The 1858 Starr Double Action percussion .44 revolver competed in the percussion revolver market in the mid 19th century. More costly, and more complex than a Colt or Remington which is likely why in 1863 Starr offered a single action revolver to compete in military contracts during the American Civil War. This replica percussion revolver was manufactured by Pietta of Italy.
This replica revolver does appear to have been lightly used. A few small marks in the cylinder, from the act of cocking the gun, are evident. A few tiny marks in the blue, are also evident from use where the revolver opens to expose the cylinder. Made entirely of blued steel, no brass, silver are present. The frame of the revolver is marked STARR. ARMS. Co. NEW. YORK. while the barrel is marked F.LLI PIETTA - MADE IN ITALY. On the back of the trigger is a slide with a screw to allow the revolver to be fired in double action, or single action. Sliding it forward puts the revolver in double action, while in the lower position it fires in single action only.
The 6" round barrel is fitted with a blued steel blade front sight, fitted to an integral dovetail base, which may be drifted for windage, to suit your eyes. The hammer is notched, forming a rear sight, with maximum sight radius, when cocked. This side of the frame is marked STARR’S PATENT JAN. 15. 1856 along with the serial number, the last three digits of the number can also be found on the cylinder face when it is removed from the gun. The nipples are well exposed in the cylinders, to allow easy cap insertion. The grip is fine grained walnut, finished and varnished, one piece construction, shaped with a saw-handle spur. It feels more comfortable, or perhaps more like a modern handgun, especially in a medium or large man's hand.
Most loading manuals recommend the .451" round ball, which works, but we strongly recommend the .454" round ball, which gives better compression and best accuracy. To load the .454" ball, without shearing lead, your cylinder mouth must be very slightly chamfered. If you new revolver shears lead during loading, polish the cylinder mouth with a marble and fine emery paper, until the ball is entirely compressed into the cylinder, during loading. Use our #Ox-Wad-44-W lubricated wad under the ball, or wipe a small amount of bullet lubricant over the ball, filling the cylinder mouth, after loading. Our #Mink-Oil tallow, or #Lube-SPG bullet lubricant work well. Crisco vegetable grease is a popular choice, but vegetable greases do not lubricate as well as animal fats. Petroleum grease works, but is hard to remove during cleaning.
This revolver has a bright bore and has been well maintained. It will be a joy to shoot at the range! Order it for a ten day visual inspection. You will be delighted. Else if it does not fit you, return it in unfired condition for same-day refund. Postage is your only risk, when you order any one-of-a-kind gun from Track, whether new, used, or antique.
