Range time with the 1866 and the 1851

[StrawHat]

Finaly got this one out to do some shooting.  I carried it and my FrankenTrapdoor, 20 rounds for the rifle and 30 for the revolver.  I started in close and got on paper at 25 yards with the first shot.  A little windage and I was hitting in the center.   The next 3 went into a nice group and I was happy.  I reloaded and moved a paper plate out to fifty to see what would happen.  The groups opened but I could see enough potetial in the revolver, I may keep it.  So, I reloaded and started walking the property.  Targets would appear, rocks, stumps 5 gallon pails, lids for the same, etc.  I would estimate range and pop them with whichever firearm seemed appropriate.  The trapdoor performed as I would expect it to, sight, squeeze, boom, and hit.  It never gets old!  The 51 suprised me.  While I could not hit as well at the long ranges as I could with the rifle, I was pleased that at least out to 100 (and maybe a bit farther) yards, I was holding well enough to worry a five gallon pail lid.  Anything smaller and I had trouble holding a sight picture.  The sighting on the 1851 is the standard hammer V and front cone.  I will clean up the V to a square sided notch and install a dovetailed front sight for the next outing and see if it allows me a steadier picture.  But I was pleasantly pleased with the 51.  And while it paired well with the 50-70, I doubt it will replace the Richards Conversion I normally carry. 

But at least I know it will do as a woods gun.

[Smokin_Gun]

Sounds like you had some real fun StrawHat ... I wish I could get out and/or been along with ya ... Still ain't fired my unfired 2nd Gen 1851 Colt I got last year ... that and I'll take one a my .50's or my 1863 Remington .58 maybe... or probly the 45/70 Trapdoor ... and a Colt .45 in the other Holster
Good Range Report StrawHat...

[Dave]

What type of '51 is it? 

[StrawHat]

...What type of '51 is it?  ...

SOrry Dave, I guess I did leave that part out.  It is a short barreled 1851 made by Armi San Paolo in 1973.  The barrel is 4 1/4" and was cut after it left the factory.



I got it a year or two ago and am slowly beginning to use it.  I still prefer the 1860 as the 1860 is basically the same size but with a bit more power.  I am not saying the 36 is underpowered, I may take it out after hogs but the 44 definately is a bit more of the same.

[chuckr1952]

                                   Nice gun StrawHat, a redo on the sights will undoubtly improve it, as I get older I need all the help I can get.

[StrawHat]

I have one very early Uberti that came from the factory with a square notch in the hammer.  I wish they all came that way but I own a file and know how to use it so most of mine end up with a square notch for a rear sight.  The front sights also usually get removed and replaced.  I have used a chunk of coin on one but mostly I prefer to use a front sight with a brass base and germen silver blade.  For looks and practicallity they work out the best.  For use, well black front and rear sights are the best for me but they don't look quite correct on a C&B revolver.

[Dave]

I recently bought an ASM 1851 .36 that has no markings at all on the barrel or frame, and a faint "ASM" under the loading lever.  It was unfired until a few days ago but the nipples are mashed almost beyond use from dry firing (not by me).  It's also missing the front sight.  I have a cone shaped sight that fits perfectly but here's the question - I plan to JB Weld the sight in place, but how do you align it so the gun shoots straight?  Did they use a jig in the old days (and today)?
The bottom one is an antique muff pistol that I recently got.  I think it's a shooter.

[Fuzzy]

This was how I fixed a blade sight on my Pietta revolver.

[Dave]

So, you get the gun square and stationary, line up the front sight with the rear...good idea, Fuzzster. With mine. the sight is cone shaped, wider at the base - the base will fit in the hole, then I gotta keep the tip of the sight lined up with the rear sight.  Probably easier than I think.
Thanks, Fuzzy.

[Fuzzy]

it was a little harder on a round barrel, bet be easier w/ a flat barrel

[Smokin_Gun]

Good job on that one Fuzzy ... and the tooling too

[chuckr1952]

                            I agree, good idea for a jig.