1851 Colt Navy question

[Mike1911]

I'll be getting an 1851 Colt Navy (made by A. Uberti) in a week or so and know nothing about these pistols.

I will not be fireing it until someone who is more familiar with these goes with me. Anyway, what type of black powder, caps, etc. do I need to get?

Thanks very much.

 

[MarVin]

Colt Navy

As far as black powder - I recommend looking into black powder sunstitutes.

Less fouling - easier to clean and less damaging.

See owners manual for the rest - bullet diameter, caps - #11 is what mine takes.

Enjoy - it's a lot of fun (and smoke).

 

[Lynne]

For powder, you want FFF. I always use Goex and have never had a problem. Normally they would use a No.11 cap, however I know someone who needed to use 10's on theirs - not sure why.

Make sure you definately go with someone who's familiar with shooting BP pistols.

And lastly - enjoy!!

ETA: Make sure you clean it afterwards - don't let it sit for long.

 

[gerrycaruso]

the #11 is usually the correct size cap. Sometimes the cap breaks and pieces fall down into the action. If this is a problem you may want to try the #10 cap. I prefer real black powder and as has been mentioned FFFG is the correct size. You want to use enough powder to allow the ball to seat just below the mouth of the chamber. Some people use a wad between powder and ball and some put grease over the ball. The correct size ball will probably be .375 or .380. Try both and see whats more accurate. The .36 caliber is not very powerful by today's standards but it's fun to shoot and can be very accurate.

 

[Arioch]

For a less than full powder charge, you can also top off the charge with cornmeal before seating the ball, but this is not likely needed with a .36 caliber. And as was mentioned, ALWAYS put a good lube or at least Crisco in the ends of the chamber over the loaded balls. This will help mimimise chain ignitions.