Here's a great, very shootable Starr M1863 single action revolver.
The M1863 was born as a result of less-than-spectacular field reviews of the gun's predecessor the M1858 Double Action. While the M1858 initially preformed quite favorable during its trial at the Springfield arsenal proving grounds, the soldiery who actually had to fight with the giant .44 caliber double-action-only revolver were unimpressed. Complaints that gun's cylinder froze up or became overwhelmingly difficult to advance when dirty made the gun unpopular, and Starr Arms Co was asked to design a single action version of their break open revolver in response to these complaints.
The result was the M1863; a nearly identical version of the M1858; except this new arm had a slightly longer barrel and was single-action-only. This new arm proved to be popular both with the troops and the U.S. government; as the simplified action also meant a reduction in price. Starr would eventually be given a contract to produce 25,000 of these revolver between 1863 and 1865.
This particular M1863 Starr is in great shape. It has a very positive and smooth action with a good hammer lock up on both full and half cock. The cylinder locks solidly in full cock and spins freely on half cock - as it should.
The gun is all original with the exception of a reproduction thumb screw made by C.H. Weisz. The thumb screw is a perfect copy of the original and matches the gun very well and fits nicely.
The grips are original and in great condition; as indicated by the faint inspector's cartouche found on the bottom of the one piece walnut stock.
The bore and chambers are good with strong rifling and only a few areas of minor scattered pitting.
