Fun with Cap & Ball Revolvers.

Adam Helmer · #1 01-12-2009, 08:12 PM

I am a Civil War re-enactor with the PA Bucktails and have a M1853 Enfield .577 Rifle for parades and "Battles."

I recently acquired a couple of Cap & Ball .44 revolvers and I must say they are fun to shoot. There are many modern reproduction revolvers and I like the Remington M1858 New Army .44 revolver the best. Second is the Colt M1860 Army .44 revolver. Both revolvers take a little time to determine if they like .451", .454" or .457" Ball best. The Lyman Black Powder Handbook was a great help in finding the proper powder charges, proper lube of the loaded cylinders and after-shooting cleanup.

If you have not crossed over to Cap&Ball handguns, now is a fine time to get caught up.

Adam

Steverino · #2 01-13-2009, 06:42 AM

Good post Adam (as always!)

Though not a revolver, Santa picked me up a Traditions 50 cal. persussion pistol this past Christmas. I have never fired a patched round ball before or a black powder pistol for that matter. Am looking forward to getting out here once the weather breaks.

Adam Helmer · #3 01-13-2009, 12:02 PM

Steverino,

Thanks for the kind words.

I am looking for both a .50 caliber flintlock and caplock single-barrel pistol to complete my "Traditional" Longhunter outfits.

If you do not have the Lyman Black Powder Handbook, I suggest you buy it and read it cover to cover. I learned a lot from that fine book. There are many suggested loads for your pistol as well as cleaning information.

Adam

buckhunter · #4 01-13-2009, 12:43 PM

Would love cap and ball howevefr that's all the Mrs, would have to know. Can't shoot what I have now.

Adam Helmer · #5 01-13-2009, 01:58 PM

buckhunter,

There is something in the "feel" of a Remington New Army M1858 .44 revolver that is akin to the M1873 SA Colt .45 revolver. I like my Remington and have a belt and flap holster to complete my kit when in Civil War uniform as Corporal "Brasso".

The "Brasso" handle is because I highly shine all my leather and brass when we turn out for parades.

Adam

Mr. 16 gauge · #6 01-13-2009, 02:36 PM

I have an 1858 Remington copy as well....fun gun to shoot, and I usually take it hunting with me as well. I would like to add that if you take it to the range, you'd be wise to take some cleaning supplies along as well.....mine tends to 'gum up' real fast on some days.

Quote:

The "Brasso" handle is because I highly shine all my leather and brass when we turn out for parades.

Watch out for them Confederate sharpshooters now, Adam.....I hear they like shiny targets!

GoodOlBoy · #7 01-13-2009, 03:06 PM

Someday I am going to break down and get myself a cap and ball revolver. I have always wanted one. Particularly I have often looked at the 1851 confederate navy 44 revolver, or even the 36. . . . . Just never could justify it to myself and the Mrs.

GoodOlBoy

Adam Helmer · #8 01-13-2009, 03:31 PM

Mr. 16 gauge,

LOL. I am usually front and right on the colors at the front of Company E, 42nd Regiment. I have seen "Confederates" and shot at them in a "Battle" last May in Elmira. It was a real hoot. We had about 300 Union folks and 250 Confederates in the woods around the Newtown Battlefield (Revolutionary War Battle Site that is now a Park). We Union guys had 15 cavalry and 3 cannons. When the 6-pounder fired, ALL the new leaves on a nearby maple tree flew away. Ah, but I digress.

GOB,

I have both the Remington and Colt .44 caliber C&B revolvers and recommend the Remington as the best of the lot. The Remington has a top strap over the cylinder that houses the rear sight. The Colt uses a notch in the hammer nose as a rear sight once the revolver is cocked. Also, the Remington is easier to strip for cleaning or cylinder change per Clint Eastwood in "Pale Rider."

Adam