Help a Newbie with a choice

L'derry · November 6, 2008, 01:11 AM

Hi,

I'm new to the forum and am looking to buy a first bp handgun. (I've been shooting bp rifles for sometime.)

I haven't been able to personally handle them, but like to buy either the 1851 Confederate Navy .44 or the Remington New Army 1858 .44. I've been reading as much as I could on these guns here on the forum, but still haven't been able to decide between them. I know, I know, I should buy both! But the second one will have to wait a while.

I think if I was able to handle and check them out personally, it would help. None of the shops around me handle them. I thought some of you who have experience with them might be able to give me some pointers and advice to help me choose.

I basically want one for casual shooting and show. It won't see 1000's of rounds, but I'd like something reliable.

Thanks for any help.

Guardian Angel Mors · November 6, 2008, 02:50 AM

Howdy,
I owned a 1851 Navy in .36 and just sold it because I need some "room" to buy a new matching pair of the same pistol ( custom made, engraved etc.etc etc.): all I can say is that's a really good one; the only problem is the cap that when shoot has the bad habit to fall into the space from frame and hammer but you can easily solve it cocking the hammer keeping the gun upside-down.
I stil own instead a Remington New Model Army .44 ( a present from my girl...): reliable, accurate, well finished. Heavier than the '51 but fine to handle. Just keep the cylinder pin clean and it will give you great satisfactions.

My two cents

Hawg · November 6, 2008, 04:51 AM

I'd go with the 58 Remington for a first bp revolver just because it's a little less to learn.

Guardian Angel, you don't have to hold it upside down, just get in the habit of raising the muzzle slightly and tilting it to the right a little as you cock it.

zippy13 · November 6, 2008, 04:52 AM

Greetings, L'derry, and welcome aboard.

Like Guardian Angel Mors, I have '51 Navy .36 and '58 Remington .44 replicas. The lighter, open framed, Navy may be the small-handed gunslingers choice, but I prefer the more robust '58. Also, the New Army's design allows an easy cylinder swap. As seen in Eastwood's Pale Rider, with preloaded extra cylinders, a New Army can be reloaded faster than a Colt SAA.

Quote:

I'd go with the 58 Remington for a first bp revolver just because it's a little less to learn.

+1

Raider2000 · November 6, 2008, 05:08 AM

The colt design is a fine revolver that can last for years & is classic, many preferr the grip feel & balance of the 1851 over all the others but the ease of maintenence & robustness of the 1858 tend to appeal most every one & I agree for a first C&B revolver I would go with the 1858 revolver.

grymster2007 · November 6, 2008, 09:09 AM

I have the 58 Remington and like it a lot. I chose it in part based on what I learned from this forum and it has worked out well. I'll probably have to have a '51 at some point, but currently I have a thing for BP pocket revolvers.

sundance44s · November 6, 2008, 09:12 AM

1858 fun and less tinkering ....good first buy ...But the Colt bug will bite .

Ricklin · November 6, 2008, 10:35 AM

I took the plunge with a 58 remmie (Pietta) very pleased with it.
Choose your retailer carefully, I had a not so fun experience with the folks I bought mine from. Make certain that you can return or exchange the weapon.
Post when you receive it. The gang here can help give you pointers on how to check out your new toy.
BP revolvers are a blast!!

Esp. around sundown with 35-40 grains of powder.
Cabelas often has good deals. The overall quality of both Pietta and Uberti are pretty good, but there is always a chance you could get one that was manufactured during the christmas party.

L'derry · November 6, 2008, 10:36 AM

Thanks for the welcome and thanks for your responses.

A lot to consider, and both have a different kind of appeal. The Colt has flash and antique look (brass and barrel), and the Remington has the beauty of smooth lines of a fine old weapon. But it sounds like the '58 is the smart choice to start with.

If this goes the way I think it will, be both guns will be in the locker before 2009 is out!

Again, thanks!

Fingers McGee · November 6, 2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

I basically want one for casual shooting and show. It won't see 1000's of rounds, but I'd like something reliable.

Welcome to the fire L'derry.

All C&B revolvers can be made reliable. Some just require more work and practice than others. If you're just looking for casual shooting and show, just buy one (or more) that appeals to you - for whatever reason. My personnal favorites are the Colt '51/61 Navies. To my mind they are the quintessential BP revolver. I have or have had Remmies, Whitneys, and Colts made by Euroarms, Pietta, Armi San Marco, Uberti, and Colt. Bought each one for a different reason.

