I do shoot mine. It's a Pietta. From new, the mechanics were loose and I did some tuning on it. It's not that much better but it works. I shortened the plunger on the rammer so that I can use .452 heel conical bullets. I've also put a slight bevel on the cylinders to help get the bullets started. The cylinder walls are so thin my bevels touch, but again it really helps in loading. I had a heck of a time getting the smooth bore barrel to fire. The problem lies in 2 separate issues. The lug that strikes the nipple on the smooth bore barrel slides away as it hits the cap, losing force needed to fire the cap. The nipple was also to short. It took trying many different nipple combinations till I got it to fire (I did change all the stock nipples with ones that Track recommended). I use 20 grains of 2f and a .452 cast from my Lee mold. The loading lever works, but bends quite easily. Fortunately, it bends back with the same effort. During their actual use in the war, many owners removed the loading levers and used a separate rod for loading. It's an uncomfortable piece to hold and keep on target. Because of this, the accuracy is compromised. I'm shooting off hand. Finally, I'm only able to fire 2 groups of 9 shots each before the pistol is to fouled to function. As for the 62 cal smooth bore barrel, its fun, but not as useful as one would think, in that with ball its recoil is excessive and totally inaccurate, even at a few yards. And its really to short to be effective with shot . I'd say if it weren't for the high cost they would be ok. Just ok!
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