duelist1954
New member
This is a change from the Colts and Remingtons. Starrs were the third most issued revolvers in the Union Army.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU5CuFdgRoA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU5CuFdgRoA
Video - Shooting the .44 Starr Army Revolver
- Thread starter duelist1954
- Start date
Shotgun693
New member
What percentage of handguns used in the War of Northern Aggression were 'other than' Colts, Remingtons, & S&Ws? Anyone know?
Crazy Clay
Inactive
Excellent. I was just looking at pictures of these and reading about them the other day. Interesting looking and functioning handgun. I think I would like to have a replica of one. Anyone know who manufactures them now?
AirForceShooter
New member
LeMats are more fun
AFS
AFS
Mike Cumpston and Johnny Bates reviewed the Pietta Starr SA in their second book, Percussion Revolvers, A Guide to Their History, Performance and Use, which may still be available on amazon.com. Don't confuse this with their first book, Percussion Pistols and Revolvers, History, Performance and Practical Use, which does not cover the Starr.
The title of the chapter gives a clue as to their opinion of the gun: "Treason With a Hair Trigger: The Starr Revolver". I own one, and it's my least favorite percussion revolver; in fact, it's probably my least favorite gun overall. It's poorly balanced, does not point well and the grips are probably the most awkward of any gun I own; obviously I strongly disagree with Mr. B on that, but those are personal likes and dislikes. In addition, it's difficult to disassemble and clean in my opinion, so there's little about this gun we can agree on. How much of this is due to Pietta's execution of the design, as opposed to the design itself, I can't say. My main problem is removal of the pin to open the frame. On my gun, and on Cumpton's also, this pin is a very poor fit and almost requires a wrench to loosen and tighten. In addition, once the pin is finally out it takes a good deal of effort to open the frame as it does not fit well. I have similar issues with removing the screws and disassembling the interior (yes, I have gunsmith's screwdrivers). On the good side, it's reasonably accurate to point of aim and handles heavy loads well, with little felt recoil.
The title of the chapter gives a clue as to their opinion of the gun: "Treason With a Hair Trigger: The Starr Revolver". I own one, and it's my least favorite percussion revolver; in fact, it's probably my least favorite gun overall. It's poorly balanced, does not point well and the grips are probably the most awkward of any gun I own; obviously I strongly disagree with Mr. B on that, but those are personal likes and dislikes. In addition, it's difficult to disassemble and clean in my opinion, so there's little about this gun we can agree on. How much of this is due to Pietta's execution of the design, as opposed to the design itself, I can't say. My main problem is removal of the pin to open the frame. On my gun, and on Cumpton's also, this pin is a very poor fit and almost requires a wrench to loosen and tighten. In addition, once the pin is finally out it takes a good deal of effort to open the frame as it does not fit well. I have similar issues with removing the screws and disassembling the interior (yes, I have gunsmith's screwdrivers). On the good side, it's reasonably accurate to point of aim and handles heavy loads well, with little felt recoil.
duelist1954
New member
Thanks for the feedback Mykeal. It looks like you and Mr. Cumpston have Starrs that perform quite a bit differently than mine. The trigger pull weight on my single action Starr is four pounds, even. Measured on my RCBS gauge.
As you can see in the video, the take-down screw on mine comes out easily and the action breaks open with little effort. The cylinder just about drops out.
I find it is pretty easy to work on, though very different than a Colt, so it takes some getting used to.
For me it points well, but that's a personal thing.
Sorry you got a lemon.
As you can see in the video, the take-down screw on mine comes out easily and the action breaks open with little effort. The cylinder just about drops out.
I find it is pretty easy to work on, though very different than a Colt, so it takes some getting used to.
For me it points well, but that's a personal thing.
Sorry you got a lemon.
duelist1954
New member
BTW, I'll be doing a LeMat video before too long.
seems i'm falling behind, meant to watch your 1851 video but my internet connection wouldn't allow it. and now this video too, oh no 
i picked up a copy of Guns of the Old West about two weeks ago and read the article about the Starr, i'd heard of them before but didn't know they were made in single action also, piqued my interest. and now a video!? it must be my birthday!
i picked up a copy of Guns of the Old West about two weeks ago and read the article about the Starr, i'd heard of them before but didn't know they were made in single action also, piqued my interest. and now a video!? it must be my birthday!
madcratebuilder
New member
Nice vid duelist. You sure don't see the Starr's in action very often. I have a complaint with my SA Starr, it well lock up some times when placed in half cock for loading. I quickly learned it needed a different loading procedure, no problems since then.
There was the same love-hate relationship back in the day with these, owners either loved them or hated them. After some light honing to the action both mine are smooth, reliable shooters. I picked these up from a pawn shop that had listed them on GB. Both were miss boxed and sold for .45 cents on the dollar.
There was the same love-hate relationship back in the day with these, owners either loved them or hated them. After some light honing to the action both mine are smooth, reliable shooters. I picked these up from a pawn shop that had listed them on GB. Both were miss boxed and sold for .45 cents on the dollar.