In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options
.44 Colt Army 1860 -- It's a beauty! and a Keeper
theprofessor
Member Posts: 37 ✭✭
Just bought a Colt 1860 Army .44cal. no manual or info with pistol so what ball size round is best to use? I see that both .451 and .454 are available?? any recommendation for use with a Colt manufactured pistol. ( actually not certain that I will shot it as it is still a virgin !) it has a stamp on the left side lower frame: ( COLTS PATENT US )
also what powder charge is recommended with: fffG
also what powder charge is recommended with: fffG
Comments
Try a few, you need to shave off a little thin circle of lead, a lead "donut" while you load that ball. If you aren't shaving that donut the ball is too small and you need to go up to .457
I like 28 grains of fffg, on top of that a lubed wad, and a .457 ball.
Also, even though #11 caps are recommended, you probably will do better with #10.
Decided not to shoot this pistol, plan to keep it in OEM condition.
However, it is probably made by either Pietta or Uberti. I have a Pietta made 1860 that shoots either .451 or .454.
'm not much of a tack driver, however the accuracy iis comparable with both ball sizes. The .451 balls are much easier to seat, and still cut a thin lead ring. the ,454 balls take a bit more of a push to get them going.
As far as a load goes, these guns were designed to have the cylinders filled to the top and the ball seated to compress the charge. However, that is probably about 35 grains which is more than necessary, and will not give you more velocity that a charge of 25 to 30 grains.
If you do choose to use a grossly underpowered charge of 15 grains or so, it is wise to use a wad or some filler(such as corn meal) betwent he ball and powder. This will ensure the charge is properly compressed and will reduce the chance of overpressure from a non-compressed charge.
After looking into the deatials of pistol I have decided to not shoot it. I don't know the value but don't think it is as high a price as noted above ( assume this was $ for 1860's manufactured Colt Army.)
Any ideas on this 1979 2nd Generation. I think it was limited edition of 500 sold as US Cav sets ?
corrections made
Colt 1860 Army
Yours is a standard "F" series 1860 Army. If you still have the original black box, it's probably in the neighborhood of $650. Without the box, probably $550-$600.
That's a nice case. It looks like one of Bill Shumate's cases.
That's not a Cavalry commemorative. Those were made in 1977 as sets of two guns and a shoulder stock. They were also specially serial-numbered beginning with "US" on one gun and ending with the letters "US" on the matching gun in the serial number.
Yours is a standard "F" series 1860 Army. If you still have the original black box, it's probably in the neighborhood of $650. Without the box, probably $550-$600.
That's a nice case. It looks like one of Bill Shumate's cases.
Thanks for info. I made the pistolcase, it was my initial attempt at building case for my own use. I learned alot about what not to do, but it turned out pretty good. I also made the accoutrements in the case, The cartridge packet ( actually have a .44cal one - pictured is a .36 cal) the Elay tin and the Loading Instruction sheet.
Spider.do all of the Colt .44 have the US stamp on left side of frame??
This series of black powder revolvers was made by a subcontractor using parts made in Italy. Any work done in the US was probably done in Middlesex New Jersey and consisted of final fitting and inspections.
http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/Cap+%2526+Ball+Resurrection
"Under the subcontractor agreement to produce 2nd Generation percussion models, Imperato's responsibilities were to manufacture the revolvers to Colt's strict specifications, then ship the finished product to its Hartford facilities. Colt's then performed final inspection and shipped the revolvers to distributors. This is why Colt historical letters for 2nd Generation percussion revolvers contain exactly the same type of information one finds in letters for original percussion models, Single Action Armys and other models."
In Dennis Russels book on the 2nd Gens, he states the frames, loading lever assemblies and hammers were regularly shipped for case hardening from Iver Johnson to Colt's manufacturing facilities in Connecticut.
That's not a Cavalry commemorative. Those were made in 1977 as sets of two guns and a shoulder stock. They were also specially serial-numbered beginning with "US" on one gun and ending with the letters "US" on the matching gun in the serial number.
Yours is a standard "F" series 1860 Army. If you still have the original black box, it's probably in the neighborhood of $650. Without the box, probably $550-$600.
That's a nice case. It looks like one of Bill Shumate's cases.
I saw Palin & McCain yesterday at the Fairfax VA rally..........
the answer to " Is America ready for a VPILF " YES Roger That !!!
2nd Gens are Colts, were marketed, sold and warranted by Colt; and will letter from Colt. The fact that they were assembled and finished using parts from Italy as well as the US has absolutely nothing to do with their status as a Colt. Quoting from the article:
"Under the subcontractor agreement to produce 2nd Generation percussion models, Imperato's responsibilities were to manufacture the revolvers to Colt's strict specifications, then ship the finished product to its Hartford facilities. Colt's then performed final inspection and shipped the revolvers to distributors. This is why Colt historical letters for 2nd Generation percussion revolvers contain exactly the same type of information one finds in letters for original percussion models, Single Action Armys and other models."
In Dennis Russels book on the 2nd Gens, he states the frames, loading lever assemblies and hammers were regularly shipped for case hardening from Iver Johnson to Colt's manufacturing facilities in Connecticut.
Ken is 100% correct. "Second Generation" Colts will letter from the factory and are considered to be genuine Colts. However, the Third Generation "Signature Series" are not since they were made under license by Colt Blackpowder Firearms Company of Brooklyn, NY, now operating as Henry Repeating Firearms Company.
It depends on the manufacturer - if it is reall a Colt made gun, and it has never been fired, I suggest you don't. This gun is worth five figures.
However, it is probably made by either Pietta or Uberti. I have a Pietta made 1860 that shoots either .451 or .454.
'm not much of a tack driver, however the accuracy iis comparable with both ball sizes. The .451 balls are much easier to seat, and still cut a thin lead ring. the ,454 balls take a bit more of a push to get them going.
As far as a load goes, these guns were designed to have the cylinders filled to the top and the ball seated to compress the charge. However, that is probably about 35 grains which is more than necessary, and will not give you more velocity that a charge of 25 to 30 grains.
If you do choose to use a grossly underpowered charge of 15 grains or so, it is wise to use a wad or some filler(such as corn meal) betwent he ball and powder. This will ensure the charge is properly compressed and will reduce the chance of overpressure from a non-compressed charge.
Five figures?! In what, Dinars?