[Cozmo]

1874 manufacture is a black powder only gun.

But interesting enough 38-40 Colts were first introduced in 1884. So at some point if the gun is a 1874 production gun the barrel and cyliner were changed. In that case it would be worth showing photos of the gun, the barrel script and the back of your cylinder to see when they were produced. Frame is no question a BP frame. But the barrel and cylinder might not be BP only, which could give you some leeway on ammo depending on the condition of the gun.

 

[Cozmo]

Could be anything, including rebuilt/rechambered 2nd Gen parts.

The .41 Colt was introduced in 1885 as a BP cartridge and then discontinued in 1938 or 1939. Unless you can verify the replacement pars were made after 1910 I would stick to a strict diet of black powder for all the shooting done in this gun.

 

[Cozmo]

Neat black powder only gun. It looks like it needs some work on the internals. Worth looking up Alan Harton in Houston or Jim Martin here on the forum. I'd have someone good with 1st Gen guns look at it prior to shooting it. Enjoy!

 

[Cozmo]

Not a lot of folks I would trust with bring a well worn 1st Gen. back to life. Alan is in Texas, Jim is in Arizona. But there are others. Where are you?

 

[Cozmo]

Would the original cylinder have that little of a bevel that early?

Good catch.
No. It is a later production cylinder. Likely after 1910. But no real way to tell without better photos.

 

[Cozmo]

Post #13

Alan Harton 713 907 6031 - 713 772-8314 Good guy to talk to as well.
[email protected]

Single Action Service
8822 Jackwood St
Houston, TX 77036