1849 Colt Question

sltm1 · April 2, 2013, 03:13 PM

To, anyone who has a 1849 Colt, I'd appreciate a favor. I need to know the length of the cylinder, I'm thinking about picking one up and converting it to a 32-20 to match my antique Winchester. Thanx

Bob Wright · April 2, 2013, 03:43 PM

That sounds like you're walking on dangerous ground. My guess is that the .32-20 would be too potent for such a conversion. Maybe a Colt Navy if that.

Better a .32 S&W Long, maybe a .32 Magnum.

Bob Wright

DPris · April 2, 2013, 03:50 PM

No, you're not!
Extremely bad idea.
Denis

savit260 · April 2, 2013, 04:52 PM

What DPris said !!!

BAD BAD ideal.

These are small black powder revolvers, and that round would be WAY too much for it to handle.

If you're talking about the Italian replicas, I think that Howles or Kirst might do a .32 S&W (not .32 S&W Long) conversion cylinder.

EDIT TO ADD:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/186...w-5-round-blue

oldgunsmith · April 2, 2013, 05:01 PM

Mine is right at 1.460 not including the ratchet and 1.475 including. If you're planning on converting it to any cartridge and shooting it, don't buy too much ammo. It wouldn't last very long.

Willie Sutton · April 2, 2013, 05:19 PM

With .32-20 black powder or cowboy loads a conversion cylinder would not likely overstress the frame or arbor from a pressure standpoint, the diameter of the cartridge is problematical and the cylinder is likely not going allow full length cartridges to be chambered in a conversion cylinder. You might need to flush load. Not to mention needing a custom conversion cylinder. Since it's not a production conversion cylinder, and since if it were a viable choice the cowboy action folks would likely be on it already, I suspect that it's not completely practical.

Suggest asking in the black powder and cowboy action forum here, where these conversions are discussed daily by some pretty expert and friendly folks. I took the liberty of sending a note to the moderators suggesting moving the thread there. Hope I don't overstep my bounds by doing this. Want you to get the best information available.

Willie

.

rep1954 · April 2, 2013, 05:57 PM

I wouldn't give it much more than the 32SW myself. A fun little plinker in 32SW with the R&D cylinder.

DPris · April 2, 2013, 06:30 PM

Your Post #666.
Sign of the debbil!!!!!
Denis

sltm1 · April 2, 2013, 07:05 PM

Thanks guys, question answered,there just isn't enough room for the bullet (1.54 +-). I was wanting a companion pistol for my original Winchester 1873. I just relined the bore and it's very accurate....it need's a buddy (yeah, right, "need's"). Maybe a pocket police or navy instead after relining everything (cylinder & bore). At least I can scratch the 49 of my list. Thanx again

rep1954 · April 2, 2013, 07:11 PM

That's who made me do it!

newfrontier45 · April 2, 2013, 11:40 PM

Cartridge is way too long. A nice Colt .32-20 or replica should be calling your name.

April 2, 2013, 03:13 PM	#1
sltm1 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 353	1849 Colt Question To, anyone who has a 1849 Colt, I'd appreciate a favor. I need to know the length of the cylinder, I'm thinking about picking one up and converting it to a 32-20 to match my antique Winchester. Thanx

April 2, 2013, 07:11 PM	#10
rep1954 Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Mid Western Michigan Posts: 1,187	1849 Colt Question That's who made me do it!

April 2, 2013, 03:43 PM	#2
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	That sounds like you're walking on dangerous ground. My guess is that the .32-20 would be too potent for such a conversion. Maybe a Colt Navy if that. Better a .32 S&W Long, maybe a .32 Magnum. Bob Wright

April 2, 2013, 03:50 PM	#3
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	No, you're not! Extremely bad idea. Denis

April 2, 2013, 04:52 PM	#4
savit260 Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2006 Posts: 702	What DPris said !!! BAD BAD ideal. These are small black powder revolvers, and that round would be WAY too much for it to handle. If you're talking about the Italian replicas, I think that Howles or Kirst might do a .32 S&W (not .32 S&W Long) conversion cylinder. EDIT TO ADD: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/186...w-5-round-blue

April 2, 2013, 05:01 PM	#5
oldgunsmith Senior Member Join Date: January 9, 2013 Posts: 278	Mine is right at 1.460 not including the ratchet and 1.475 including. If you're planning on converting it to any cartridge and shooting it, don't buy too much ammo. It wouldn't last very long.

April 2, 2013, 05:19 PM	#6
Willie Sutton Junior member Join Date: January 26, 2012 Posts: 1,066	With .32-20 black powder or cowboy loads a conversion cylinder would not likely overstress the frame or arbor from a pressure standpoint, the diameter of the cartridge is problematical and the cylinder is likely not going allow full length cartridges to be chambered in a conversion cylinder. You might need to flush load. Not to mention needing a custom conversion cylinder. Since it's not a production conversion cylinder, and since if it were a viable choice the cowboy action folks would likely be on it already, I suspect that it's not completely practical. Suggest asking in the black powder and cowboy action forum here, where these conversions are discussed daily by some pretty expert and friendly folks. I took the liberty of sending a note to the moderators suggesting moving the thread there. Hope I don't overstep my bounds by doing this. Want you to get the best information available. Willie .

April 2, 2013, 05:57 PM	#7
rep1954 Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Location: Mid Western Michigan Posts: 1,187	I wouldn't give it much more than the 32SW myself. A fun little plinker in 32SW with the R&D cylinder.

April 2, 2013, 06:30 PM	#8
DPris Member Emeritus Join Date: August 19, 2004 Posts: 7,133	Your Post #666. Sign of the debbil!!!!! Denis

April 2, 2013, 07:05 PM	#9
sltm1 Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2009 Location: Idaho Posts: 353	Thanks guys, question answered,there just isn't enough room for the bullet (1.54 +-). I was wanting a companion pistol for my original Winchester 1873. I just relined the bore and it's very accurate....it need's a buddy (yeah, right, "need's"). Maybe a pocket police or navy instead after relining everything (cylinder & bore). At least I can scratch the 49 of my list. Thanx again

April 2, 2013, 11:40 PM	#11
newfrontier45 Junior member Join Date: February 23, 2012 Posts: 921	Cartridge is way too long. A nice Colt .32-20 or replica should be calling your name.