The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Converting a Black powder pistol to Cartridge

James K · September 11, 2012, 06:20 PM

One thing to consider about converting Colt type revolvers. The rearward thrust of a percussion revolver is through the cylinder, which means it is at the thick part of the frame. In other words, there is no thrust at the top of the boss; the cylinder recoils rather than the cartridge.

But when the gun is converted to cartridge, the backward thrust point changes. The pressure is now exerted at the top of the frame boss, so with the longer lever arm, it has more tendency to bend the back of the frame. That is the problem Colt ran into with their own 1872 model and why they went to a top strap for the 1873.

Jim

September 11, 2012, 06:20 PM	#21
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	One thing to consider about converting Colt type revolvers. The rearward thrust of a percussion revolver is through the cylinder, which means it is at the thick part of the frame. In other words, there is no thrust at the top of the boss; the cylinder recoils rather than the cartridge. But when the gun is converted to cartridge, the backward thrust point changes. The pressure is now exerted at the top of the frame boss, so with the longer lever arm, it has more tendency to bend the back of the frame. That is the problem Colt ran into with their own 1872 model and why they went to a top strap for the 1873. Jim