Whatever you decide to buy, the folks here, and on other forums, will be glad to answer your questions and help you get maximum enjoyment.

madcratebuilder · November 6, 2008, 01:41 PM

Welcome to the forum L'derry. All the above advice is right on. My BP collection include Colts and Remingtons. My favorite is a new to me, 51 Colt Navy in 36 cal.
Sounds like your going to have to mail order your first one. Cabela's has a super buy on the New Model Army Remington, aka 1858 Remington, for $220. they have a free shipping offer going right now. Their Remington is made by Pietta and the one they sent me is well worth the money. A little creep in the trigger but very serviceable. Good luck with your choice.

noelf2 · November 6, 2008, 02:25 PM

I prefer the 1858. Have 2 of them. A pretty one with case hardened frame and etched grip, and one is the standard workhorse (fine looking gun as well). I like the 1858 because of the easy cylinder swap. Easier to use a cargridge conversion cylinder if you don't want to modify the gun.

L'derry · November 6, 2008, 06:58 PM

Cabelas just upped the price today on the '58 New Army from $220 to $240. I put it in my Wish List at $219.99 and now it's $240! The '51 is still showing at $150.

Hard to understand in this economy that they're jumping the price by $20 at once.

L'derry · November 6, 2008, 08:05 PM

I was pretty much set on the Cabelas 1858 New Army 5.5", but since it went up in price, I began to look around. I noticed that the Traditions '58 version offered by Cheaper Than Dirt has a brass frame. I assume that a steel frame is desired and is a more accurate replica.

EDIT:
Sorry, I got the 5.5" barrel model price of $240 confused with the 8" barrel price of $220.

Hawg · November 6, 2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

I assume that a steel frame is desired and is a more accurate replica.

True on both counts. That Confederate Navy you're looking at is a Pietta fantasy piece. There was never a brass framed Colt or a production model 51 in .44

grymster2007 · November 6, 2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Sorry, I got the 5.5" barrel model price of $240 confused with the 8" barrel price of $220.

Yeah... they charge you $20 to have Guido saw 2 1/2 inches off the barrel and mount a new sight.

Ricklin · November 6, 2008, 10:13 PM

I don't recommend cheaperthandirt for a BP revolver purchase. They have a no return policy on BP pistols, look for the disclaimer.
I had to return my cheaperthandirt purchase to the distributor, took 6 or 8 weeks and multiple calls to finally get a new pistol from them.
A good seller will give you a non-firing inspection period in which you can return or exchange the item.
I got the one that was made during the christmas party! It was a hassle, the distributor did finally make it right.

pohill · November 6, 2008, 11:21 PM

L'Derry, what part of NH are you in? If possible take a trip to the Kittery Trading Post and check out what they have in new and used BP revolvers. That way you can get a feel of each gun before you buy. Kittery has done very well by me.

mykeal · November 7, 2008, 06:29 AM

I strongly agree with Ricklin and Pohill. Avoid cheaperthandirt at all costs (they have a terrible reputation for bp guns), and check out the Kittery Trading Post (they have a superb reputation).

sundance44s · November 7, 2008, 07:23 AM

Careful Kittery is addicting ......But I wish I lived closer ..

L'derry · November 7, 2008, 09:35 AM

KTP is about an hour away. I went on their website, but didn't call them. I'll call then visit.

Good idea. Thanks.

noelf2 · November 7, 2008, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Cabelas just upped the price today on the '58 New Army from $220 to $240.

No they didn't. It's still $219.99. You must be looking at the Target model that is $239.99. Could very well go up soon though. I bought the case hardened 1858 .44 two years ago for 219.99 at Cabelas. It's $289.99 now, but it is one fine looking gun and shoots like a dream.

Cabelas also has some promotions going on that bring the prices down a bit (or takes off shipping). A couple weeks ago I got one of the target model 1858's for about $70. I had $156 in cabelas points from my cabelas credit card, and had a $30 off promotion code for spending more than $200 bucks. Shipping was about $16 or so. You can get good deals at Cabelas if you are patient.

Smokin_Gun · November 8, 2008, 04:01 AM

Get the 1858 Remington NMA .44 Steel Hands Down.

The 1865 Rogers & Spencer .44 I'd say look into as a close 2nd...

SG

L'derry · November 9, 2008, 11:19 PM

Well I ordered the 1858 NMA 8" bbl in .44 from Cabela's along with a spare cyl.

