[trtxhunter]

The previous owner of my recently acquired 1st Gen SAA says he shoots Black Hills cowboy loads through it as well as bp handloads. This is my first foray into antique firearms that still function, so I must ask-- is it safe for me to shoot cowboy low pressure loads (HSM, Black Hills, Hornady...) as well as bp, or only BP? Either way, I'm all ears for tips and tricks for maintaining and looking after this old Colt.

 

[trtxhunter]

38-40 wasn’t introduced in 1874.

Thanks for pointing out. I took the prev. owner's word for it and hadn't checked the serial number.

 

[trtxhunter]

I don't handload. Need to start looking for a person or business that sells black powder 38-40 near Pensacola FL. Any recommendations? Appreciate it, all.

 

[trtxhunter]

Correction on Serial. 129133, which should place it at 1889.

 

[trtxhunter]

Believe the grips are second gen.

 

[trtxhunter]

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!

The notches on the underside of the hammer seem to be a bit rounded down from use, the cylinder lock is practically negligible, and the bolt screw head is just missing. So for now it --can-- be shot, but I agree, I'd like to find someone who can give some TLC.

 

[trtxhunter]

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?

Northwest Florida