copyright William Marion 2008

May 2006 Edition

Page 2

about getting all the needed replacement parts.  A week later and a shipment of parts, back to work.  With the frame, strap and barrel assembled, I tested the action.  The finger required a bit of work to get the cylinder to turn the correct amount.  The new strap was a bit off from the original and the grip required more sanding and refinishing.

In the end, the assembled kit looked fine.  Overall though, I was very disappointed with the quality of the CVA kit.  My no-name brand 1851 Navy kit from 25 years ago was better than this kit.  I had expected better quality parts and a much lower level of frustration.  What should have been a fun weekend project became a 2 week ordeal.  The high points were how nicely the barrel blued and the grips finished.  Other than that, virtually every part required extensive finishing and fitting.  Definitely not a good project for a beginner and a great frustration for those experienced with higher quality kits and replicas.  On my scale of 1 to 6 cylinders, this kit gets a 2.  So if you’re thinking about a kit, I’d advise passing on the CVA Police Pocket.  


Next month: A report on how it shoots

Since the article in last month’s edition, we have received a number of requests to identify, estimate a price for, or trace the history of real period revolvers.  We’re always happy to consult our resources but there are a couple things that make the research much easier.  First and foremost is the serial number.  If we know the make of a gun, the serial number can help trace when it was made, if it was purchased by the government (either Union or Confederate), and perhaps even to what unit it was issued.  The serial numbers are located in various places, most often on the barrel, cylinder, frame or trigger guard.  Some such as the New Army Remington have it hidden under the cylinder pin.  Also important are any inscriptions on the barrel.  This can help confirm the manufacture date and model or type.  Believe it or not, the barrel inscription can make the difference between a $1,500 gun and a $15,000 gun.

Look for any other markings on the frame, trigger guard or grip strap.  These can be inspectors’ marks which also help date a firearm.  Other physical characteristics such as the shape of the trigger guard, frame and cylinder can help with positive identification.  Perhaps the best suggestion is to photograph the gun, including all the above.  Again if you’d like us to research your antique revolver, please send any or all of the above.      

The finished product  While the assembly wasn’t smooth, the finished product looks good.