CVA Revolver Information Manual

7. During reassembly, LIGHTLY oil all moving parts and grease the grooves of the
cylinder pin.
NOTE: If shooting is going to commence within the day, do not oil the inside of the
chambers or nipples.
E.  RECOMMENDED BLACKPOWDER CHARGES - TABLE 1
1.  The proper charge for a cap ‘n’ ball revolver is an efficient load, providing consistent
ignition and velocity while yielding chamber pressures well below maximum safe lev-
els.  The full maximum charge is seldom used except in situations such as hunting.
2....

F.  PROJECTILES
1. Round Ball.
a. The recommended projectile for CVA revolvers to assure the greatest accuracy
and consistency, is a round ball (cast or swaged) of pure lead.
b. See Table 1 for the suitable ball diameter for a specific caliber and revolver
style.
2. Conical Bullet:
a. Conical bullets were originally used to provide greater knock-down power.
b. Inherently, conical bullets are not as accurate as round balls, primarily because
they become canted during loading and, therefore, enter the...

A light gun oil should be used to lubricate all moving parts.  Do not apply the oil
heavily as this will contribute to additional fouling build up during shooting, requiring
more cleaning between shots.
H.  LOADING AND SHOOTING OF A CAP ‘N’ BALL REVOLVER
CAUTION:  Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
1. Put on shatterproof shooting glasses and insert ear plugs.  A cap ‘n’ ball revolver
may shower sparks of bits of caps when fired.
2. Be sure revolver is unloaded:
a. Place hammer in the...

revolver from firing when the trigger is pulled.
4. WITH GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, place a #11 percussion cap on
each nipple.
a. Turn the cylinder so that a nipple aligns with the cut out on the right side of the
frame.  Keep muzzle angled downward.
b. It may be necessary to pinch the cap to assure a snug fit on the nipple.
c. All nipples should be capped.
CAUTION: Use a capper to place the caps on the nipples.  Percussion caps are sensi-
tive to pressure and can explode under extreme finger...

CAUTION:  Never pour powder from a flask directly into a chamber.  If a spark is
present in the chamber, a serious explosion could result.  Always use a revolver pow-
der measure (AC1409).
9. Place a proper sized ball or bullet into the opening of the chamber.  The ball or
bullet should be slightly oversized so it will not enter without pressure.
NOTE: If cast balls are being used, place sprue (flat spot) facing upwards.
10. Rotate the cylinder to place ball directly under the plunger of the loading...

a. A thin ring of lead will be shaved off the ball by
the opening of the chamber.  This indicates that
the ball is properly sized for the chamber so that
it will not loosen during shooting, and creates a
tight gas seal.
b. Be sure ball or bullet is seated firmly against
powder.  No air space should exist between ball
and powder.
DANGER: Firing a revolver with the ball or bul-
let off the powder may cause serious damage to
the firearm and possibly to the shooter or bystand-
ers.
NOTE:  When using a...

CAUTION:  The grease reduces the possibility of a “chain-fire”: that is when the flame
from the first-fired chamber crosses over and causes the other chambers to fire at the
same time.  When aiming a revolver, never place “free hand” in front of cylinder.  Pos-
sible injury could result in the event of a chain fire (multiple ignition).
14. WITH THE GUN POINTED IN SAFE DIREC-
TION and hammer in the half-cock position, place
a No. 11 percussion cap on the nipple of each of
the loaded chambers.  THE GUN IS...

c. Push a nipple pick through the hole in the nipple into the main charge to clear
away any possible obstruction.
d. Seat a new cap and refire that chamber.
e. If the gun still does not fire, wait one minute with gun pointed at target.
DANGER:  If a cylinder with loaded chamber(s) must be removed, be sure all (unfired
and fired) caps have been removed from the nipples.  It is possible  for a chamber to
fire even with the cylinder out of the gun.  This could cause serious damage to the
shooter or...

18. If gun still does not fire, remove cylinder and nipple as before.
19. Soak cylinder in hot water to flush out the powder.
20. Push ball or bullet out from rear of chamber using aluminum, brass or wooden
rod.
I.  LOADING AND SHOOTING THE WELLS FARGO REVOLVER
1. Put on shatterproof shooting glasses and insert ear plugs.  A cap ‘n’ ball revolver
may shower sparks or bits of cap when fired.
CAUTION:  Always keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction.
2. Be sure revolver is unloaded.
a. Place hammer in...

(that is that the hammer cannot be moved) when trigger is pulled “Half-cock” refers to
the notch which allows the hammer to rest above the nipple, thus preventing the
revolver from firing when trigger is pulled.
4. WITH GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION, place a No. 11 percussion cap on
each nipple:
a. Turn the cylinder so that a nipple aligns with the cutout on the right side of the
frame, angle muzzle downward.
b. It may be necessary to pinch the cap to assure a snug fit on the nipple.
c. All nipples...