Most 'evolved' BP handgun?

[Lmo]

Just curious.

From a technological point of view, what was/is the most developed black powder revolver?

Put another way; if you wanted to purchase a revolver to carry in the field (not CCW), what would you be looking for (accepting that any of these weapons would be 'old' at this point).

Are any of them still being manufactured?

[SkyHawk]

Ruger Old Army

[MyOdessa]

Best, most advanced and still available is Ruger Old Army. Available with 5.5" or 7.5" barrels, fixed or adjustable sights. Personally, I am partial to stainless steel ones.
Everything else is second best.

[jben]

^^^ The Ruger.

[k1dude]

The ROA was discontinued in 2008.

Currently, I don't think anything has filled it's shoes.

[p7m8jg]

Dangit! Discontinued???
My loss....

[SkyHawk]

Dangit! Discontinued???
My loss....

Still plenty out there though, many barely ever shot, some still brand new. Here you go

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/882723031

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883169073

There's a bunch more on Gunbroker. Seems the price has gone up over the course of this year, same as most guns but still surprising.

[Lmo]

This is what I was hoping to find.

About on par with most other 'modern' 45s, price-wise, it looks like. No FFL, direct to my door?

What is the ammunition situation like right now; same kind of shortages on components, or no?

[russ13]

Caps are a little scarce but everything is much easier then finding more popular ammo. I order powder 5 pounds at a time and pick up caps and balls whenever I see them at the local stores. I shoot once a week and go through about a pound of powder a month.


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[smle-man]

I use Pyrodex 30 gr pellets in mine. No shortage at Cabelas and using them does away with the flask, powder measure, and loading stand.

[SkyHawk]

Dang look at this 5.5" go, gonna close near $1400!

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/882392700

I guess here is another to watch just for fun to see where it goes, but not as nice as the previous one

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/883248435

Here is a $3,200 one with awesome engraving

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/882552050

[NapalmCheese]

Put another way; if you wanted to purchase a revolver to carry in the field (not CCW), what would you be looking for (accepting that any of these weapons would be 'old' at this point).

Caveat, I'e never shot a Ruger Old Army...

While I agree that the Ruger Old Army is likely the most modern of the black powder revolvers; having just taken my Pietta made 1851 Colt Navy rabbit hunting I don't see much advantage in the Ruger over nearly anything else (other than being stainless) for your intended purposes.

/me shuffles off to find some heeled bullets and make some paper cartridges...

[plumbum]

Nothing wrong with a Pietta or Uberti 1858, but seriously, you'd be hard pressed to ever wear out a ROA - which is also, in my opinion, one of the most attractive handguns out there.

I am always on the lookout for percussion stuff, even though I'm loaded up on components, and I've seen plenty on shelves lately. A loaded percussion revolver sure is more comforting than harsh words or a pocket knife. Also it bears repeating: The 1858 is the modern Liberator

[tomrkba]

I thought this was a Big Pimpin thread!

[Lmo]

So ... given the 'political climate' here in California, and the present, and probably more restrictive control of ammunition, etc., would the ROA be a consideration as a self-defense weapon?

We just won't mention registration....