Mates, maybe you could throw some thoughts and suggestions at me.

I'm thinking about starting to collect antique pistols. I'm most interested in cartridge (including centerfire, rimfire, and pinfire), whether black powder or nitro.

Era? Say, 1865 - 1900.

Nationalities? Interested in all western countries: US, UK, Continent, their colonies.

Forseeable problems? 1) lack of space. 2) More so: lack of money! Seriously, I'd be looking to spend in the neighborhood of, say, $500 or less (make that, say, 700 or less, UK pounds), for average acquisition.

Yes, I realize that there's probably not a lot of options available in that price range. PINFIRES look to be an interesting option. Can anyone suggest any others?

I'd really appreciate any suggestions.


Jim