Most authentic revolvers?

[Dutchman Dick]

Out of the CURRENTLY MANUFACTURED cap-and-ball revolvers on the market, which are the best ones in terms of authenticity and quality? I'm not even talking just a single manufacturer - for example, if Pietta makes a decently authentic 1851 Navy, but somebody else makes a better 1863 Remington, that's what I'd like to know. I'm also extending this query to include "civilian" guns that were carried by some soldiers and officers, like the "Baby Dragoon"/1849 Pocket and Remington "New Model" pocket. For authenticity, I'm thinking in terms of markings ("original style" markings, and how well hidden the foreign proofs are), as well as an overall comparison with originals.

Also, does anybody currently "defarb" revolvers?

[Brandon Ledvina]

Re: Most authentic revolvers?

Although I am no expert on pistols and do not know who makes the best out of the box, I know Lodgewood will defarb pistols. I was getting part of my musket defarbed at an event and asked is he did pistols out of curiosity and they said they did. I’m not sure exactly what they can do for you but I’m sure they can at least take off modern markings and add correct stamps. Hope this helps.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Most authentic revolvers?

Hallo!

Up to a point... it is kind of like asking who makes the best cars.

IMHO...

Traditionally, Uberti makes and has made the "best" revolvers in terms of fit, finish, and function.
Pietta had a dismal reputation abut 8-10 years ago with horror stories of guns coming out of the box thaqt owuld not cock or cycle, or that were filled with oily metal shavings.

The complication with these Italian imports lies with the Italian's lax if not seemingly random Quality Control issues, AND various importers who contract for levels of QC needed for them to be able to sell the guns at their desired/needed prices.
So that is one of the reasons why one lad will praise of certain maker while the next lad curses them because it all depends on the QC.

IMHO stilll, the best in terms of fit, finish, function, and minimal bogus stampings is currently Cimarron Firearms that imports a "higher end" of the Uberti Italian offerings.

But that is still on the Sliding Scale of Imperfection because the revovlers are finished with incorrect modern blueing and cyanide simulated case hardening colors, and NUG Italian hardwood or orangy rosewood grips.
Plus Period stampings are hit and miss, mostly miss.

Others' mileage will vary...

Curt

(Remington New Model Pocket revolvers are a bit controversial. While some sources make them a so-called "Model 1863," other sources cite them as being made from late 1865-1873.)

[Dutchman Dick]

Re: Most authentic revolvers?

Thanks! I was leaning towards Cimarron anyway, especially their more authentic (at $55 more) charcoal blue finish. Nice to know that Lodgewood can defarb them, too.