It's a Christmas gift from my wife. So I'm working on the reasoning as to why I need to shoot it when it arrives and a lot more after that. Absolutely no need to wait for the holiday, right?

I'm sure it needs to be fired as soon as it arrives in case it needs to be returned.

Then it'll need cleaning and re-shooting. And then used to check out different holsters, and more shooting to be sure it's in working order, then cleaned again, etc. That should get me to Christmas when I'll put it under the tree for the formal acceptance ceremony.

fastforty · November 9, 2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

I'm sure it needs to be fired as soon as it arrives in case it needs to be returned. Then it'll need cleaning and re-shooting. And then used to check out different holsters, and more shooting to be sure it's in working order, then cleaned again, etc. That should get me to Christmas when I'll put it under the tree for the formal acceptance ceremony.

That's my story & I'm sticking to it (currently carrying my new Colt 1911, which is a Christmas present).

November 6, 2008, 01:11 AM	#1
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	Help a Newbie with a choice Hi, I'm new to the forum and am looking to buy a first bp handgun. (I've been shooting bp rifles for sometime.) I haven't been able to personally handle them, but like to buy either the 1851 Confederate Navy .44 or the Remington New Army 1858 .44. I've been reading as much as I could on these guns here on the forum, but still haven't been able to decide between them. I know, I know, I should buy both! But the second one will have to wait a while. I think if I was able to handle and check them out personally, it would help. None of the shops around me handle them. I thought some of you who have experience with them might be able to give me some pointers and advice to help me choose. I basically want one for casual shooting and show. It won't see 1000's of rounds, but I'd like something reliable. Thanks for any help.

November 6, 2008, 02:50 AM	#2
Guardian Angel Mors Junior Member Join Date: August 21, 2008 Location: North east of Italy Posts: 11	Howdy, I owned a 1851 Navy in .36 and just sold it because I need some "room" to buy a new matching pair of the same pistol ( custom made, engraved etc.etc etc.): all I can say is that's a really good one; the only problem is the cap that when shoot has the bad habit to fall into the space from frame and hammer but you can easily solve it cocking the hammer keeping the gun upside-down. I stil own instead a Remington New Model Army .44 ( a present from my girl...): reliable, accurate, well finished. Heavier than the '51 but fine to handle. Just keep the cylinder pin clean and it will give you great satisfactions. My two cents __________________ SASS L #71985 RO II

November 6, 2008, 09:09 AM	#6
grymster2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: In the oak studded hills near Napa Posts: 2,203	I have the 58 Remington and like it a lot. I chose it in part based on what I learned from this forum and it has worked out well. I'll probably have to have a '51 at some point, but currently I have a thing for BP pocket revolvers. __________________ grym

November 6, 2008, 10:35 AM	#8
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	58 remmie I took the plunge with a 58 remmie (Pietta) very pleased with it. Choose your retailer carefully, I had a not so fun experience with the folks I bought mine from. Make certain that you can return or exchange the weapon. Post when you receive it. The gang here can help give you pointers on how to check out your new toy. BP revolvers are a blast!! Esp. around sundown with 35-40 grains of powder. Cabelas often has good deals. The overall quality of both Pietta and Uberti are pretty good, but there is always a chance you could get one that was manufactured during the christmas party. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

November 6, 2008, 10:36 AM	#9
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	Help a Newbie with a Choice Thanks for the welcome and thanks for your responses. A lot to consider, and both have a different kind of appeal. The Colt has flash and antique look (brass and barrel), and the Remington has the beauty of smooth lines of a fine old weapon. But it sounds like the '58 is the smart choice to start with. If this goes the way I think it will, be both guns will be in the locker before 2009 is out! Again, thanks!

November 6, 2008, 04:51 AM	#3
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,189	I'd go with the 58 Remington for a first bp revolver just because it's a little less to learn. Guardian Angel, you don't have to hold it upside down, just get in the habit of raising the muzzle slightly and tilting it to the right a little as you cock it.

November 6, 2008, 05:08 AM	#5
Raider2000 Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2007 Location: Virginia Posts: 719	The colt design is a fine revolver that can last for years & is classic, many preferr the grip feel & balance of the 1851 over all the others but the ease of maintenence & robustness of the 1858 tend to appeal most every one & I agree for a first C&B revolver I would go with the 1858 revolver.

