This 1858 Remington Bison revolver was assembled from a kit, and is offered with a well aged patina and a rough pitted bore. Referred to as the Bison model because of its long 12” barrel. In addition to the longer barrel this revolver is fitted with adjustable target sights. The barrel, cylinder, and loading lever are finished to a blueish-gray with a speckled brown patina. The brass frame and triggerguard have many small file marks from the build process and have aged to a dark patina from use. The action is well timed and we were able to remove all six nipples from the cylinder.

The 12” octagon barrel is a full 4” longer than the standard 1858 New Model Army revolvers, the longer barrel gives the shooter a longer sight radius and, in theory, a more accurate gun. The bore has heavy pitting running throughout. Behind the muzzle a ramped front sight has been placed to work with the adjustable rear sight that is set on the top strap of the steel frame. We note the front sight is bent slightly to the left. The octagon barrel has been marked Made in Italy and Black Powder Only 44 Cal, and the top flat is stamped Euroarms of America. A few inspection and proof marks can be found in the frame below the cylinder.

The action is smooth, crisp, and positive. The Remington trigger is wide and comfortable, and the release is modest, with no creep or lost motion. The walnut grips have a blocky appearance and are finished to a medium brown. The grips have many handling marks and are mounted with a blued steel screw, through brass escutcheons. The traditional brass triggerguard has aged to a mellow patina.

The cylinder has the Remington safety notches cut between each nipple recess. Pull the hammer to half-cock, turn the cylinder to align the safety notch with the hammer nose, and set the hammer into the notch. You can safely carry this revolver with all six chambers loaded, if you rest the hammer in a safety notch. The factory recommends a .451" round ball, but we strongly prefer the slightly larger Hornady .454" round ball, which provides better compression, noticeably more power, and best accuracy. However, an oversize ball tends to shear lead at each chamber mouth, changing the size and bullet weight, a problem. This revolver has slightly chamfered chamber mouths. If your revolver shaves lead, slightly polish each chamber mouth with fine emery and a marble, until the ball seats fully, compressing the lead instead of shearing it.

This percussion Bison revolver has a well used patina and a rough pitted bore. 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.