Pietta New Model Army Target

RC20 · December 15, 2023, 06:45 PM

I wanted a BP revolver to play with and did not want to mess up what I think is a bit of a classic in the ASP NMA from 1976.

I went with the target as I wanted to see how accurate I could get balls and conical s and what if any difference.

The Target as noted by others shoots high with the rear sight all the way down. About 15 inches in my case.

I went about it differently than others, I raised the front sight. I need to get it to the range (closed until Jan) and I need more caps (down to 3). But I can do a test as I have the records of the charges and loads prior.

Its funny that the Pietta has a lot in common with the ASP in regards to use of metric threads but the bolt is very different.

The Target also shoots 200 (corrected to 100) FPS slower than the ASP with the same loads. Twist is the same (checked both and cross verified with the Pietra listing).

I am freeing up an old pair of glasses to put my Eyepal(s) on and that allows a big improvement in sight picture.

Another interesting difference is that the Pietta Target has the poor cones people talk about (yes I got the Slixshots) but the ASP cones are decent and snug on a Number 11 CCI or Remington and the Pietta Target they just fall off the cones unless pinched a lot.

Hellgate · December 16, 2023, 01:19 PM

Is this the Shooters model or just the regular Pietta NMA with factory added adjustable sights? I believe someone (Pietta or Pedersoli) makes a "shooters model" NMA for competitive target shooting as in the N/SSA competitions.

Hawg · December 16, 2023, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellgate

Is this the Shooters model or just the regular Pietta NMA with factory added adjustable sights? I believe someone (Pietta or Pedersoli) makes a "shooters mode" NMA for competitive target shooting as in the N/SSA competitions.

The Pietta shooters model doesn't have adjustable sights.

RC20 · December 18, 2023, 01:14 AM

I correct the 200 fps difference, it was 100 fps. Consistent.

I think Target is off, maybe more hunting.

You can file down the notch but I thought I would try moving the front sight up.

RC20 · December 18, 2023, 04:52 PM

What is also interesting is the Piettas NMA has the same twist rate as the ASP

I have modified the end of the ram so it seats conical s and round and I have conical s I am testing with.

I am going to get setup with my Eyepals with my old glasses and that will give a better sight picture. Not perfect but a lot better.

I got a box of Pyrex Pellets to play with that would not fire reliably in the ASP and will try those in the Pietta NMA. When they did fire they were a bit too zippy at over 1000 fps.

I finally got caps at a LGS and good to go.

Sharpsman · June 25, 2024, 06:57 PM

I have the Pietta 1858 .44 New Model Army BP revolver and am impressed with the build and accuracy. I use Hornady .44 cal. swaged balls and 38 grains of KIK FFF BP with a .44 caliber OPW against the powder and then insert the ball using the ram. I also apply beeswax to the front of the cylinders. However I don't think the latter is needed as the .454 bullet is tight against the OPW to prevent chain fire! At 40 yards distance this revolver and load will shoot six shots into a group the size of the palm of my hand! Good trigger on the revolver also I might add! Very pleased with the revolver!

December 16, 2023, 01:19 PM	#2
Hellgate Senior Member Join Date: November 18, 2010 Location: Orygun Posts: 881	Is this the Shooters model or just the regular Pietta NMA with factory added adjustable sights? I believe someone (Pietta or Pedersoli) makes a "shooters model" NMA for competitive target shooting as in the N/SSA competitions. __________________ With over 15 perCUSSIN' revolvers, I've been called the Imelda Marcos of cap & ball. SASS#3302 (Life), SASS Regulator, NRA (Life), Dirty Gamey Bastards #129 Wolverton Mtn. Peacekeepers (WA), former Orygun Cowboy (Ranger, Posse from Hell) Last edited by Hellgate; December 16, 2023 at 04:29 PM.

December 18, 2023, 01:14 AM	#4
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,330	I correct the 200 fps difference, it was 100 fps. Consistent. I think Target is off, maybe more hunting. You can file down the notch but I thought I would try moving the front sight up. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

December 18, 2023, 04:52 PM	#5
RC20 Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2008 Location: Alaska Posts: 7,330	What is also interesting is the Piettas NMA has the same twist rate as the ASP I have modified the end of the ram so it seats conical s and round and I have conical s I am testing with. I am going to get setup with my Eyepals with my old glasses and that will give a better sight picture. Not perfect but a lot better. I got a box of Pyrex Pellets to play with that would not fire reliably in the ASP and will try those in the Pietta NMA. When they did fire they were a bit too zippy at over 1000 fps. I finally got caps at a LGS and good to go. __________________ Science and Facts are True whether you believe it or not

June 25, 2024, 06:57 PM	#6
Sharpsman Junior Member Join Date: February 18, 2014 Posts: 6	I have the Pietta 1858 .44 New Model Army BP revolver and am impressed with the build and accuracy. I use Hornady .44 cal. swaged balls and 38 grains of KIK FFF BP with a .44 caliber OPW against the powder and then insert the ball using the ram. I also apply beeswax to the front of the cylinders. However I don't think the latter is needed as the .454 bullet is tight against the OPW to prevent chain fire! At 40 yards distance this revolver and load will shoot six shots into a group the size of the palm of my hand! Good trigger on the revolver also I might add! Very pleased with the revolver!