Cap n' ball revolvers: Brass or Steel?

[ratbush]

Hi, I just signed up; liked the looks of the site. I was directed by a search for the pros and cons of brass vs. steel framed black powder revolvers. I'd like to know just what the signs are, if a brass frame wears out. At this stage of life I wonder If I would live long enough to wear one out. I wonder just where that cost/ use breakeven point might be. Brass is cheap, but I'll probably shoot at CAS or SASS events soon; don't want to loose a hand in the process! It troubles me that the historical record indicates the Confederates couldn't wait to get rid of them, in The War of Northern Agression. Anyone have an opinion or real life experience, they want to share on BP revolvers (cap n' ball of course).
Thanks, ratbush

[tommygunr]

the steel framed revolvers or stronger so if you decide to convert it to a cartrige they can take the extra abuse . If you're going to go with brass get a 1858 style the strap accross the top of the cylinder makes for a stronger frame . plus you can swap out cylinders with ease . there's nothing like a big cloud of smoke after you fire .enjoy

[SDgarrick]

I also wonder exactly how long it would take to wear one out...brass may wear out, steel not likely.

[BigYankee]

I've got 2 BP revolvers one brass frame Remington, and one steel 1860 colt. I used to have a steel frame Remington, but I had to sell it because of some bills. Anyway I've not noticed any difference in how the two Remington's function. I've got friends that have had there brass framed guns for almost twenty years and they have no problems, just don't fire hot loads if your worried about the frame wearing out. I've been told that the frame starts to sort of stretch out if it's brass and starting to wear out and you start to have problems rotating the cylinder. But I've never seen it in the 8 years I've been shooting black powder revolvers, and some of the older shooters I've talked to say it's a myth. They always say that the metal the Confederates were using was inferior to modern brass used in reproductions. Anyway this is only my opinion based on what I've seen, so others will vary. Hope this helped.

[ratbush]

Thanks everybody, you have indeed been helpful. I've heard about the frame stretch, but didn't understand exactly how the gun behaves as the process sets in. Shooting the old guns versus cartridge revolvers (smokeless) is the difference between work and play for me. Modern weaponry is what I shoot when I "need" a weapon, but percussion guns are what I want when I play. I guess time spent adjusting the various brands of propellents, is even more important with reproduction brass Colts. I like the 1858 Remmies clones, but they seem to gum up and jam their caps much more than the Colts. For me nothing points and balances like Navy Colts, but I agree the Remingtons seem much stronger, and you can swap in a fresh cylinder, faster (just in case the first 5-6 shots weren't enough).
Thanks, ratbush