How difficult is it to switch cylenders on a Walker?

Bristow Kid · May 22, 2006, 12:49:27 PM

I am buying a Walker and am curious. Is it very hard to have extra loaded cylinders and switch them on the move like during a stage that requiers a pistol reload? Any help is much appreciated.

Bristow Kid

Cuts Crooked · May 22, 2006, 02:16:02 PM

I've seen a pard shoot them that way, but I wouldn't recommend it. In order to be able to do a quick cylinder change without using a brass drift hammer he had to have the barrel wedge pretty loose. Seems like that would be an accident waiting to happen, but I'm not that familier with using Colts designs.

St. George · May 22, 2006, 02:17:59 PM

Given that the Walker - weighing in at 4 pounds, 9 ounces and with a 9" barrel - is a handful all on it's own - changing cylinders on the move might prove to be a bit 'unwieldy' - though they'll go together like any Colt percussion - and as has been pointed out - there's a barrel wedge to consider - a big one - designed to be 'driven' out.

I think it's going to depend upon your own sense of balance and sure-handedness to pull that trick off - and in order to do it - you're really going to have to practice.

Be fun to watch, though - from behind the Firing Line.

May be a better idea to think of using two revolvers.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Bristow Kid · May 22, 2006, 02:28:12 PM

Thanks for the advice y'all. I was just curious. I have always had a fondness for the Walker. So trying to make it a more useful addition to my gun collection. Thanks again.

Bristow Kid

St. George · May 22, 2006, 04:16:55 PM

I just passed on a couple of the Colt 2d Generation Walkers - NIB.

Both got traded as 'investments' - so they'll sit in a safe for some time - just as they have until now.

While I fully recognize their 'place' in firearms history - that place was short-lived in comparison to the Dragoons and the later Model 1860 Army and 1851 Navy.

Besides - they're meant to be carried by the 'horse' - not his rider - so using one somewhow lost its charm - despite seeing Captain Augustus MacRae with his - on TV.

Once you touch one off and see the loading lever drop to vertical - well, hell...

Just shoot the big thing - don't 'compete' with it - and you'll enjoy it fully.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

Bristow Kid · May 22, 2006, 04:21:25 PM

Good advice St.George. And yes Capt.Mcrae has had some influence in my love of the Walker. Theres also the fact that its still one of the most powerful handguns in history especially pre1899 that I like. And I think they look cool too.

Thanks for the input.

hellgate · May 22, 2006, 10:11:39 PM

Kid,
The problem with switching cylinders for a reload stage (even with a Remington which is far easier to switch out than for a Colt) is you cannot have a CAPPED cylinder to switch into the gun. Therefore you have to put in an uncapped (but charged w/powder & ball) cylinder into the gun and THEN cap it on the clock. A big waste of time. The solution: buy an affordable 3rd gun (like a cheap used Colt which is easier to cap than a Remmy) that is staged at the location for the reload. All you do is pick up the charged pistol, cap it and start shooting. Simple. That's why I have about 16 of 'em. You could even get a used $75 brass framed 44 Colt style gun as your spare/reload gun. The reason for no capped loose cylinders is to prevent the possibility of having one dropped into the gravel and having the cap strike a rock and touch off a chamber. That's a loaded derringer if dropped.

I have a Dragoon that I can pop the wedge out with my thumb but I still can get an entire shootable gun for almost the cost of a replacement cylinder for the Dragoon. Besides, it's a legitimate excuse for buying another gun. Sheesh! You don't wanna pass that one up.

Bristow Kid · May 22, 2006, 11:26:07 PM

Thanks Hellgate thats good advice

Driftwood Johnson · May 23, 2006, 09:20:50 AM

If it wuz me, and of course it ain't, I would buy a Dragoon instead of a Walker. Colt only made, what, about 1100 Walkers? The very next year, he recognized the things that needed correcting in the Walker, ie: a latch under the muzzle to secure the loading lever, and the thing was just much bigger than it really needed to be. He cut the barrel down, reduced the chamber capacity, and came up with the First Model Dragoon. He didn't even try to fix the problems with the Walker, just moved right on to the next design. It's nice to think of the Walker as the most powerful revolver of its day, but don't forget they used to blow up quite regularly. The powder capacity was just too much for the iron used in the cylinders.

Like I say, it ain't me, but if I was looking for a big bad looking C&B Colt, and didn't want the usual 1851 Navy or 1860 Army, I'd get a Dragoon. Just This Cowboy's Humble Opinion.

Bristow Kid · May 23, 2006, 07:39:01 PM

thanks for the opinion Driftwood. the Walker is just the first in hopefully many purchases of historic guns. Most will be replicas but the originals are a little more then I can afford. And CAS gives me another excuse to buy besides just collecting.

Arcey · May 23, 2006, 07:42:42 PM

Excuse?

I WANT THE FRIGGIN' THING!!

All the excuse ya need....................

Dick Dastardly · May 23, 2006, 08:56:59 PM

Were it me,

I'd shoot and enjoy the big Walker Colt. If I had a stage that called for a reload, I'd go with an 1860 Colt or sum such. Enjoy the roar and the flames, but if it comes to a cylinder swap, go to a more friendly gun. Enjoy 'em both.

Were it me, I'd go with ROAs. A cylinder swap in 'em ain't quick, but it's pretty easy. I've seen a thread with inexpensive drop in C&B cylinders for unde 90 Bux.

Also, the ROA kin handle the fine Kirsrt Konverter 45 Colt cyliinders for same said gun. They are very well made and shoot great.

DD - who loves the white smoke - DLoS

Bristow Kid · May 23, 2006, 10:28:48 PM

Dick I can not use ROA's because I shoot the majority of my matchs as an NCOWS member and they are not allowed.