I venture further into the blackness ...

of black powder percussion pistols. Awhile back I bought a 3rd Model Dragoon .44 from Gary and have been enjoying that huge horse pistol. I already owned a .36 caliber Model 1862 Police that a friend very generously gave me. I have always been a big bore fan but the .36 caliber has been calling me and that 1862 Police really is a beauty. And a shooter! So when I saw EMF advertising a Colt 1851 Navy for $274 I could not pass it up. I mean .. the price was right and my birthday was coming up .. what's a guy to do?

Besides, buying a gun from the folks that make it and having them ship it directly to your home? It's almost like life was before the commies took over and began working to make our lives better. (gag)

The 1851 Navy arrived and I was surprised by it. Out of the box the trigger pull was about 3 pounds with no creep. A real nice letoff. After I got done shooting it and took it apart I was impressed by how well fitted it was internally .. polished cylinder hand and cylinder bolt ... no casting boogers inside the frame ... It was well done.

On the Range I shot some of my paper cartridges as well as loading a full charge of 3Fg and a round ball. Both loads did well. My shooting wasn't so great but the gun show real potential.

The gun looked like this out of the box.

It was not too long until I had "antiqued" it.

It's a copy of an old gun. I like 'em "age appropriate". Though I could not do it to the 1862 Police. It is just too cute the way it is.

I am enjoying this gun and look forward to trying various powder charges and powders.

MAKING SMOKE AND GETTIN' DIRTY!