1849 Pocket Model Loading Lever

ndnchf · July 27, 2009, 09:23:56 AM

I've owned a '51 Navy and a '58 Remmy, but now I'm seriously thinking about an Uberti 1849 pcoket model. There is something about this dimunitive little pistol that trips my trigger. I'm leaning towards the 4" barrel version, but wonder about the usefulness of the stubby loading lever. There just doesn't seem like there is much to grab onto in order to get any leverage. What is your experience with these?

Chamber size is listed as .319". What size balls would you recommend? I've seen them in .319", .321" and .323".

I'd appreciate any tips, tricks or insight to making these little pistols shoot well.

Frenchie · July 27, 2009, 06:32:25 PM

In my opinion, worth what you're paying for it, there's no point in having the loading lever in the first place. It's too short to be easily worked. Besides, it's a pocket pistol meant for short-range emergencies; if you still have something to shoot at when it's empty, throw it at the other guy and run like the Dickens. I'd just get the "Wells Fargo" version.

Getting them to shoot well takes the same care in loading, etc. that any other cap 'n' ball gun takes, just smaller. If your persona's time-frame permits, I'd suggest the Kirst Cartridge Konverter for the .32 S&W Short. Those new-fangled metal cartridges are the bee's knees!

ndnchf · July 27, 2009, 07:12:37 PM

I kinda firgured the loading lever was not going to be too helpful. But that's OK, using the arbor to seat the balls isn't that big a deal. It won't be a match pistol, just a fun plinker. I've got a '51 RM so I know how nice the conversions are, but I'm happy to keep this one percussion, at least for the time being. I appreciate your thoughts

Frenchie · July 28, 2009, 07:24:55 AM

Je vous en prie, Monsieur. BTW, what's your persona's name? "ndnchf" is kinda awkward as an alias or screen name.

I had a Uberti Wells Fargo with the Kirst Konverter and sold it, which I now regret, of course (insert pause here while I back up to the Butt-Kicking Machine for another attempt at teaching myself to learn a lesson).

Okay, anyway, I now have a Pietta Remington Pocket Pistol and would love to get a cartridge conversion cylinder for it. I believe the only one for this revolver is made by Ken Howell. Anyone is free to correct that.

ndnchf · July 28, 2009, 09:49:19 AM

I've had a round or two with the butt kicking machine myself. Many years ago I had a really nice original 1849 Colt w/80% original blue, but sold it in a fit of insanity

BTW - I go by Sgt. Billy (the name my GG grandpa was known by during the late unpleasantness). ndnchf was from my navy days as a Chief and my other rinterest - Indan motorcycles.

Frenchie · July 28, 2009, 12:53:00 PM

Quote from: ndnchf on July 28, 2009, 09:49:19 AM
I've had a round or two with the butt kicking machine myself. Many years ago I had a really nice original 1849 Colt w/80% original blue, but sold it in a fit of insanity

Ouch! I'd strap myself in for an extra long session if I did that...

Quote from: ndnchf on July 28, 2009, 09:49:19 AMBTW - I go by Sgt. Billy (the name my GG grandpa was known by during the late unpleasantness). ndnchf was from my navy days as a Chief and my other interest - Indian motorcycles.

What a co-ink-ee-dink! My persona is a retired sergeant (3rd US Infantry - "Regulars, by God!") named William "Bill" French. Dad retired as a Chief Construction Mechanic, and I got to E-4 before my pancreas shut down and stopped making insulin. Good to know you, Chief!

ndnchf · July 28, 2009, 06:39:08 PM

Yup - Its a small world shipmate! Thanks

Montana Slim · July 28, 2009, 07:00:22 PM

Loading lever works great on my piece, it's a Uberti.
It doesn't stroke very deep, so you'll need a fairly full powder charge or some filler.

I'm currently using ~.320 RB and they load easy. Would like to try some .321 or .323 myself to see which is best.
I've also loaded two RB rather than one, and I've tried conicals from an original Colt mold. All tested loads shoot well.

I just finished squaring the hammer face. It tended to blow caps down between the hammer and frame after firing.
It could be the flash hole through the cones is too large. If so, it'll need new, correct ones.
Another test firing session at the range will tell.

Regards,
Slim

ndnchf · July 29, 2009, 07:43:32 AM

Thanks Slim, that's encouraging. Are you using the stock nipples? A lot of folks mention using Treso nipples becasue they have a smaller flash hole and caps fit better.

What caps fit best on your pistol?

Montana Slim · July 31, 2009, 01:05:29 PM

Currently using CCI #10s.
Test fired yetserday. A bit better performance, but I am getting a lot of flash back through the cones. Enough that I can feel it on my hand and see the debris.

This is the only pistol in my stable that I've considered using aftermarket cones. Im especially encouraged to hear Tresso have a smaller flash hole as I see this is the only problem with my piece.

As a last attempt, I may polish/uniform the stock ones a bit as I've done this on most of my other revolvers (Pietta & Uberti) and they all run great. If the cap fits down further on the cone, it may make a difference. I'll post results back to this thread.

Regards,
Slim

ndnchf · August 02, 2009, 08:03:05 PM

I haven't fired mine yet, but hope to as soon as I can get some .320" balls. I have CCI#10s on hand. What is the correct part number of the Treso nipples for the 1849? Thanks

Earl Brasse · August 02, 2009, 09:38:59 PM

If any of you 49'ers have a yen fer a spare barrel, just shoot me a pm. I have Colt marked ones in the white. Another thought would be to cut one down for a real pocket rocket. For those that want something different, maybe cut one down & then carry a '62 pocket Navy lever set up to load & then taken off when you get it loaded. I also have cylinders for spares & triggerguards if you feel like cutting one for a spur. These are Colt, Signature series parts, also fit Uberti. I also have many other parts for other Colt BP pistols, sorry no list.