Green on Black Powder

[Firefox]

I recently inherited a bp gun that I know nothing about and appears to be loaded so I can't
take it anywhere to have it appraised or anything.(They frown on carrying loaded guns here
in Dallas)    go figure....
It has little copper colored loads in the grip end of the chamber and jelly/lube stuff in the
front holes of the cylinder is why I assume it to be loaded. (Now ya'll know how little I know
about it!)
Anyway, here's the description of it and if anyone can help me or send me to help I'd be
forever grateful.  And if anyone is interested in it, I don't plan on using it and would be
interested in selling or trading for something a modern city-fied gal can use.

Actual writing on gun:

Western Arms Corp.  Santa Fe, N.M.
44 Cal.
Black Powder Only
94746
Patent N.    AD  PN
"Engaged 18 May 1840"  and
Sail ships engraved  on chamber

with white plastic grips, bronze trigger cage, black steel muzzle

What a website and what a fascinating bunch of characters in it!!
Thanks Ya'll.
Ffox & Grrrrls

The only thing I found it similar to:

Traditions 1860 Army Cap & Ball Black Powder Revolver, .44 Caliber, 8" Barrel,

Single-Action, Walnut Grips, Blued Steel Frame
(no reviews)
Our Low Price: $372.80

Manufacturer: Traditions FR186026
Item: 54338

Specifications and features:
Traditions 1860 Army cap & ball black powder revolver
.44 caliber
8" round barrel
Single-action
Steel frame
Blued barrel
Hammer & blade sights
Brass guard
Faux pearl plastic grips
14-1/4" overall length
2 lbs. 11 oz.

[Pettifogger]

Be careful with that thing.  It sounds like it is charged and capped!  If the powder and caps are still good condition (which it is likely they ARE) it will fire if cocked and the trigger is pulled.  If all six chambers are charged and capped and the hammer is sitting on a cap it will also fire if the gun is dropped or the hammer is bumped on a hard surface.  If you are unfamiliar with cap and ball guns and all six chambers are charged and capped be VERY careful with it.  Best get it to a black powder shooter and let them fire the charges.  Then you can clean it and it will be safe to handle.  Sounds like a Pietta cap and ball.  They aren't terribly valuable, but if you are into cap and ball shooting they are fun.  Be careful until you get it unloaded.

[litl rooster]

I'm with Pettifogger, sounds as if it's loaded and primed (the copper). Be Very Careful with it.  If you feel confident enough take the primers off the cones all of them. Keep the muzzel (the business end) safe away from you- children- spouse- pets.  Primers are detonated by striking them causing the powder to ignite.  If you safely remove the primers it will be safe to handle at least to Gunshop or Gunsmith. 

[Advertising]

[Major 2]

Firefox you might be close enough by to someone on this bb to get some hands on help with this....
I am 100% agreement with the others.
If you feel confident enough, take the primers off, you can also put some WD40 in those nipples.
Spray it down heavily, flood it , that will make the powder inert.
It may be loaded live with a ball & greased or it might just have a wad & grease ( reenactors blank ) but you can't chance it.


It reads, from your discription like a Pietta 1860 Army, if the [AD] is in a box something like this, the gun was made in 1978
It could also be a Uberti or even an ASM.
Western Arms Corp.  Santa Fe, N.M. as it was called in in 1978 became Allen Arms around 1982-3 named for the owner after The Western Arms name was challenged by law suit from then Winchester Arms.
Allen Arms imported Uberti FA until about 1986 when Allen & Son's Arms assets were purchased Mike Harvey of Cimarron FA.

Value is fleeting is it's in reasonable good condition once unloaded and cleaned, it functions , timing and bore are good it might bring $150 today...

in any case get it unloaded and safe

[Texas Lawdog]

Hey Firefox,  What part of Dallas ?

