EIG '51 Navy

[Jim C]

Just bought myself a nice old brass frame '51 Navy for $50 made by an Italian co., EIG, back in 1967. I bought it completely disassembled. Upon inspection of all the parts it doesn't appear to have been shot very much, no metal wear, no rust, nor bluing wear either, but a real nice patina for a near 50 yr old piece. It also appears to be a very well made piece, fit and finish being excellent, at least as good as Uberti and Pietta. I checked it out and it's worth between $125-$150. The middle frame screw is missing but I have one on the way. Can't wait to shoot it :grin:..... One question......It being a brass frame, will it hurt it to shoot a full chamber load of 3f behind a .36 cal ball?

 

[cynthialee]

15 grains of 3F is about the most I would use in that pistol.

 

[Jim C]

So what would 15 grs be, about a half a chamber full?

 

[mooman76]

I have one of those bought from a friend. It is real loose from him loading up the cylinders with full loads.

 

[bpd303]

For reference a 38 special case holds 20 gr of black powder a .380 case holds 10 gr and a .22 long rifle case holds 5 gr. http://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/247958/

 

[Jim C]

This one is tight as new and I aim to keep it that way, so 15 gr charges it is. Just out of curiosity I'm wondering how much more a steel frame 51 Navy will stand. I may get one later on. I like the size of them, they're just about right for my liking.

 

[Jim C]

Thanks bp. I'll cut down a 38 case till it holds 15 grs and just keep it at that. I have a jug of Puff-Lon I use for BP cartridge filler. I suppose that'll work just as well in a cap n ball pistol.

 

[bpd303]

Yep Puff-lon will work as well as corn meal for a filler.

 

[ZUG]

Here is a EIG steel frame 51 I bought in 1969 for my brother for Christmas. He has shot that gun until it wore the internals out that was about 7,000 rounds ago after he retired it in the 70's. I referbished it for him about 2 years ago and it is still going strong. One thing that I noticed is that the frame size is a bit smaller than 1851's made now a days.

 

[Jim C]

Where did you get the parts for it? Not that I need any, but you never know. Looking at parts for the Uberti and Pietta's on the DGW website it looks like they would all interchange with one another. It is noted that some parts will even work in the original Colt revolvers. But, if as you say, the older EIG's frames are slightly smaller than todays pistols, they may not interchange.

 

[Don]

I think 15 grains of powder is a good plinking load. You could go up to 18 grains if you wanted and still not over stress the frame. By the way, you can buy a powder measure from any of the on line vendors that sell black powder supplies, they are pretty cheap. Have fun with your new shootin iron.

Don

 

[Jim C]

:thumbsup:

 

[ZUG]

The few parts that I replaced were parts for a Pietta and they were modified to fit - hope this helps :v .