Good Day Gentlemen,

I know this is a difficult (opinionated) question to ask you to answer, but I’m hoping I can get a bit of advice on something – perhaps even a consensus of opinion to some degree

I’m not new to firearms or shooting at all, but I’m thinking of venturing into unknown territory with my next acquisition. I want to get a cap & ball revolver, and I want to get the best one I can find. No, I don’t have money to spare, but I learned a long time ago that you pretty much get what you pay for. I’d rather spend a few more dollars now and get a quality firearm.

There are a number of manufacturers making black powder cap & ball revolvers, and obviously some of these manufacturers will be turning out a much better product than others. Also, even when dealing with the various models offered by a high quality maker, there are often some models that are better than others.

So first of all, can anybody tell me who is considered to be the “best” manufacturer of this type of firearm? I’ve been told that Uberti makes the best cap & ball “reproduction” revolvers available on the market today. Would anybody with a few years experience in cap & ball revolvers care to comment on this? Generally speaking, are the Uberti revolvers the best currently being offered? IF they aren’t – then who is? :confused:

Secondly, do any of Uberti’s (or whoever) models seem to be consistently “better” than the other ones they offer?

Again, I know this is a vague question and not an easy one to answer, but there seems to be a lot of expertise on this forum, and I’m hoping you fellows may help me avoid buying something that I’ll be disappointed in.

I’m not as concerned about caliber or even cost as I am QUALITY. I intend to shoot this revolver a lot, so I want something that not only looks good, but will function smoothly and provide reliable service for a very long time.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Know someone is going to post this, but as Rugers are not reproductions of any of the originals, they don't really fall into the reproduction class...more like "in the theme of"....but are certainly the best made percussion revolvers ever built. But unfortunately, after many years of being made, not in production at this time.

For a reproduction, the Uberti's are a bit better fitted/bit better made all around. Are more expensive as well. Are several version/models that aren't made any longer, but the most popular Colts are still being made. Remington reproductions are also a good bet as they tend to be stronger (solid frame).

Have had maybe 12 reproduction revolvers pass through my hands. If you know certerfire revolvers, then you understand how they should fit and time...of the 12 (both major makers) only 2 were "right". Have come to expect that there are little problems to be solved for any of them.

Be aware that there are some reproductions that do not match the orignals very well at all. Short barreled Remingtons, adjustable sighted reproductions, brass framed 44's (have never turned up a single example of an original CSA brass framed 44....36's, yes...44's no), stainless construction, etc.


Cowboy shooting has brought about those short barrled, non-original, type reproduction (but a reproduction of nothing orginal). If being historically accurate doesn't come into play, start looking the used gun lists for a Ruger rather than a reproduction that reproduces nothing historically made. But a pair of nicely made Navy '51's sure would be nice.

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A plug for the .36. Doubt you're buying this for self defence. Doubt you're buying it to hunt deer. For having fun, bounching cans, shooting targets, or even taking small game, the .36 does just as well. Doesn't help if you ant a Dragoon or a Walker, but having had 44's and 36's, perfer the 36.
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the only two makers of reproduction evolvers you're likely to find are Uberti and Pietta. Other than having a few more problems with timing, the Pietta versions work fine once they are tuned up to run right...the Uberti versions are less often miss timed.

Might also find used versions that come from Armi San Palo, Palmetto, or Armi Sport. Can find dozens of importers names, but those were where they were made reguarless of the importer's roll stamps.

Ribbonstone is right, Uberti or Pietta are about the only repro makers right now. I may be missing someone small but for the money, they are the way to go.

Couple factors to keep in mind. BP cap and ball is dirty. Remington repros gunk up and stop turning faster than Colt repros do and Ruger's Old army just keeps right on trucking when the gunk build up locks up the others. They will all need cleaning during prolonged shooting sessions, the Remingtons just need it sooner. #- 4 cylinders full of shooting and its cleaning time. Just pull the cylinder, wipe the gunk off the front, give the barrel a quick spritz and wipe and youre back in business
The Colt repros will give you a few more cylinders of shots, the Rugers a handful more full cylinders.

As for fit and finish, Uberti is recognized as better at fit and finish than Pietta. The only difference ina side by side comparison between my Pietta 1860's and a Uberti 1860 is that teh Uberti had a nice high gloss finish on its grip and the CC finish on the hammer was better than two of my three. Otherwise, the difference is minimal in my opinion. It doesnt justify as much money as Uberti asks more than Pietta.

A pietta 1860 will run about $250, a Uberti about $350, a used but good condition ROA stainless 7 1/2 inch with adjustable sights has run me $350 and $425. (Got two of dem pistolas now! :D )

I used to think I wanted a Walker. Do not need one, the Ruger does everything a Wlaker might adn then some! Besides, there are reports that under recoil, the Walker models drop loose their loading lever, tying up the cylinder.

I was just thinking about it but inthe last year adn a half, my certerfire revolvers are probably feeling neglected because I've shot cap and ball so much. :D got to go to the range I guess.

Thank you gentlemen. That is exactly the type of feed back I was hoping to get. It confirms some of what I had been told, and provides further insight into some things I had not thought of.

I’m from Canada. Northern British Columbia to be exact. I have located a Dealer that can get me the Uberti products, and that is pretty much what I had decided to do. I was interested in your observations of the fouling issue (frequency) between the Remington and Colt, and that will likely influence my decision on which model to go with. I think I’ll start with the Uberti 1851 Colt Navy “Squareback” in .36 cal.

Before I forget, Ribbonstone – you are right. This revolver is not for defense or hunting. Just for pure fun. I have other equipment for both defense and hunting purposes.

I’d also (eventually) like to find one of the original Ruger Old Army models in the plain finish, long barrel, but I know that’s not going to be easy. No point looking in any of the usual places you fellows can buy such stuff because I can’t import it from the US myself anyway. Although if I knew where there was one I might be able to get a Canadian Dealer to bring it in for me. Guess I’ll just have to keep my eyes and ears open and hope I stumble across one. Who knows, I might find one.

Another revolver I had looked at was the Pedersoli Remington Pattern 1863-1875. Pedersoli’s products are usually pretty upper end in quality. Has anybody had anything to do with this particular revolver?

1972
I frequent another forum that shall remain nameless unless you want to PM me cause I don't want to potentially run afoul of the advert regs here. If you want the info, PM me and I'll let you know. I found my second ROA there and Im sure your dealer could work out transfer things with a seller if you found one to your liking.



I am nothing if not a fun gun enabler. :D

I'll agree the Ruger is the best built but since it isn't a replica of any original gun I'd just as soon shoot blackpowder handloads out of a Ruger .45 Colt or even a Super Blackhawk .44 mag, both of which are lighter guns than the Old Army.