My "New" Old Toys

[Blackpowder Burn]

I became the proud owner today of 2 1st generation Colts, one built in 1880 and the other in 1881.  Both started life as US Cavalry models (and have Colt letters).  The older of the two was refurbished at Springfield Arsenal into an Artillery model and sent to the Philippines in 1901.  The other was "liberated" from gub'mint ownership at some point and had the barrel shortened to 5-1/2" and a german silver front sight installed - excellent quality work, no hatched job.

Both shoot quite well and will see action in CAS matches along with my other recent acquisition - and 1873 Winchester built in 1888 and chambered in 38-40.

Life is good! 

[Abilene]

VERY cool!  Still got some blue on 'em, too!

Do you have an old shotgun to shoot with 'em? 

[Blackpowder Burn]

That's my next goal.  I want an 1889 Remington hammered double in 12 gauge.  These have thoroughly emptied my wallet, so I'll have to wait a bit on the shotgun.  I'll just have to use the Chinese knockoff for a while longer. 

[Blackpowder Burn]

HA! So Murphy being who and what he is..............I came across a good looking Remington 1889 and got it for $200 in an auction.  It just appears to need to complete a partial stock refinishing job and a butt plate.

Now I have to learn how to load and feed one of the old guns with 2-5/8" chambers.  Or maybe have the chambers lengthened?

Always more toys to learn about.

[Blackpowder Burn]

Hondo,

Based on your other post I just read, neither gun would be smokeless proofed, as the serial numbers are 54XXX (built in 1880) and 73XXX (built in 1881).  However, both are mechanically excellent and perform well with black powder.  Since BP is all I shoot anyway, that's no hardship.  Combined with the 1873 Winchester I came across (built in 1888) and the Remington 1889 hammered double, I have the fantasy battery I've been wanting for years - an all original, all American stable of shooting irons.

Life don't get no better.  Unless maybe I can find an affordable Merwin Hulbert, an 1876 Winchester, a................................

[Hondo44]

Hondo,

Based on your other post I just read, neither gun would be smokeless proofed, as the serial numbers are 54XXX (built in 1880) and 73XXX (built in 1881).  However, both are mechanically excellent and perform well with black powder.  Since BP is all I shoot anyway, that's no hardship.  Combined with the 1873 Winchester I came across (built in 1888) and the Remington 1889 hammered double, I have the fantasy battery I've been wanting for years - an all original, all American stable of shooting irons.

Life don't get no better.  Unless maybe I can find an affordable Merwin Hulbert, an 1876 Winchester, a................................

You are correct, thank you! I don't know why I couldn't remember the dates from the time I read your post until I wrote my post, brain fart I guess or just too damned old. The year was 1883, c. # 95000-96000. Sorry about that.

Jim

[Blackpowder Burn]

Well, things keep getting better......at least in CAS shooting!  

I just won a Colt Lightning rifle in 32-20 at auction for a really good price.  It needs a few things (loading gate and spring, dust cover), but appears in pretty darn good overall condition.  If fate smiles on me, I'll have the rifle up and running for a total investment of less than $650.    It may need some additional TLC, but will still be a very good investment.  Of course, there's the bullet mould, loading dies, brass, etc to purchase - but mere trivialities!

Should have it next week.  Hope it is as advertised.

Can't wait to take my two Gen 1 SAA's and original Lightning to a match and make smoke!  

[dusty texian]

Very Cool bring -em back to life! Good on Ya!!!!! DT

[Frank V]

I'm late to this party, Blackpowder Burn those are nice Colts & '73 being 1880 & 1881 they probably aren't rated for smokeless but you handle tells you are probably aware of this.
   Thanks for sharing two nice Colts & a Winchester.

[Blackpowder Burn]

Frank,

I don't think I have anything that see smokeless powder these days, except a 1911.  And even that gets quite a lot of BP! 

[Frank V]

You use BP in the .45ACP? How do you get enough into the case?
I'd be interested in hearing of your experiences with BP in the 1911.
Thanks.

One day I'm going to give it a go in the .44WCF, I have a good load in the .45 Colt.

[Blackpowder Burn]

I have two 1911's - one a Springfield GI version and one a Colt WWI commemorative.  Both work well with about 18 grains of Olde Enysford FFFg and a 220 grain RNFP bullet.  I've fired up to 100 rounds through both with no malfunctions.

Don't know that it would work so well with a "tight" race gun, but seems to be fine with stock 1911 or 1911A1 configuration guns.

[Hondo44]

I have two 1911's - one a Springfield GI version and one a Colt WWI commemorative.  Both work well with about 18 grains of Olde Enysford FFFg and a 220 grain RNFP bullet.  I've fired up to 100 rounds through both with no malfunctions.

Don't know that it would work so well with a "tight" race gun, but seems to be fine with stock 1911 or 1911A1 configuration guns.

The clouds of smoke must be a riot in Wild Bunch matches!

[Blackpowder Burn]

Not to mention the sight of all the folks picking up their jaws from the ground - after saying.."But you can't do that, it won't work!" 

[yahoody]

Life is good!  Some nice guns there   Now about black in a 1911?  Shame on you 

[Blackpowder Burn]

I just love messing with people's preconceptions!

Besides, you know the old saying......Once you go black.................