Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Traditional Firearms => Cap and Ball Revolvers => Topic started by: Ironhand on May 29, 2015, 11:11:04 PM

Title: 31 cal revolver
Post by: Ironhand on May 29, 2015, 11:11:04 PM
I have been getting interested in cap lock hide out guns. Thanks to gun show finds I have a nice assortment of replicas. The one I am having trouble finding is a 31 cal revolver. Don't care if it is a Remington or Colt copy as long as it is a shooter and within my limited budget. Anybody got one they will sell cheap or know where I can find one?

Thanks
IRONHAND
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: kalchcliff on June 03, 2015, 06:17:12 PM
Check with oldsouthfirearms.com   1863 pocket Remington
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: hawkthrower on June 27, 2015, 11:20:07 AM
[attachment=0:357qgbzn][/attachment]IMG_3392.JPG[/attachment:357qgbzn]

Got this one a short while back to see if it was accurate and had some hit....
It has both and was worth it - Now to get the $$ to get a steel frame and the .32 conversion cylinder!!!

The tiny holster I made to put it on my belt - But it looks kinda odd because it's so small - guess I should make another that looks like a cell phone pouch!!  ;)
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: hawkthrower on July 28, 2015, 09:32:44 PM
Put together some other items - belt pouch to fit powder flask, and tin for caps,balls, and room for cleaning items too....
[attachment=2:s7ynn4bb][/attachment]IMG_3597.JPG[/attachment:s7ynn4bb]

[attachment=1:s7ynn4bb][/attachment]IMG_3600.JPG[/attachment:s7ynn4bb]

[attachment=0:s7ynn4bb][/attachment]IMG_3604.JPG[/attachment:s7ynn4bb]
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: Hanshi on August 06, 2015, 02:27:15 PM
Quote from: "hawkthrower"
[attachment=0:2peudowz][/attachment]IMG_3392.JPG[/attachment:2peudowz]

Got this one a short while back to see if it was accurate and had some hit....
It has both and was worth it - Now to get the $$ to get a steel frame and the .32 conversion cylinder!!!

The tiny holster I made to put it on my belt - But it looks kinda odd because it's so small - guess I should make another that looks like a cell phone pouch!!  ;)




That's a cute little pistol and is certainly small enough for me.  I'm wanting a c&b pistol to use for "coup de grace" shots on downed deer; it will, of course, see other uses.  Do these little pistols have enough power to use on downed deer?  While barrel length isn't really an issue, I find the .36s a bit large for such carry.  If it can carry it's own weight in the hunting field, a small .31 sounds like just the ticket.
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: snake eyes on August 06, 2015, 11:08:07 PM
Hanshi,
          I don't know about Va but in Oh it is illegal to carry any type of B/P revolver
while hunting. Also carrying two guns of any type while hunting is not permitted.
snake-eyes  :shake
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: hawkthrower on August 07, 2015, 12:55:22 AM
I can't yet say much about accuracy, I've only shot a few rounds so far. but it sure seems to have enough punch with 15 gr of fffg Goex. FYI here in NM a sidearm may be carried on a trad BP or bow hunt. And with some of the brushes I've personally had with large carnivores and a few other large animals not on my tags I always have one of my c&b revolvers along. I don't quite know if I would feel as comfy with this little guy as I do with my .44's but it would be great backup on a vey light weight trek!
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: Hanshi on August 08, 2015, 03:04:44 PM
Handguns are legal to possess when hunting in Va. so that's not a problem.  I'd like something small that will penetrate the back of a deer's head where the spine connects with the skull.  A hit there is instantly fatal.  I would think (don't really know, however) that a .31 would compare with a .25 auto; similar weight bullet and velocity approaching that of the .25.  Penetration should be greater with a .25 but not that much is actually needed.
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: hawkthrower on August 09, 2015, 01:57:41 AM
Hanshi,
According to the ballistics charts I've been able to find the .31 with 15gr of fffg and a standard round ball should have a velocity around 810fps at about 73ft-lbs.  the .25auto is - 760fps 65ft-lbs......

So, I think the answer is yes - it would work, and actually it may have more penetration because the bullet mass of both the .25 and the .31 is close to the same @50gr (0 buckshot which is also almost the same dia. as the .31 is 49gr. The hand cast balls I have weigh right at 51gr......)
Remember the .25 is only a 2 inch barrel where the .31 is 3 inch.
You may be able to get a tiny bit more depending on the weight of the ball - but it still would work even if you back off the charge a bit...

And this little guy is fun!
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: Hanshi on August 09, 2015, 05:25:39 PM
What's that model called, hawkthrower.  It's a true pocket piece if I've ever seen one.
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: hawkthrower on August 10, 2015, 02:11:23 AM
1863 .31 "pocket" Remington revolver - The brass frame is not original. They were steel and most were converted to .32 rimfire..... Or so says the net...
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: swathdiver on December 30, 2015, 01:25:08 AM
The Remington New Model Pocket was offered in steel and brass and nickel plated brass.

If you're not going to shoot it often, you could use 4fg powder for a little extra power to finish off those deer.  Better yet, the Colt's Pocket Navy and Police are .36 caliber and on the same frame as the .31 Pocket and Baby Dragoons.  The Pocket Police by Uberti can be had with 4", 5" and 6" barrel lengths.
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: Ironhand on December 30, 2015, 05:09:11 PM
I have a pocket police. 5 shot 36 on a 31 frame. Very handy and more power than the 31.
Title: Re: 31 cal revolver
Post by: huntinguy on February 02, 2016, 02:33:04 PM
Quote from: "Hanshi"
Quote from: "hawkthrower"
[attachment=0:2fs9d3xr][/attachment]IMG_3392.JPG[/attachment:2fs9d3xr]

Got this one a short while back to see if it was accurate and had some hit....
It has both and was worth it - Now to get the $$ to get a steel frame and the .32 conversion cylinder!!!

The tiny holster I made to put it on my belt - But it looks kinda odd because it's so small - guess I should make another that looks like a cell phone pouch!!  ;)




That's a cute little pistol and is certainly small enough for me.  I'm wanting a c&b pistol to use for "coup de grace" shots on downed deer; it will, of course, see other uses.  Do these little pistols have enough power to use on downed deer?  While barrel length isn't really an issue, I find the .36s a bit large for such carry.  If it can carry it's own weight in the hunting field, a small .31 sounds like just the ticket.

Might want to check regs. In Washington the "coup de grace" must be from a "hunting legal" arm.