I am just beginning in this sport, and would appreciate your help. Have been interested in the Civil War for years, having relatives on both sides. Recently decided that shooting the same type of guns they did would also be a lot of fun.
At the gun show near us, there we very few blackpowder guns, this 1851 Colt Navy Robert E Lee, Serial number 4012 among them. The gun felt very natural in my hand, and the trigger pull was very smooth.
However, the gun didn't come with any manuals or instructions. So I'll post what I think is true of things I need to know about this specific gun, and will appreciate any help you can give me.
0.36 Cal
0.375 - 0.380 ball size, some say original spec was 0.378
#11 caps (CCI?)
18-28 grains Pyrodex or Goex powder, fffg, or Swiss Black Powder 2. I have seen some sites that only recommend 22 grains. My revolver is steel framed.
If you have corrections or comments to the above, let me know.
Additional questions:
Will Uberti replacement parts (e.g. Nipples, springs) fit this revolver?
Thread size of the nipples?
Desired trigger pull (force)?
Good suppliers for parts, powder, etc?
Is there anywhere I can view or download a manual for this gun?
Aside from this site, another link which had helplful information for me was
http://www.vincelewis.net/coltnavy2.html, which included disassembly instructions.