does anyone shoot an original Rem rolling block pistol?

[vernz]

I have a very nice model 1901 Remington rolling block pistol that I want to shoot in a match. These were originally produced in either .22LR or .44 Russian, but this example is in 38 special. I'm guessing it was re-barrelled, but the barrel has no markings whatsoever on it. Interestingly enough, when I was researching loads I came across someone else with the same pistol configuration, including a completely unmarked barrel. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts about maximum pressure and loads that might work. I'm not interested in high velocity, just a nice accurate load.

Thanks, Vern

[Texas by God]

I want to shoot it.

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[gunarea]

Hey Vernz
You can decide on the relevance here. What I have is a Uberti modern copy of your rolling block. My pistol is Italian made and chambered (kinda) in 357 mag. The rolling block design is inherently weak and pushing pressure limits can be costly. Although mine has had so much work done on it, the price has now doubled, it is pinpoint accurate. The following loads in my pistol are used nearly every week on steel targets playing NRA Hunter pistol and ILSA Lawnsteel.

Attachment 206608

160 gr RNFP (Lyman cowboy) 2.9gr Alliant Promo, 825 fps 7 fps SD. 200 gr RNFP (RCBS legend) 2.7 gr Promo, 780 fps, 5 fps SD. Both are loaded into R-P 357 mag brass, CCI sp primed, only neck sized after fire formed. The Italian chamber is oversize.
The pointing ergonomics for target shooting are so comfortable, I have poured time and money into my rolling block to make it shoot well. It is now much more accurate than I am. I have an article of my quest on the CBA forum. Good skill with yours.
Roy

[marlinman93]

I also have one that's been rebarreled in .32-20 that I shoot. I use pretty mild loads as I've always thought it shouldn't have been chambered in this caliber. My 115 gr. load is coming out the muzzle at under 1000 fps, and is fun to shoot.
I love these Rolling Block pistols, and would love to stumble across another in .22LR I could afford!

[Texas by God]

One in .44 Russian would be so much fun.

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[clum553946]

That’s a really cool gun!

[marlinman93]

hmmmm a target pistol with a LOOOOOONG barrel, and in 38 special. am I the only one who things 148 grain hollow base wadcutters would be like, um, really really fantastic here?

I like .38 wadcutters in a lot of handguns! Especially hollowbase wadcutters!