Colt .45 SAA on a Black Powder frame 1884

[Captainkirk]

Gotta love those saves, PF. Far better than a mercy killing IMHO.

[bigted]

I always shoot my collectables. Prolly shouldn't but ... i really like the feel and history that eminates  from them while shooting them.

Shoot her, she was built and then rebuilt to be a tool.

I also think the cylinder is a replacement but im bettin the original was too poraouse to be safe. The frame looks pretty good and i betcha she will still beltch smoke and sparks just like it was intended to do.

Do keep us in the loop as i for one would like to see soot on the very nice finish.

[Captainkirk]

How many guys die with unfired, collectible rare firearms in their collections only to have them go to the nephew who shoots them and doesn't clean them...ever?

[pitfighter]

Yes, indeed.

With this revolver, being a blackpowder frame pre-proof, pre-metal treatment - the question of firing really is two pronged.

1. Should you fire a refinished Colt?  The answer for me is yes, it's a sub $2K firearm, it's not as rare as an original finish, essentially it could be refinished again and again and not depreciate any more, as the harm has been done.

2. Is it safe to fire?  A little research led to a lot of research, and these BP frames self-destruct, and not occasionally, they appear to be one of the most destroyed frames by self-destruction - the internet has dozens of pictures off ruptured cylinders, split and burst frames.  They existed in a time when knowledge was still being amassed at a slower rate than cartridges were being advanced, people shot smokeless .45 through these and nothing happened....   Until it happened, and blew their revolver up.
It happened a lot, and was a problem -

I will fire this revolver, but with pure black-powder, low recoil loads, with a lighter projectile.

I am pretty positive it will be a wonderful experience, I'll film and photograph the hell out of it, and it will be tucked safely away in the safe after cleaning.

Thanks for the encouragement, and inspiration!

Pit.

[bigted]

Been awhile. Just perusing thru and re found this.

Did she shoot?

Light load i like is 28 grains Old E 2Fg powder, Lee 200 grain bullet, SPG lube, sparked by FED large pistol prime and housed in a Remington case. My second gen 7.5 inch loves these and shoots to point of aim in nice small groups. She still hits with some authority and plenty power to knock over the round plates on a rocker target.

Anyway just curious is all.

[pitfighter]

Hi Big Ted,

I've been out of the US on a job for a few months.
I sourced some ammo for this from Buffalo Arms and may or may not shoot it.

It's a good restoration, but not Turnball grade, the barrel is an EMF made one, so I think it will fine with nice low pressure BP loads.

I will update the post if it goes to the range for sure!

Thanks for asking,


Pit.