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How to Fire Civil War Reproduction Pistols

When utilizing your reproduction pistol, it is necessary to first know how to load it. Once loaded properly, your reproduction piece can be used for target practice or exhibition for historical reenactments.

The standard issue Civil War pistol for the Union was manufactured by the Colt firearm company. The Confederacy utilized many different types of pistol, because none was standardized. Confederate soldiers would frequently take Colt revolvers off the bodies of slain Union soldiers because the pistols were so well made.

Things You'll Need

Reproduction pistol
Black powder
Lead ball
Percussion caps

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out the proper powder charge for your pistol. You will want to consult the packaging that came with your reproduction arm -- as powder qualities have changed since the Civil War, the powder requirements may have changed.
- 2
  Set the hammer on your pistol to half cock. This will allow the revolving chamber to spin freely so the reproduction arm can be loaded.
- 3
  Pour the powder charge into one of the 5 or 6 revolving chambers.
- 4
  Place a lead ball over the chamber just filled, and push it down. The ball should slide snugly into the chamber.
- 5
  Rotate the block until the chamber just loaded is in line with the levered ramrod.
- 6
  Unhook the lever from its seat of the ramrod and crank downwards to fit the lead ball into the chamber very snugly.
- 7
  Rotate the chamber again and look at the primer nipple. This is designed for a percussion cap containing mercury fulminate. This will act as the ignition source for your round. Place a percussion cap over this nipple and push gently to insure fit. Do not push too hard, though.
- 8
  Repeat these steps until each chamber is loaded.

Antiquing