Where to start?

I’ve shot BP rifles for a while just for hunting but wouldn’t mind getting into the BP revolvers. What would be a good entry level one? I was at my LGS and they had a brass frame one that looked like it came with a few other things. I seen in on my way out so I didn’t have a chance to take a better look but was think of going that way. Anyone have any other suggestion?
Also can I use normal BP that I use in my side locks or do the pistols take a finer pistol powder?
Thanks

I would suggest a Remington 1858 pattern, and I would recommend against a brass frame.

The 1858 pattern has a solid frame, and you don’t have to worry about getting the wedge ”just right” after cleaning.

The brass framed guns don’t seem to enjoy a very good reputation for durability, especially if you use moderate or stout loads.

You’ll likely be using FFFg granulation black powder, or black powder substitute.

There’s an excellent tutorial floating around the ‘net called “Proper Use of a.Cap ‘n Ball Revolver,” by a gent who go s by the handle of Gatofeo. It’s only one of many good resources out there.

It’s opinion, of course, so some folks won’t agree with all of it. It’s a great place to start, anyway!

Plus 1 on the Remington New Army. I've got a Pietta copy and it's a real shooter and built well to boot.

Thanks for the info. I’ve heard various stuff regarding brass. I figured I’d never shoot it enough to hurt anything. I’ll take a look at the Remington 1958 though. Where do you all buy your stuff like this at though. I’m not near a cabelas and they’d probably not have anything in stock anyway. So midway?

Midway usa has pietta steel and brass framed revolvers in stock right now. Be hard to find a new one at a better price.

JCamp wrote:Thanks for the info. I’ve heard various stuff regarding brass. I figured I’d never shoot it enough to hurt anything. I’ll take a look at the Remington 1958 though. Where do you all buy your stuff like this at though. I’m not near a cabelas and they’d probably not have anything in stock anyway.  So midway?

Midway, Midsouth Shooters Supply(?), Natchez Shooters Supply, are all good. (Might not have the names quite right.

You’re more likely to get knowledgeable help from a black powder specialty place, like Track of theWolf, Dixie Gun Works, etc. There are several smaller black powder suppliers w/a web presence, though I have not dealt with many of them.

Graf & Sons, Maine Powder House, etc. will often have powder, when the big boys are out. Crater Fireworks and their sister blasting/demolition company are big black powder suppliers, too. I had never even thought of that angle, but got a nice order from them this year.

If you have to pay HazMat fees (shipping powder/primers), you might as well put in a big order. It helps amortize the HazMat fees, making them easier to swallow. It also gets you more powder, either to shoot more, or maybe just a little stash for when the market supply gets lean…

When powder, caps, etc. get hard to find, click on the “Notify Me” button on all the sites that offer the feature. I’m good for caps, but have been picking up powder (black and smokeless) and primers steadily through the last couple years of this madness. Paying current/inflated prices, but not “scalper” prices. Shooting a black powder revolver slows you way down, so you don’t go through so many components, anyway.

Slow down, and enjoy the ride!

Get one in .36 caliber. Less powder and lead. Same fun! Of all my BP revolvers My pietta 1851 in .36 is my favorite. Super accurate with 18 gr of 3f goex.