Hello from new member in Norway

[Brassica]

Hi everybody,

I started with blackpowder shooting about a year ago, first gun was an original Sharps New Model 1863 percussion carbine. If it could speak, we would have heard a story from a tough life, judging from the appearance of the gun. However, it's in very good shape internally, it's a joy to take to the range and surprisingly accurate.
My first cap and ball revolver was an original Colt Army 1860, purchased earlier this year. It's in fairly good shape despite some wear and tear from a life in the field, but it may need some adjustments before its ready for the range. I may come back to this topic later on, asking for some advice.
I'm looking forward to be a member of the community!

[ShotgunDave]

Welcome from California Brassica!

Sounds like you'll fit right in here. We have a great bunch of guys. We're very laid back, and everyone is very helpful.

I for one am excited about your Sharps. I have a Pedersoli 63 Sharps "Paper Cutter" myself. It's my favorite rifle.

You'll find anything you need to know about your 1860 Army here. Very knowledgeable people here.

Also, we LOVE pictures! Please post as many as you can!

I hope you enjoy your time here. If you need anything, just ask!

[mike116]

Welcome from Colorado.

[sourdough]

Welcome from the Left Coast of Washington State!

I second the comments by Dave. Conventional Wisdom here is with no photos, it didn't happen!   

Regards,

Jim

[mazo kid]

A warm welcome from Wisconsin! I hope to see some pictures of your original guns.

[Miguel Loco]

Welcome from Arizona USA

[Captainkirk]

Welcome to the forum, Brassica! Like Dave, I also have a Pedersoli Sharps in .45/70 and look forward to hearing (and seeing) all your guns! We're certainly glad you've joined us here and look forward to your posts and participation!

[Brassica]

Thanks everybody, pictures will be posted soon

[Len]

Hej Brass, and welcome (from a bloody Swede)

[Brassica]

Took some pictures of the gun earlier today, here they are:

[Captainkirk]

Wow! What a gem! How does it shoot? Or have you shot it yet? Sounds like maybe not, from your intro post.
I'd love to have an original. Both my Armies are replicas.

[AlaskanGuy]

greetings from Alaska. welcome to our little group... and a very nice gun!!,

[ShotgunDave]

That's a gorgeous piece Brassica! All matching numbers too. Very nice indeed.

An original is on my wish list.

Thanks for sharing it.

[Brassica]

Thanks for nice comments . I have fired it, and that brings me to the previously mentioned adjustments. When I got the gun I quickly discovered that something was wrong when I put a cap on the nipple, pulled the trigger and nothing happened. A closer look shows that it's possible to move the cylinder back and forth due to the cylinder gap, the hammer hits the cap, but probably not with sufficient force. Problem was solved when I replaced the original nipples with Remington nipples, which are slightly longer. 25 grains with Swiss #3, a lubricated wad and a .454 ball gave quite good precision at 25 yards. What worries me is the slighty longer nipples, which are bringing the caps closer to the recoil shield. Could this be a potential risk with regards to chain fire? And is 0.02" cylinder gap a problem?

[Captainkirk]

.020 cylinder gap can give you issues. Recommended gap for the Colt reproductions is .002-.005. Initially you can probably live with it with the negative results being lots of flash-over and potential chain fire issues if you don't have a tight seal or insufficient lube over the balls. Long term, I'd be concerned with the cylinder having a 'slide hammer' effect on the frame and possibly battering the wedge.