So I'm guessing my replica of an 1864 CH Rigdon revolver would be allowed?
I notice that Lightning rifles are on the approved list; but the AWAs are not specifically mentioned - yea or nay?
Fingers (Show Me MO smoke) McGee
Fingers, I think the problem here is really that the list did not incorporate all the "Lightning" rifles that were manufactured as replicas. The Perdersoli is not listed, either. Neither is the Uberti. But I doubt seriously that anyone would say nay to one. As long as they are faithful to the original design (not much you can do to change that actually) an are in approved calibers, go for it.
As for the Leech & Rigdon, I have used mine before. It existed. The only real problem with the Uberti is that they produce it with the Colt style cylinder scene, rather than smooth. Even so, I don't really think there is a problem with it. Two years ago, there was a motion that went to Congress to form a list of BP revolvers approved and disapproved. Basically, the list would be so long that it got tabled. The main idea here on the BP revolver is to stay away from the patently non-existent (historically) ones out there like the 44 Caliber 51 Navy and the brass frame Colt and Remington replicas. Yes, there were some like the Spiller & Burr and the Griswold & Gunnison that were brass frame originally. Those would surely be allowed. But Colt did not make brass frame revolvers.
An interesting idea - one could form a pretty darn correct L&R from a Pietta 1851 Navy and a Pietta G&G. Barrel and cylinder from the G&G on the frame of the the 51, it would look right.
I use a Pietta G&G some, but the first thing I did when I got it was strip the bluing off the steel parts to make it look more like a real one. As I understand it, they were made of unfinished twisted iron on a brass frame because the Confederates had a serious steel shortage.