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Tell me about conversion cylinders

Blairweescot
Interested in conversion cylinders. The BP pistol I currently have is not one that is listed anywhere (at least that I can find) as one for which a conversion cylinder is available- it's a Pietta .36 Colt NY Metropolitan Police model, steel frame, six shot. I had been told once that other cylinders for .36 Pietta/Uberti BP pistols would be fine, but I have not been able to confirm this (and will not just take somebody's word)

I am not adverse to getting another pistol, and then a conversion cylinder. I like the .36 but might be interested in a .44. I really prefer the Colt 'open top' designs. I'd been thinking perhaps a Dragoon. I understand about needing the steel frame, but what else can you tell me about conversion cylinders?
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Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • LEE3370
    The conversion cylinders for the Uberti and Pietta are NOT interchangeable.
    R&D and Kirst are the main suppliers for conversion cylinders for blackpowder revolvers. Check with them to see what they make then choose which revolver best suits your desires.
    Don't take my word for it, take theirs.
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  • Blairweescot
    quote:Originally posted by LEE3370
    The conversion cylinders for the Uberti and Pietta are NOT interchangeable.
    R&D and Kirst are the main suppliers for conversion cylinders for blackpowder revolvers. Check with them to see what they make then choose which revolver best suits your desires.
    Don't take my word for it, take theirs.



    Thanks

    Like I say, I did not take it for granted that those two were interchangable, it's only what I was told. I don't take chances with firearms. I either know it, or find out about it. I'll check out R&D and Kist and see what I can see
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  • v35
    Conversion cylinders for 36 cal revolvers wont work because the bores are .375" Dia. and 38 Spl bullets are .357"Dia., way undersize.
    Those for the true CW 44s are actually .45 caliber so conversion cylinders will work properly.
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  • chollagardens
    quote: Conversion cylinders for 36 cal revolvers wont work because the bores are .375" Dia. and 38 Spl bullets are .357"Dia., way undersize.
    Those for the true CW 44s are actually .45 caliber so conversion cylinders will work properly. quote:
    so that means a .31 cal black powder with a conversion cylinder will make it shoot .32?
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  • slumlord44
    I picked up a convrsion cylinder for a Remington 44 a while back for $50. Great deal. Anybody know how to figure out WHICH Remington copy it fits? I can find no markings on it. It will not work in my old Navy Arms gun. It fits but the rachet notches on the back of the cylinder are different. Have been trying it on guns at gunshows trying to match it up, but no luck yet. Want to buy another gun when I find one it fits.
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  • eastbank
    i bought a 51 navy brass frame that has a 38-SW cylinder with it,it shoots good but is so slow to reload as you have to take it apart to reload. i think a good man could reload it with black powder quicker, but the 38-SW would be better over the long haul to keep loaded and used in the rain. eastbank.
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  • xtremebeauty
    If I were to buy a conversion cylinder it would be for my 1858 Remington and not my 1860 Colt. I have seen the conversions that are two parts. The back part has the firing pins and the front is where your shells go. You put them together and replace the cylinder. This one can be used without requiring any frame work.

    So with the Remington I can pop the cylinder out quickly by pulling the rod, reloading and replacing it much faster than having to hammer the lynchpin out of the frame of the Colt.
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  • 44caliberkid
    I think the New York Metropolitan is a smaller frame than for the Pietta 1851 Navy, which R&D makes a cylinder for. They are for 38 Colt. Modern 38 Colts use a .358 bullet, but you can get healed bullets that are .375 from several manufactures, including one design especially for 36 cal revolver conversions. You can also load .375 round ball loads in the cases.
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  • mazo kid
    You CAN make the 36 conversion shoot; you have to use soft bullets that are HOLLOW BASE! Emery
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  • tallpaulr
    I don't know much on the conversion cylinders end of things but if you are looking for a great deal on an 1851 in .44 I know where one can be had for $179.00 with a STEEL Frame. Email me tallpaulr@hotmail.com and I'll send you the link.
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  • sharkdb
    slow to reload
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  • Old Gunny
    TaulPaul- I sent you and e-mail at your link re: the 1851 replica- Nada back from you- can you give me the details here-Thanks Old Gunny!
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