Finally decided to get a BP revolver

BigPapa4147 · September 30, 2009, 03:14 AM

So I've decided to get into bp shooting and was wondering which revolver I should get. I was also wondering what supplies I need to get started out (nothing too fancy, I'm on a bit of a budget). I've never fired a bp revolver before, but I have fired a muzzloading rifle and loved it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Doc Hoy · September 30, 2009, 06:11 AM

A good place to start would be to go back and read some of the older threads on the forum. You might be looking for topics such as:

Brass Frame versus Steel frame
Molding your own bullets/roundballs versus buying them
Powder loads
The camparison of Colt style versus Remington style revolvers
Bore lube
Cleaning

Just look down through the titles of the threads until you come to something that looks interesting.

For those who are just getting started with the first pistol, Cabelas has a "Pistol on a card" set up that has (pretty much) everything you need for a couple days light shooting (Fam Fire). That normally goes for about 250.00.
Cabelas has a sale on right now so that price might be lower. Don't cut yourself getting it open.

At a minimum you need:

Pistol, (Never ever ever call it a gun. It is not a gun)
caps,
balls,
powder,
powder measure,
bore lube (for the first couple days, you can get away with Crisco, but you will grow out of that quickly. Its easy to make your own and it doesn't put too much of a strain on your marriage.)
gun oil (most of the guys never let petroleum based products touch their shootin irons.)
Someplace to shoot and something to shoot at. ( I recommend a Ford truck...Never shoot at a Chevy truck

)

There are plenty of additional things that willl come in handy. Most of that will be things you choose on your own and should not be overinfluenced by others.

Most of all, when you have a question...any question, come to this forum. You will have four good answers (plus one long, rambling, pointless, verbose, misinformed, opinionated diatribe from me) within about 24 hours.

madcratebuilder · September 30, 2009, 09:56 AM

I think most here well recommend the Remington 1858 NMA as a first BP revolver.

Cabela's has a sale going on now.
1858 with fixed sights, $190.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true

1858 with target sights, $210.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true

The $40 starter kit gives you all you need to get started except powder and caps. I don't care for the plastic powder flask, but that's just personal preference.

grymster2007 · September 30, 2009, 10:01 AM

and read this... So you want a cap and ball revolver? stickied at the top of this forum

Doc Hoy · September 30, 2009, 10:20 AM

Papa and MCB,

Oooops. MCB is right. No explosives in the Pistol-on-a-card thing.

Sorry.

I also share your feelings about the buck and a quarter plastic piece of crap powder measure. But, Hey...just an opinion.

Fingers McGee · September 30, 2009, 11:29 AM

I'll concur with Doc Hoy and MCBs advice. Other links to information on getting started are:

http://www.theopenrange.net/forum/index.php?board=31.0

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/ind...oard,82.0.html

http://www.curtrich.com/bpsubsdummies.html

http://www.curtrich.com/frontiersmen.html

Chris_B · September 30, 2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Pistol, (Never ever ever call it a gun. It is not a gun)

usually a "revolver" in the USA as opposed to 'pistol'. 'Pistol' sure is easier to type though

grymster2007 · September 30, 2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

usually a "revolver" in the USA as opposed to 'pistol'.

True, but I think the term "pistol" was in wide use referring to a small firearm, capable of one-handed operation, long before "revolver" was.

dshow · September 30, 2009, 12:03 PM

Have you thought about the storage of your gun as well?

Doc Hoy · September 30, 2009, 12:08 PM

To Chris and Grymster,

As long as you don't call it a gun. A gun is something else. (Right, Pahoo?)

Tnx,

mykeal · September 30, 2009, 03:03 PM

A revolver is a pistol is a gun, but a gun is not necessarily a pistol, nor is a pistol necessarily a revolver.

DrLaw · September 30, 2009, 05:18 PM

Yep, check out the sticky's first, and then also search the forums. You can go cheap, but you will probably find that you should have waited a tad and saved up more for the better (Uberti).

Depending on what you want it for, you also might want to consider a single shot.

Yep, loads of things to consider.

The one thing we do know and concur on here. You start, you'll get hooked. It's a downhill slope of fun.

We'll be looking for you at the bottom of our pit!

The Doc is out now.

robhof · September 30, 2009, 06:54 PM

I started with one and now have six, told my wife they're like rabbits, she said that I better have them Fixed. Maybe just one more....

