I did a dumb thing......

[Knarley Bob]

I went and bought a pair of brass frame C&B pistols.
Now I have two big hunks of worthless brass, and a bunch of parts.
Is there anyway to replace the frames with new steel ones? The pistols are .44 Piettas......

KB

[Coffinmaker]

  Oh Knarley One 

Hindsight is such a gift.  First and foremost, there is nothing wrong with Brass Frame Cap Guns.  Tune 'em up and shoot away.  Just don't try and "magnumize" them or run 'em with cartridge conversions.

Other than that

In this instance, eBay is your friend.  There are several "breakers" who sell the parts and major assemblies of Cap Guns on eBay.  May take a week or two to get two, but they will come available.


People ARE hazardous to Yer Health

[Lucky R. K.]

I have a pair of brass framed Pietta's that work very well with about 20 grains of 2F and a 160 grain bullet. I also have conversion cylinders for them that also work well with about the same loading of Cowboy Special brass.
Lucky 

[Reverend P. Babcock Chase]

Howdy Lucky,

I have a brass '51 with an ancient .38 S&W conversion cylinder. I have been working up a light 148 gr. wadcutter load to expand enough to shoot well. I'm close to done. The gun is remarkably accurate with a minimal load. Now I just have to get the oal just right for proper insertion into the chambers. I believe that you should not have a problem with moderate BP loads. Just enjoy the guns.

Rev. Chase

[Earl Brasse]

Just a couple thoughts on making lemonade out of those lemons...

Buy a set of new steel framed guns then cut the old barrels into "snubbies".
You will also end up with a pair of extra cylinders for reloads.
If you ever wanted a set of lowered hammers , here's your chance to experiment.
Plus the other spares.

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[Knarley Bob]

Checked E-bay, holy cow, they know what they want for that stuff!! On the other hand, I guess I know what my stuff is worth, well kinda. Seeing as how I can't really hurt what I got, I think it's time to get creative. 

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I don't understand why they are useless items. Is there a problem with them?

[Knarley Bob]

I don't understand why they are useless items. Is there a problem with them?

It has been a long time since I messed with them. And like a fish caught a long time ago tends to still grow, the problems with these pistols did also. They weren't nearly as bad as I remembered. One has been re-assembled into a functioning gun, and the other will be also, as soon as I find the parts I put somewhere where they won't get lost. So all is not lost, looking forward to getting them "dirty" again.

[Coffinmaker]

  Hey Bob!! 

You think eBay is expensive??  Trip on over to the VTI Web Site and price out a NEW frame (if they even sell one).  The various parts breakdowns may well list the frame but I've never heard of anyone getting one from the Majors or VTI.

Play with your Brassies.  They'll play just fine.


People ARE Hazardous to Yer Health

[Coffinmaker]

 :)Knarley 

And here I thought you were lamenting recent acquisition.  A little judicious rubbin-n-buffin and the old brassies will run just fine.


People ARE hazardous to Yer Health

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[Marshal Will Wingam]

It has been a long time since I messed with them. And like a fish caught a long time ago tends to still grow, the problems with these pistols did also. They weren't nearly as bad as I remembered. One has been re-assembled into a functioning gun, and the other will be also, as soon as I find the parts I put somewhere where they won't get lost. So all is not lost, looking forward to getting them "dirty" again.

That sounds like a good plan. Post photos if you can.