RE: [DL] Question on Black Powder, Cap and Ball Revolvers

[Frempath2@netscape.net]

Actually, the only major manufacturer percussion revolving pistol that you had to disassemble to load was the Colt Patterson.  From the Colt Walker on the loading lever was integrated into the pistol.  Loading from loose powder you:
1)  Hold the pistol upright.
2)  Set the pistol at "half cock" so that the cylinder rotates freely.
3)  Pour the measured amount of powder into chambers.
4)  Using the loading lever, compress the powder in all chambers.
5)  Place a slightly oversized ball onto a chamber.
6)  Rotate the cyclinder so that the ball is under the loading lever.
7)  Depress the loading lever so that ball is depressed until it is against the powder charge. You should get a small ring of lead.
8)  Repeat steps 5-7 unil all chambers are filled.
9)  Rotate the cylinder and place a percussion cap on nipple at the rear of the cylinder.
10) Repeat step 9 until all cyclinders are capped.
11) Pull the hammer to "full cock".
The weapon is ready to fire.

Linen or animal skin cartridges were developed shortened the loading to :
1)  Hold the pistol upright.
2)  Set the pistol at "half cock" so that the cylinder rotates freely.
3)  Rotate the cylinder and insert a cartridge as an empty chamber comes around.
4)  Using the loading lever compress the cartridge into the chamber.
5)  Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all chambers are loaded.
6)  Rotate the cylinder and place a percussion cap on nipple at the rear of the cylinder.
7)  Repeat step 6 until all cyclinders are capped.
8)  Pull the hammer to "full cock".
The weapon is ready to fire.

The open frame pistols, like the Colts, had to be dissasembled to remove the cylinder for say, cleaning.  Solid frame pistols like the Remington are easier to remove the cylinder as the center pin can be extracted and the cylinder just pops out.  Remington sold a 2 piece cylinder after the civil war which allowed it to use Smith and Wesson cartridges without infringing upon the bored through cylinder pattent.  This cylider could could be popped into the same space as the percussion cylinder with no further conversion.

http://pscnet.net/poulsbosportsman/Exploded.htm

Has a number of exploded drawings from percussion to modern.

Kevin Jameson


Marshal Mike <deadlander624@yahoo.com> wrote:

>I'm looking for a good place that may have pics and
>detailed descriptions on the loading of Cap and Ball
>guns.
>
>Actually, I've found a good place online with some
>detailed intructions for loading at
>http://www.blackpowderonline.com/Capball0901.htm
>
>I'm having trouble finding pics of what it looks like
>when you remove the cylinder for the revolver.  I just
>want to get visuals in order to better understand the
>process.
>
>Hope someone can help me out here.
>Thanks,
>
>Marshal Mike
>
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