Doc Hoy · September 30, 2009, 07:09 PM

When I got back into BP shooting, there was a week in which I had bought a pistol but then went to a gun show and came home w/ two more.

My wife asked me a question that I simply could not answer. She said, "How many pistols do you think you will be needing?"

I must have had the dumbest expression on my face, she ever saw. I simply did not have a lucid answer for her question. She understands a little better now that it is not a question of how many one needs. It has more to do with, "How many are out there?"

Could any of you answer this question in a meaningful way?

Delmar · September 30, 2009, 08:02 PM

"Could any of you answer this question in a meaningful way?"

Just a few more?

Smokin_Gun · September 30, 2009, 10:33 PM

All of them would be nice ... is the proper answer :O)

SigP6Carry · September 30, 2009, 10:57 PM

"You never have enough handguns"

In anycase, BP guns are still guns. In certain jurisdictions, they may not carry the same legal ramifications as "firearms" or be classified as such, but they're still guns. and pistol actually comes from the French "Pistole" which comes from the Czech word for Flute, which is what the Hussites called their handguns in the olden days because they looked like flutes. So, "Pistol" does predate "Revolver."

Revolvers also don't necessarily mean pistols, either, as there were revolving rifles, too.

But, to the OP, I'd suggest hitting up a local shop and talking to the folks there, if you have one that carries BP supplies. Some shops are great, others, not so much. I went to a shop once to pick up the supplies to finally fire my BP Revolver. Turns out it's the only local place to buy BP supplies, but the owner was so rude that I walked without buying anything.

As for which revolver you get, get anything you fancy with a steel frame. The one I have has a brass frame, which is supposedly horrible, but I've seen/heard about them running for hundreds/thousands of rounds, no problem. But, to err on the safe side is always good: go with a steal frame.

freedom475 · September 30, 2009, 11:37 PM

I give another vote to the Rem 58... extra cylinders are nice to if you like to hunt with or pack it much.

Have owned lots of them through the years, Walker, 1860, few 36cal.1862's, the little Pocket 31Rem. and my favorite out of all of them is the 58 Rem in 44cal.

Hawg · October 1, 2009, 06:24 AM

I'll add my vote for the steel frame Remington. Remingtons are easier to learn on but if you favor a Colt design then by all means get one. Brass frames will last for many years if loads are kept light. Not so long with heavier loads. A steel frame will last decades no matter how heavy you load it.

Doc Hoy · October 1, 2009, 07:44 PM

To Thomme,

Gun shop operator in Norfolk acts the same exact way. Just about as arrogant and contemptable a human as I have ever met. AND the only guy in the area who handles BP stuff who knows anything about it. We have Bass Pro Shop which has prices 15 percent higher than Cabelas almost aross the board. We also have Dick's Sporting Goods, whose prices are even worse yet.

I also agree that you never seem to have enough. Perhaps a better way of putting it is that having enough of them is never a consideration in the decision to get one more. Show me one for a good price and that old wallet is coming out.

To Hawg,

+1 also keep it clean.

Wobble · October 1, 2009, 08:22 PM

I'll second (or 3rd or 4th) the recommendation for the 1858 Remington. It's a large enough caliber to easily load, prime, and clean -- and it makes a big bang. The Remington is a little easier and simpler to work with than a Colt.

As already mentioned you can get lots of info by reading past post on this forum. You'll have to do some experimentation to find a powder, powder measure, cap loader, and cap brand/size that works best for YOU. And cleaning products is a whole 'nother field of choices and opinions.

If you are looking for a source of products, I like Dixie Gun Works.

September 30, 2009, 03:14 AM	#1
BigPapa4147 Senior Member Join Date: September 20, 2009 Location: Westland, MI Posts: 116	Finally decided to get a BP revolver So I've decided to get into bp shooting and was wondering which revolver I should get. I was also wondering what supplies I need to get started out (nothing too fancy, I'm on a bit of a budget). I've never fired a bp revolver before, but I have fired a muzzloading rifle and loved it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. __________________ When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God.

