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Old September 21, 2011, 06:38 PM   #1
duelist1954
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Video - Shooting the .44 Starr Army Revolver

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
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Old September 21, 2011, 07:42 PM   #2
zullo74
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Mike.

I really liked this video. It was something you don't see every day!

The only criticism is the audio levels keep changing between your scenes. You have to work on that. All in all though, I give it 4/5 'Stars'. Pun intended!
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Old September 21, 2011, 07:49 PM   #3
Shotgun693
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What percentage of handguns used in the War of Northern Aggression were 'other than' Colts, Remingtons, & S&Ws? Anyone know?
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Old September 21, 2011, 08:21 PM   #4
Crazy Clay
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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?
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Old September 22, 2011, 08:54 AM   #5
Hardcase
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Pietta makes replica Starrs. Polish up your credit card - they're a little spendy.
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Old September 22, 2011, 09:17 AM   #6
zullo74
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I already priced it at Cabelas...$499.99
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Old September 22, 2011, 09:55 AM   #7
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LeMats are more fun

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Old September 22, 2011, 09:56 AM   #8
mykeal
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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.
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Old September 22, 2011, 11:09 AM   #9
duelist1954
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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.
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Old September 22, 2011, 11:12 AM   #10
duelist1954
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BTW, I'll be doing a LeMat video before too long.
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Old September 24, 2011, 12:43 AM   #11
swopjan
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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!

Quote:
BTW, I'll be doing a LeMat video before too long.
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Old October 21, 2011, 08:07 AM   #12
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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.

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