cylinder as well if I choose, but also the idea of loading black powder. Having shot only double action with a rifled barrel before, I thought I would ask for some opinions on the pistols I am thinking of.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/16893-1.html#Reviews
an 1851 traditions in .44

and
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_187_189&products_id=879
a pietta 1873 in .44

and
http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_92_187_189&products_id=1024
an uberti 1849 pocket in .31 cal

Thanks in advance.
 
Good for you!! The BP revolver is a great way to get back to the heart and soul of shooting.

I'll say you have good taste....but the first thing to consider is the source..the 1st one you listed has (in big red letters) Non-Returnable ther just telling you right up front that they don't trust there product quality enough to stand behind it. I would not buy from anyone like that. NO WAY! NOT A CHANCE!...buy from Cabela's, there return policy makes this a very rewarding, worry free, with out gamble purchase.

Your first 51 pictured is a fun gun..the short loading ram can make them a little tough to load, but not bad.

The 73 is great look, but it is not a colt peacemaker so you cannot load the cylinder (if you ever needed to) with the gun..(it has to be removed and loaded with a special loading stand).

The 49 pocket is a supper fun little gun...but kind of a novelty...I really like mine, but it sure wouldn't be my first recomendation.

I suggest the Remington58 in 44 or 36cal...these are just too easy to use, supper fast to load, extra cylinders are a breeze to swap. And the Rem58 (in 44cal) is probly the best one to buy if you plan to try a conversion cylinder in the future
 
If you are wanting to get started in C&Bs and think you'll want to use a conversion cylinder also, your best bet would be to buy a steel framed .44 caliber Remington copy. R&D and Kirst both make drop in conversion cylinders in .45 Colt. You do not want to buy a Colt style revolver and conversion cylinder because of having to disassemble the revolver to reload. You don't want a .36 caliber revolver because of the difference between the C&B round (.375) and the cartridge round (.357). You'd have to use hollow based bullets with the conversion cylinder or reline the barrel to .357 which would make it unuseable as a C&B. You also do not want a brass framed revolver because conversion cylinders are not to be used with brass frames.
 
I just started out too. I haven't even fired one ball yet. I have a Uberi 1858 44 Remington New Army, 1858 Remington .44 Pietta (Brass Frame, wall hanger but I will shoot it a few times), and a Ruger Old Army (not a copy of anything, more along the lines of a Blackhawk). Its a neat hobby so far, much more interesting than the cartridge guns (imho of course). Go for it, pick out one you like and pull the trigger! pun intended!

Take Care
 
Phil

Welcome to the congregation.

You came to the right place and you are doing the right thing by carefully considering which way to go.
 
Gun shows are funny things....

....You can get good deals at gun shows but you have to be careful.

It is my recent experience that prices at gunshows here in Southeastern VA have been out of line.

If you are looking at a Colt clone, the vendor should not hve any problem with taking the barrel off to make sure the arbor is not loose.

You are going to want to look for evidence that the pistol is what the vendor is reporting.

You can generally tell if a pistol have been fired or if it has been well cared for.

A brass frame Colt revolver should sell at a gunshow for 100.00. A steel frame Colt should go for about 150.00. Brass frame remington should be about 100.00 to 125.00. Steel frame remington should fetch 150.00 to 160.00.

Of course extras add to the value. Not uncommon to encounter a revolver that has a bunch of stuff along with it.

There are specialties that get higher prices. Colt 2nd and 3rd gen pistols are much higher as are the Belgian 1960 NMA. Rugers in good condition go for 400.00 to 500.00.

I would stay away from revolvers in less than average condition because of the bother and expense to get them shooting right.
 
Currently made Piettas and Ubertis are about equal in quality; but, they do not feel the same in the hand due to differences in frame size and shape. Try some of each before you decide. I'd steer clear of any Armi San Marco revolvers. They are no longer made & parts are almost impossible to get.

Do some pricing research. Check Buffalo Arms, Cabelas, Taylor's, and others so you'll know what a good deal looks like at the gunshow.
 
Thanks again for all the knowledgeable replies.

Onto my next set of questions! I have shot cheap guns and used cheap tools before, I'm going to avoid anything but pietta or uberti, with preference towards the later as it is my understanding they are manufactured by beretta.

Will the gun show have quality conversion cylinders or should I wait to purchase one from a reputable vendor, one I can track down for any needed support?

