Howdy, Gentlemen (and the rest of you varmints)
I would consider myself reasonably knowledgeable about muzzleloading firearms in general, but reproduction percussion revolvers are in a class of their own. I have some experience with those and I own a Colt Blackpowder 2nd Generation 1851 Navy. I have a number of references, including Adler's book on Colt blackpowder revolvers, and my dad had some original revolvers (although not a dragoon) which we shot when I was a kid. So, I think I have a handle on the historical background.
Anyway, I'm thinking of getting a Second Model Dragoon revolver. I'm not a collector. I take good care of my guns, but if a firearm comes to live at my house, it should expect to work for a living. It seems that Uberti has cornered the market on the Dragoons. I don't think anybody else is making them at this time. The Uberti Second Model Dragoons are widely available... Taylor's and Cimarron have them, and Dixie has them on sale right now at a very attractive price. However, I'm seeing mixed reviews, which suggests the quality control may be inconsistent.
I have also located
two Colt Blackpowder Second Generation (not Signature Series) Second Model Dragoons, unfired, both at prices I would consider very reasonable, although it is certainly more than Dixie is asking for their Uberti. I would pay the difference for a better revolver. So, given the choice of a new Uberti from Dixie, Cimarron, or Taylor's, or an unfired Second Generation Colt Blackpowder version of the same revolver (I've seen mixed reviews of these, also), which do we believe would be a better choice for a shooter?
Second question, which is somewhat unrelated:
Taylor's Firearms lists an impressive array of 1858 Remington revolvers (I know, the teminology may not be exactly correct, but that's what they are calling them). These range in price from $314.00 to $555.00, depending mostly on material and finish. They show one near the lower end of the price spectrum with a "casted" steel frame, while most of the others in steel have forged frames. What are the advantages/disadvantages of cast versus forged frames, in terms of precision, durability, and overall quality? Also, it appears Pietta is making 1858 Remingtons and I'm interested in hearing how they compare to Uberti versions of this same revolver.
So, just to recap, here are three (hopefully) straightforward questions:
1. Given the choice of a new Uberti replica of a Colt Second Model Dragoon revolver or an unfired Colt Blackpowder Second Generation version of the same firearm, which would be a better choice for a shooter?
2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of a cast versus a forged frame on an 1858 Remington replica, from a shooter's standpoint?
3. Given the choice of a new Uberti 1858 Remington revolver or a Pietta version of the same firearm, which would be a better choice for a shooter?
All knowledgeable responses which address any or all of the three questions will be appreciated and considered.
Much obliged,
Crooked River Bob