[Firefox]

Thanks to all of ya'll for the great help!  I really didn't think it was so volitile and am grateful for the warnings. I'm sure it is loaded now and will take great care as my familiarity is only with shotguns an modern handguns.  I live in N. Dallas near Northpark Mall, and would like to trade or get rid of this thing somehow.  I don't plan on trying to unload it myself and will just hang on to the only form of house protection I have until then.
Again, thanks to each and every one of ya'll for the help and let me know if any one wants this monstrosity. I am more comfy with shotguns than most other firearms.

[litl rooster]

  Send Texas Lawdog a IM, he might be able to help you out.

[Goody]

Sent you a PM, copied here.

Howdy, I just saw your post. I am in the same area as you as I live in Farmers Branch. You are more than welcome to give me a call and I will try and help you out. I ahve some 6-7 years of playing with C&B's.

Jim Kirby
214-251-5002c
214-765-6839w
kirby@goodygoody.com

[Goody]

Situation handled. It was indeed loaded and capped on all 6 chambers. Swapped her something a little newer and more suitable for home defense. I had a pre-Model 40 SMITH & WESSON Centennial with very little finish left that I was carrying in my glovebox on occasion. I know I took a hit on resale value, but feel comfortable that she is better protected. Reckon I'm just a sucker for a pretty girl's smile.

The C&B is a Western Arms, made by Uberti, Model 1860. The grips are faux ivory and it looks like it has never been fired after I cleaned it up. Looked like it was loaded with a FULL cylinder of 3F, which was well packed in. There is one bald spot sans blue at the muzzle about 1/2 inch in diameter, the rest of the barrel has a little frecling on the left side. CC are intact, I think it was loaded and put away out of the sun for the last 26 years.

[Black Powder]

I think it was loaded and put away out of the sun for the last 26 years.

Maybe the officer carrying it was picked off by that famous "sniper" in Devil's Den...

Sure am glad you had the patience to seek help.  Sounds like a fine piece.

[Firefox]

Aww shucks, Mr. Kirby, I bet you say that to all the gun-totin'  gals you meet!!    But this one is VERY grateful for your help and generosity!  And please don't mind my curiosity, but what is "3F"?
Polo says "Woof!" ("Hi" in doxie language)...her bite really WAS worse than her bark as she had to have major oral surgery today to remove 12 of her 29 teeth!!!
We're in recovery  and  gratefully at your service, sir!
Ffox & the Grrrrls

PS...Mr. Black Powder, I  FINALLy got the "funny" loaded in your remark!!  You guys.........

[Major 2]

Black Powder is ground in 4 Coarseness’   1F - 4 FFFF

1F being the largest for cannon and  4F or FFFF as flintlock primer pan powder
3 FFF is the usual charge for pistols....

 

[Firefox]

Oh, I see now. Seems like grinding gun powder might be a dangerous occupation....certainly not one I'd want!
  I appreciate your time and patience in explaining it to me.  I find all this fascinating but still prefer good ole bullets in my arsenal.  And if I ever get to play "dress up"  and Cowboys & Indians I want to be an Indian with BULLETS! 
Again, I thank you.
Ffox

[Alabama]

Who's playing " Dress-Up " around here  , I thought this was for real ? 

Alabama

[Goody]

Aww shucks, Mr. Kirby, I bet you say that to all the gun-totin'  gals you meet!!    But this one is VERY grateful for your help and generosity!  And please don't mind my curiosity, but what is "3F"?
Polo says "Woof!" ("Hi" in doxie language)...her bite really WAS worse than her bark as she had to have major oral surgery today to remove 12 of her 29 teeth!!!

It was a pleasure to meet you, ma'am.

I pray that you never have need of the pistol, but have you done as I suggested? You really do need to be familiar with the weapon before it becomes needed. Call if you have questions.

Tell that little one hello.

I remain your obedient servant,
Jim

[Firefox]

Thanks ever so much to all ya'll for your help and advice.
Mr. Kirby, in answer to your question, I have not had a chance to familiarize myself yet.  I don't know where a shooting range is and if it costs to use it.  Maybe you could make a suggestion since you know the area I live in.  In the "olden days" we went to Hunt Co. and found a target in the countryside.  I no longer know where to go to safely practice.
Thank you.
PS  Polo  wagged her tail and blushed even deeper red.