September 30, 2009, 06:11 AM	#2
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	You'll get plenty of great advice here A good place to start would be to go back and read some of the older threads on the forum. You might be looking for topics such as: Brass Frame versus Steel frame Molding your own bullets/roundballs versus buying them Powder loads The camparison of Colt style versus Remington style revolvers Bore lube Cleaning Just look down through the titles of the threads until you come to something that looks interesting. For those who are just getting started with the first pistol, Cabelas has a "Pistol on a card" set up that has (pretty much) everything you need for a couple days light shooting (Fam Fire). That normally goes for about 250.00. Cabelas has a sale on right now so that price might be lower. Don't cut yourself getting it open. At a minimum you need: Pistol, (Never ever ever call it a gun. It is not a gun) caps, balls, powder, powder measure, bore lube (for the first couple days, you can get away with Crisco, but you will grow out of that quickly. Its easy to make your own and it doesn't put too much of a strain on your marriage.) gun oil (most of the guys never let petroleum based products touch their shootin irons.) Someplace to shoot and something to shoot at. ( I recommend a Ford truck...Never shoot at a Chevy truck ) There are plenty of additional things that willl come in handy. Most of that will be things you choose on your own and should not be overinfluenced by others. Most of all, when you have a question...any question, come to this forum. You will have four good answers (plus one long, rambling, pointless, verbose, misinformed, opinionated diatribe from me) within about 24 hours. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

September 30, 2009, 10:01 AM	#4
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	and read this... So you want a cap and ball revolver? stickied at the top of this forum __________________ grym

September 30, 2009, 10:20 AM	#5
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	Ooops Papa and MCB, Oooops. MCB is right. No explosives in the Pistol-on-a-card thing. Sorry. I also share your feelings about the buck and a quarter plastic piece of crap powder measure. But, Hey...just an opinion. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

September 30, 2009, 11:29 AM	#6
Fingers McGee Senior Member Join Date: March 19, 2008 Location: High & Dry in Missouri Ozarks Posts: 2,113	I'll concur with Doc Hoy and MCBs advice. Other links to information on getting started are: http://www.theopenrange.net/forum/index.php?board=31.0 http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/ind...oard,82.0.html http://www.curtrich.com/bpsubsdummies.html http://www.curtrich.com/frontiersmen.html __________________ Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee - AKA Man of Many Colts - Alter ego of Diabolical Ken; SASS Regulator 28564-L-TG; Rangemaster and stage writer extraordinaire; Frontiersman, Pistoleer, NRA Endowment Life, NMLRA, SAF, CCRKBA, STORM 327, SV115; Charter member, Central Ozarks Western Shooters Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision see things as they are, not as they should be. Ambrose Bierce

September 30, 2009, 09:56 AM	#3
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	I think most here well recommend the Remington 1858 NMA as a first BP revolver. Cabela's has a sale going on now. 1858 with fixed sights, $190. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true 1858 with target sights, $210. http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...817&hasJS=true The $40 starter kit gives you all you need to get started except powder and caps. I don't care for the plastic powder flask, but that's just personal preference.

September 30, 2009, 12:03 PM	#9
dshow Junior Member Join Date: September 30, 2009 Location: MA Posts: 1	Safety Have you thought about the storage of your gun as well? __________________ Gun Safety & Peace Of Mind http://www.authoritysafes.com/honeywell-safes.html

September 30, 2009, 12:08 PM	#10
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	Yup! To Chris and Grymster, As long as you don't call it a gun. A gun is something else. (Right, Pahoo?) Tnx, __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

September 30, 2009, 03:03 PM	#11
mykeal Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 2,772	A revolver is a pistol is a gun, but a gun is not necessarily a pistol, nor is a pistol necessarily a revolver.

September 30, 2009, 05:18 PM	#12
DrLaw Senior Member Join Date: June 3, 2007 Location: Wild Western Illinois Posts: 559	RESEARCH, and then More Research! Yep, check out the sticky's first, and then also search the forums. You can go cheap, but you will probably find that you should have waited a tad and saved up more for the better (Uberti). Depending on what you want it for, you also might want to consider a single shot. Yep, loads of things to consider. The one thing we do know and concur on here. You start, you'll get hooked. It's a downhill slope of fun. We'll be looking for you at the bottom of our pit! The Doc is out now. __________________ General McAuliffe said it best "Nuts."

September 30, 2009, 06:54 PM	#13
robhof Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2007 Posts: 712	robhof I started with one and now have six, told my wife they're like rabbits, she said that I better have them Fixed. Maybe just one more....

