One of the most exciting things in the southwest is the cowboy culture. I’ve lived here my whole life, I have a revolver, but I wanted to get something that could be a good display piece but also fit in with a traditional western bushcraft kit. Black powder looked to be the way, and I tried it and I love it! So in this review, we will talk about the Pietta 1851 navy revolver in 44 caliber.

My “black powder thoughts”

My thoughts on black powder firearms is that although they are very old fashioned, they can still be a very useful addition to your kit and help you learn more about how they did it in the days of the old old west. Black powder guns can use round bullets made from melted down scrap lead, such as wheel weights, fishing weights, or even other cartridges that you couldn’t use for a purpose that the black powder gun will fill. For example, you could take lead from multiple 22lr rounds and use it to make a 50 cal ball for a Kentucky pattern black powder rifle to hunt large game. Black powder can also be made from basic ingredients available at department stores and online stores, making it even easier to stock up on ingredients as a prepper, and for the bushcrafter it will force you to learn a new old time skill. Wads can be made from old cotton scraps, and grease to lubricate the metal and to protect it from rust can be made of animal fats or even shortening. I don’t know to much about cap/primer manufacturing, but I’m sure it can be DIY as well with the right knowledge and supplies/equipment.

Why a revolver and not another type of cap and ball pistol?

I chose a revolver due to the general nature of the benefits of having multiple shots before a reload. A Kentucky pistol or dragoon pistol could also be a good item for a bushcraft kit, but I like the idea of having multiple shots because I’m not exactly a sharpshooter, and for self defense you might need those extra shots, whether it be from a rabid coyote or mountain lion or a small bear. I do however plan on purchasing a Traditions brand blunderbuss or Rifle kit for a good black powder long gun for bigger game hunting/better defense.

Unboxing

I purchased mine online from sportsmans.com (not affilliated with sportsman’s, but just giving you where to go to see my review on that website.)

Test firing

Loading the firearm

Step 1. Put the powder charge in first in a cylinder.

Step 2. Put a greased/lubricated wadding in a cylinder.

Step 3. Put the lead ball bullet in a cylinder.

Step 4. Rotate the wheel-gun so that the cylinder is under the plunger, and push down hard on the plunger and compact the bullet into it.

Notes:
There should be a small lead ring that is shaved off of each bullet when pressed into the chambers. This signifies a tight seal which will prevent chain fires. Also, if you are in wet weather, or want to keep the gun extra lubricated, I recommend using some beeswax or grease, a small amount on top of each loaded chamber to prevent moisture from getting into the powder charge and keep everything well oiled.

Some tools I recommend carrying:
Besides the essential tools/measuring instruments, I recommend carrying a needle or safety pin to remove things from the holes where you place the caps/primers. Also, if you accidentally load a wadding into the chamber before the powder and bullet, it makes it much easier to remove. It might even be nearly impossible to remove it without a basic needle.

What do I carry in my “possibles bag”:

A possibles bag is a basic sack made of durable fabric. it can be any bag really, just a small-medium size bag that you use to carry resources you find in the field, as well as essentials for your firearm and anything else you might possibly need. My possibles bag is made of a length of an old canvas pants leg that is stitched shut on one end and a drawstring was added to the other, making a durable sack for carrying various items in my bushcraft kit in the field. What I use my possibles bag mainly for though, is for carrying firearm cleaning accessories, powder charges, wads and bullets. Then I just keep it tucked under my belt.

Here is a mostly complete list of what I carry in my possibles bag:

1. Black powder or black powder substitute pellets
2. Caps/Primers
3. Safety pins
4. Wadding patches.
5. A small tub of beesewax/oil grease
6. Small can of Hoppe’s 9 gun CLP
7. Round ball bullets
8. 22 ammo if carrying a 22 rifle. (for small game hunting)
9. Bandannas or rags for cleaning steel tools (knives, firearms, saw blades.

As previously stated, I keep it on my belt for quick access for reloading, as well as quick access for putting natural resources gathered from the desert.

As for the revolver, I just tuck it into my belt for now, and keep the hammer in between the chambers to make it relatively drop safe.
I do keep it loaded so it is ready to use as a self defense firearm. It it’s raining or wet, I can keep my shirt untucked to keep water from getting all over my belt knife and revolver.

Overall, I recommend this revolver. Considering the balance between price and craftsmanship, I will rate it at 5/5 stars.

Thanks for reading, and remember to get out there and practice your survival and bushcraft skills! Get Ready!