November 6, 2008, 09:12 AM	#7
sundance44s Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2006 Location: Hernando , Ms. Posts: 579	1858 fun and less tinkering ....good first buy ...But the Colt bug will bite .

November 6, 2008, 01:41 PM	#11
madcratebuilder Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2007 Location: Northern Orygun Posts: 4,923	Welcome to the forum L'derry. All the above advice is right on. My BP collection include Colts and Remingtons. My favorite is a new to me, 51 Colt Navy in 36 cal. Sounds like your going to have to mail order your first one. Cabela's has a super buy on the New Model Army Remington, aka 1858 Remington, for $220. they have a free shipping offer going right now. Their Remington is made by Pietta and the one they sent me is well worth the money. A little creep in the trigger but very serviceable. Good luck with your choice.

November 6, 2008, 02:25 PM	#12
noelf2 Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Stuart, VA Posts: 2,473	I prefer the 1858. Have 2 of them. A pretty one with case hardened frame and etched grip, and one is the standard workhorse (fine looking gun as well). I like the 1858 because of the easy cylinder swap. Easier to use a cargridge conversion cylinder if you don't want to modify the gun. __________________ Liberty and freedom often offends those who understand neither.

November 6, 2008, 06:58 PM	#13
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	Cabelas just upped the price today on the '58 New Army from $220 to $240. I put it in my Wish List at $219.99 and now it's $240! The '51 is still showing at $150. Hard to understand in this economy that they're jumping the price by $20 at once.

November 6, 2008, 08:05 PM	#14
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	I was pretty much set on the Cabelas 1858 New Army 5.5", but since it went up in price, I began to look around. I noticed that the Traditions '58 version offered by Cheaper Than Dirt has a brass frame. I assume that a steel frame is desired and is a more accurate replica. EDIT: Sorry, I got the 5.5" barrel model price of $240 confused with the 8" barrel price of $220. Last edited by L'derry; November 6, 2008 at 08:53 PM. Reason: Incorrect model

November 6, 2008, 10:13 PM	#17
Ricklin Senior Member Join Date: February 22, 2008 Location: SW Washington state Posts: 2,011	NO NO NO to CTD I don't recommend cheaperthandirt for a BP revolver purchase. They have a no return policy on BP pistols, look for the disclaimer. I had to return my cheaperthandirt purchase to the distributor, took 6 or 8 weeks and multiple calls to finally get a new pistol from them. A good seller will give you a non-firing inspection period in which you can return or exchange the item. I got the one that was made during the christmas party! It was a hassle, the distributor did finally make it right. __________________ ricklin Freedom is not free

November 6, 2008, 11:21 PM	#18
pohill Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 521	L'Derry, what part of NH are you in? If possible take a trip to the Kittery Trading Post and check out what they have in new and used BP revolvers. That way you can get a feel of each gun before you buy. Kittery has done very well by me.

November 7, 2008, 06:29 AM	#19
mykeal Senior Member Join Date: October 8, 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 2,772	I strongly agree with Ricklin and Pohill. Avoid cheaperthandirt at all costs (they have a terrible reputation for bp guns), and check out the Kittery Trading Post (they have a superb reputation).

November 7, 2008, 07:23 AM	#20
sundance44s Senior Member Join Date: February 6, 2006 Location: Hernando , Ms. Posts: 579	Careful Kittery is addicting ......But I wish I lived closer ..

November 7, 2008, 09:35 AM	#21
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	KTP is about an hour away. I went on their website, but didn't call them. I'll call then visit. Good idea. Thanks.

November 8, 2008, 04:01 AM	#23
Smokin_Gun Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2005 Location: Mojave Desert, CA Posts: 1,195	Get the 1858 Remington NMA .44 Steel Hands Down. The 1865 Rogers & Spencer .44 I'd say look into as a close 2nd... SG __________________ "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

November 9, 2008, 11:19 PM	#24
L'derry Member Join Date: November 6, 2008 Location: NH Posts: 63	Well I ordered the 1858 NMA 8" bbl in .44 from Cabela's along with a spare cyl. It's a Christmas gift from my wife. So I'm working on the reasoning as to why I need to shoot it when it arrives and a lot more after that. Absolutely no need to wait for the holiday, right? I'm sure it needs to be fired as soon as it arrives in case it needs to be returned. Then it'll need cleaning and re-shooting. And then used to check out different holsters, and more shooting to be sure it's in working order, then cleaned again, etc. That should get me to Christmas when I'll put it under the tree for the formal acceptance ceremony.