September 30, 2009, 07:09 PM	#14
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	What a question? When I got back into BP shooting, there was a week in which I had bought a pistol but then went to a gun show and came home w/ two more. My wife asked me a question that I simply could not answer. She said, "How many pistols do you think you will be needing?" I must have had the dumbest expression on my face, she ever saw. I simply did not have a lucid answer for her question. She understands a little better now that it is not a question of how many one needs. It has more to do with, "How many are out there?" Could any of you answer this question in a meaningful way? __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

September 30, 2009, 08:02 PM	#15
Delmar Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2009 Location: Norhthern Indiana Posts: 307	"Could any of you answer this question in a meaningful way?" Just a few more?

September 30, 2009, 10:33 PM	#16
Smokin_Gun Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, CA Posts: 1,195	All of them would be nice ... is the proper answer :O) __________________ "I Smoke Black Powder" "Favor an 1858 Remington" SGT. Smokin' Gun, Mosby's Rangers 43rd Virginia Cavalry C.S.A. SASS# 19634, ... Admin:http://blackpowdersmoke.com/oldcoots/index.php

September 30, 2009, 10:57 PM	#17
SigP6Carry Senior Member Join Date: August 27, 2009 Posts: 1,086	"You never have enough handguns" In anycase, BP guns are still guns. In certain jurisdictions, they may not carry the same legal ramifications as "firearms" or be classified as such, but they're still guns. and pistol actually comes from the French "Pistole" which comes from the Czech word for Flute, which is what the Hussites called their handguns in the olden days because they looked like flutes. So, "Pistol" does predate "Revolver." Revolvers also don't necessarily mean pistols, either, as there were revolving rifles, too. But, to the OP, I'd suggest hitting up a local shop and talking to the folks there, if you have one that carries BP supplies. Some shops are great, others, not so much. I went to a shop once to pick up the supplies to finally fire my BP Revolver. Turns out it's the only local place to buy BP supplies, but the owner was so rude that I walked without buying anything. As for which revolver you get, get anything you fancy with a steel frame. The one I have has a brass frame, which is supposedly horrible, but I've seen/heard about them running for hundreds/thousands of rounds, no problem. But, to err on the safe side is always good: go with a steal frame. __________________ -liberal gun nut = exception to the rule- -1.24274238 miles, because Russians don't need scopes- -Gun control was the Klan's favorite law, how can you advocate a set of laws designed to allow the denigration of a people?-

September 30, 2009, 11:37 PM	#18
freedom475 Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2008 Location: Rocky Mountains of Montana Posts: 292	I give another vote to the Rem 58... extra cylinders are nice to if you like to hunt with or pack it much. Have owned lots of them through the years, Walker, 1860, few 36cal.1862's, the little Pocket 31Rem. and my favorite out of all of them is the 58 Rem in 44cal. __________________ Maker of Horse Tack and Cowboy Gear. www.7xleather.com Mister, why do you carry a 45? "Cause Sam Colt don't make a 46."

October 1, 2009, 06:24 AM	#19
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	I'll add my vote for the steel frame Remington. Remingtons are easier to learn on but if you favor a Colt design then by all means get one. Brass frames will last for many years if loads are kept light. Not so long with heavier loads. A steel frame will last decades no matter how heavy you load it.

October 1, 2009, 07:44 PM	#20
Doc Hoy Senior Member Join Date: October 24, 2008 Location: Naples, Fl Posts: 5,440	Couple things To Thomme, Gun shop operator in Norfolk acts the same exact way. Just about as arrogant and contemptable a human as I have ever met. AND the only guy in the area who handles BP stuff who knows anything about it. We have Bass Pro Shop which has prices 15 percent higher than Cabelas almost aross the board. We also have Dick's Sporting Goods, whose prices are even worse yet. I also agree that you never seem to have enough. Perhaps a better way of putting it is that having enough of them is never a consideration in the decision to get one more. Show me one for a good price and that old wallet is coming out. To Hawg, +1 also keep it clean. __________________ Seek truth. Relax. Take a breath.

October 1, 2009, 08:22 PM	#21
Wobble Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Georgia USA Posts: 163	I'll second (or 3rd or 4th) the recommendation for the 1858 Remington. It's a large enough caliber to easily load, prime, and clean -- and it makes a big bang. The Remington is a little easier and simpler to work with than a Colt. As already mentioned you can get lots of info by reading past post on this forum. You'll have to do some experimentation to find a powder, powder measure, cap loader, and cap brand/size that works best for YOU. And cleaning products is a whole 'nother field of choices and opinions. If you are looking for a source of products, I like Dixie Gun Works.