How should I check the action of a single action to ensure it is working properly, what are some common problems I could look out for?
 
Don't worry Phil,
it just takes a while. The world of B.P. is an alternate universe to other firearms. No need to even be in a hurry, these guns have been around for over 150 years, they are not going anywhere fast.
Well, that is...maybe the deals at Cabela's go fast, but the gun knowledge takes a little while. Just keep reading, it's wonderful fun.

I started out a couple of years ago with an amazing deal at Cabela's-$119 brass model 1851 in .44 (a caliber the orginal 1851's were never made in).
Although the .44 cal. brass models pretend to be Confederate-styled arms, they are not. But, they are a whole lot of fun.

My 2nd was a Remmy with 2 extra cylinders that I got on Gunbrokers.
That just made me worse and I had to keep snapping them up.

Warning: Once you start buying them, you cannot stop. You'll want at least one of every model and caliber, maybe more than one. :)
 
Warning: Once you start buying them, you cannot stop. You'll want at least one of every model and caliber, maybe more than one.
Click to expand...

Very True Indeed.

I have looked at them both side by side, they do feel different in your hand but both seem to be quality guns ( Pietta and Uberti). I don't think I will discriminate between the two. I plan to do just what Outlaw said one maybe more of each. I just don't really see a reason to buy a used one since new ones can be had for maybe 50 bucks more! Retailers that is. Just my .02.
 
OutlawJoseyWales + 1

Once you have your first revolver and have done a little shooting, you begin to have fun just going through the learning process.

I have never called BP shooting a "hobby" because I think it is somewhat of an insult to reduce the way of life to the level of a "hobby"

I think of it as more of a lifestyle. The reason I use that term is because there is an awful lot to learn and the learning continues even into the advanced phases of the lifestyle. Those of us who have been shooting for a long period of time, or over a long span of time (whch is more descriptive of me since there was a long hiatus during my shooting) are still learning. There is a perfect parallel between the way we develop our shooting life and the way people develop in a non-shooting life.

There are simply too many aspects associated with the way of life to refer to it as a "hobby".

Please understand that I am not reacting because I saw or read someone refering to the lifestyle as a "hobby". I don't recall reading that. This is merely an attempt to prepare a new entrant to the breadth of opportunities.
 
" I just don't really see a reason to buy a used one since new ones can be had for maybe 50 bucks more! Retailers that is. Just my .02."

I have to take this statement back. Reason being I got to thinking about this, unless the owner is dedicated, I think it would be safe to say that alot of these C&B guns probably don't see much shooting vs a cartridge gun. The reason I say this. My local gun shop has two Pietta 1851 Navy .36's in there for 149 And a few '58 ASM's. The '51's are great looking guns too with the case hardened looking frames. And none of them look to have much if any wear and tear on them. Or maybe its because these things are like a small block chevy, will take MANY licks and keep on ticking.
 
deerslayer,
a steel .51 in great condition for $149 no shipping is a very good deal.
Haha, where did you say this place was? :rolleyes:

You are right about the prices though, new ones are not much more than used ones, IF (big if) the revolver you want is actually on sale.
For those certain caliber or model that isn't common, you are either going to have to pay premium prices or find them on gunbroker.

The big joke is that there are just fools (or maybe the buyer would BE the fool) on there selling worn out pieces of brass junk as if it's some kind of "collectors" item. Just plain crooked.
But, if you keep fishing on there, you'll catch a deal every once in a while that's awesome. Case in point, my 2nd revolver was a steel target model Pietta Remmy with 2 extra cylinders (3 total) in perfect condition for $190 shipped. I was so new that I didn't know it was a steal.
I know better now and would love to catch another deal like that one.

OJW
 
I referred to it as a hobby in my original post, no offense intended. I don't mind some ribbing either.

I will probably purchase a new revolver at the gun show if one is available. I've always had expensive taste, so I was just wondering if you were looking at one what would you inspect?

I understand what's been said about once you have one, it tends to get out of hand. You should see all the chainsaws I have for work.
 
Oh.....Okay

I didn't catch that Phil, and did not mean to leave you with the impression that I was criticizing.

I sometimes grouse at things but your post was certainly not one of them.

I grouse when folks call our revolvers, "guns".

That term is reserved for ordnance of one inch or higher caliber afixed to the decks of warships.


You Navy folks will agree I am sure.

;)
 
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