Customized 1860 Army (Pietta)

[savit260]

So I picked up this Cap & Ball Pietta 1860 Army a while back second hand, and decided to do something a bit different with it. Now I know this certainly isn't "period correct" or anything, but I thought I'd have a few things done to it.

First I had the hammer lowered and re-checkered. Had a modern style dovetailed front sight installed. Action job set up for reliable ignition. All the lettering on the barrel removed and reblued, and finally a Howell's 5 shot 45 Colt conversion cylinder fitted to it.

I plan on using the cap & ball cylinder primarily but wanted the option of having a black powder cartridge cylinder as well for ease of unloading should I happen to be carrying it.

Had Rob L make up a nice Sourdough Pancake for it too.

YES, I know the grips are AWFUL!! These are the ones that came with it when I bought it. I removed the big plastic stars, and filled the holes and gave them a quick tongue oil job to hold me over till I get something better. Probably going to do some Bar-S Tru Ivories, but I'm open to suggestions.

Just curious what you guys think of my little project replica .

The target pic is with the Cap & Ball cylinder at 30 feet off hand at the local range.






I should add that I don't plan on shooting any smokeless through this. Any 45 Colt cartridges will be loaded with Goex or Swiss if I can find some.

[paulg]

I like it. Good shooting too. I'd like to see what kind of accuracy you get with the conversion cylinder. A friend of mine just got a conversion cylinder for his Ruger Old Army and it is sure a lot of fun to shoot. Just curious, are you carrying this IWB? Nice leather, Rob does good work! Josey would be proud.

[savit260]

I just loaded up a few 30-ish gr of Goex, Ox Yoke wad under a Hornady lead ball cartridges today. Hopefully I'll get a chance to shoot a few tonight, and see how they do. Figure it should be in the same ballpark as my standard 30 gr Goex/Hornady lead ball/Crisco load with the BP cylinder.

Yup, carry it IWB. I have a few of Robs holsters and love every one!! I modified (crudely) the straps a little so it really doesn't even print under a T shirt.

[savit260]

I should add that all work (except for the ugly grips) was done by Gary Barnes (Hoof Hearted over on THR Forum)

Super nice guy too.

[dlhredfoxx]

Nice, me likey!

[hammerdown77]

Now that's a nice 1860 Army! Love the front sight setup, that's what I want on mine. I'll have to get in touch with Gary because I'd like to have some of the same work done to mine.

[justahunter]

I like it. I have a Pietta 1860 Army too. It needs help in just about every department. I have thought of selling it, but it was a gift from my Mom so I keep it. I have too many guns getting worked on right now, but if the fella doesn't mind can we get his contact info for possible future work.

[tas6691]

Ooooooohhh, aaaahhhhhh, oooooohhhhh!! That is cool! I like it alot!

[CraigC]

I should have pics of the Uberti 3rd model Dragoon that Gary is doing for me sometime next week. Haven't had his work in hand yet but he has been a pleasure to deal with. He said it took a lot of work but that the action turned out very slick. It's getting a Kirst gated .45Colt conversion, action job and dovetail front sight like pictured above.

www.cartridgeconversion.com/

[hoss]

Beautiful. I have an old Pietta kicking around... shoot it every so often, and am always impressed by the power those old coal burners display.

[cottonstalk]

thats purtty

[Frank V]

I like it. That front sight would really make it easier to hit with.
Thanks for sharing.
Frank

[savit260]

Finally some better grips. Just some ebay take offs but far better than what was on there. Needed some minor fitting but not all that much. Can't complain for short money. I DESPISED the grips that were on it before. Took the pic in the dark with a flash. May take some better ones if I can catch a nice day. Still may do some Bar S Tru Ivories at some point, but these don't look too bad IMO.

[bobwright]

Does that hammer spur dig into the flesh of your hand?

Bob Wright

[savit260]

Nope... doesn't even come close. More clearance than a Super Blackhawk hammer for sure.