[forrest225]

So I'm wanting to get into blackpowder shooting and I'd like to get something I can really put some rounds through. I really love the looks of the colt clones made by pietta and uberti, but it sounds like they both tend to eat springs, and I've heard that quite a few guys exchange 2 or 3 ubertis to get a good one.

I'd really like something that will be fine out of the box and work for a while without more than a good cleaning and lube job.

I think I would like a ruger old army, but a lot of the used ones I see online seem pretty steep for a used gun.

Are there any manufacturers in particular I should take a look at? I prefer to buy US made if I can.

 

[MattShlock]

I'd say a name brand copy of the Remington New Model Army. Stainless maybe.

 

[orangello]

I'd say a name brand copy of the Remington New Model Army. Stainless maybe.

I love my Pietta replica of the Remington 1858 NMA, but those Ruger Old Army's are supposed to be what they build tanks out of.

If you are planning on burning a lot of powder, the Remington style allows for easier off-gun loading with a press. I love mine.

 

[SleazyRider]

Love my '58 Remington as well. The Ruger Old Army is pretty much unobtainable unless you have a lot of dough. The stainless models are pushing 800 bucks.

 

[SleazyRider]

Oops, double post!

 

[Hawg]

Some people think the Remington is stronger with its top strap but for bp pressures the Colt is fine. The Colt has more of a learning curve with the barrel wedge but they point more naturally and feel better in the hand. Uberti and Pietta both make fine guns.

 

[thdrduck]

I like the 58 remington for a cap and ball. My next one will be the shorter barrel, more holster options and I don't think accuracy would suffer much. Colts shoot fine but not much point in having a spare cylinder for one and never much cared for the hammer as the rear sight. Some say potato, some say potato, or something like that.

 

[forrest225]

Ok thanks for all the advice guys

 

[farmallcrew]

I have a few Pietta's and I would consider them an "everyday" shooter.

 

[Fielder]

The Colt '58 Navy .36 in steel frame (this gun historically NEVER came in a .44). The .44's were the Dragoons. the pockets were .31. The belts (e.g. the Navy '58) were .36.

Then along about '60, Colt put the big cylinder .44 on the belt frame and called it the 1860 Army.
And put the medium .36 on the pocket frame and called it the 1862 Police.
These two new guns had a new streamlined appearance due to cutting away part of the frame to fit the bigger cylinder on the smaller frame.

Not too hard to figure the medium caliber (.36) on the medium belt frame, made the '58 Navy their runaway best seller. Not to big, not too small, well balanced, and Colt continued to make it right up until the 1870's because it outsold the others. Today, for the same reasons, it's a real pleasure to use, very practical choice.

 

[HockaLouis]

Awww com'on. That can't be true. I have TWO of the .44 Navies now. Next you're gonna tell me the one with a 12" barrel and elevation-adjustable ramp rear and Partridge front sights didn't exist either!

 

[Hawg]

Awww com'on. That can't be true. I have TWO of the .44 Navies now. Next you're gonna tell me the one with a 12" barrel and elevation-adjustable ramp rear and Partridge front sights didn't exist either!

Well, ummm, actually, no it didn't but you already knew that. FWIW the Buntline Special didn't exist either.

 

[HockaLouis]

Ya caught me Hawg. Funny thing is, when I bought the last one, the manufacturer/distributor (Pietta/Traditions?) unashamedly described it as a "Yankee" Navy revolver with historic context and specifications as though it was an historic copy. I knew it wasn't authentic but didn't care, however, some poor inexperienced buyer would be misled.

 

[F4U]

The Colt '58 Navy .36 in steel frame (this gun historically NEVER came in a .44). The .44's were the Dragoons. the pockets were .31. The belts (e.g. the Navy '58) were .36.

Then along about '60, Colt put the big cylinder .44 on the belt frame and called it the 1860 Army.
And put the medium .36 on the pocket frame and called it the 1862 Police.
These two new guns had a new streamlined appearance due to cutting away part of the frame to fit the bigger cylinder on the smaller frame.

Not too hard to figure the medium caliber (.36) on the medium belt frame, made the '58 Navy their runaway best seller. Not to big, not too small, well balanced, and Colt continued to make it right up until the 1870's because it outsold the others. Today, for the same reasons, it's a real pleasure to use, very practical choice.

Wasn't it an 1851 navy instead of 1858. I think the remingtons were from 1858.

 

[Fielder]

Yep, the navies were 1851, I had that wrong.

As for the most fun, that's why my 2nd was a Walker. But it's not too useful. I guess Walker wanted one that would kill a horse (he was fighting Mexican dragoon troupes).

 

[forrest225]

Just ordered an uberti 61 navy in .36. I really considered a Remington, but I think the Colts are much prettier Looks like I got the last one from midway, they are out of stock now that my order has shipped.

 

[bigdean65]

I would have to give another vote for '58 Remington Replica. I have a Pietta and love it... a really good shooter!!!

 

[HankStone]

I purchased my Ruger Old Army back in the mid 70s,fired it many times over the years never had any problems,and trigger pull is excellent.

 

[HockaLouis]

Just ordered an uberti 61 navy in .36. I really considered a Remington, but I think the Colts are much prettier Looks like I got the last one from midway, they are out of stock now that my order has shipped.

Might have been the first gun I ever bought. Certainly my first blackpowder too! What a graceful and important gun. Art Decco before there was such a thing. I have to pinkie the little pistol but I still remember firing it the first time with it on the other side of a big ol' tree...

Nice selection, congratulations, have fun and be safe!

 

[forrest225]

Got it today! It sure is pretty. I can't wait to shoot it, I know I can get powder locally, i'm not sure about the caps and balls, there are a couple gun stores I need to check.


EDIT: Welp, my gander doesn't doesn't carry round balls, and the LGS was already closed, guess i'll have to look tomorrow morning.