Colt revolver grip frames.

[38splfan]

Hello to all,

I have a question about Colt revolvers that the search feature just couldn't answer, and I need your help.
Which grip frame assemblies are interchangeable? I'd like to build a pocket gun from an 1851/61 Navy or an 1860 Army using either an SAA bird's head grip assembly or a Thunderer/Lightning variety.
Can anyone tell me if there is any combination of the above that will work? I want to build this myself, but don't really want to hack on the standard grip frame with a dremel tool and a soldering iron to do it myself. Just think that may be a bit above my skill level.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

Regards to all,
John

[38splfan]

Maybe this should be in the gunsmithing forum?

[Easy E]

I believe the grip frame is the same for the 1851/60 & SAA. However this may not be true of the modern reproduction guns.

It actually would be a pretty cool looking pistol when finished (I've got an 1862 police that could be a candidate for this)

For a DIY project, I think only the back strap would need to be reshaped, and stocks of course. HMMMMM.... (as he reaches for the MAPP torch and files, lightning crashes dramatically outside the window).

[38splfan]

I was thinking that, but then it appears that most of the Italian repro parts are interchangeable, so all I really have to do is replace the backstrap.

Now I'm thinking an 1860 army with 3" barrel and getting a lightning backstrap and grips from Cimarron, then do the R&D Conversion Cylinder. It would be pretty neat and maybe even a handy kit gun.

Top it all off with some nice engraving and I would be set, I think.

[Smokin_Gun]

38splfan, go to VTI[ http://vtigunparts.com/ ] and the p/n's are listed for Piettas, and Ubertis.
The 1851 Navy .36 has the same grip size as a 1873 Colt...(not the same frame, just size) the 1851/61 Navy or Civilian .44 has the same grip as an 1860 Army(Pietta). Uberti make an 1851/61 Navy or the 1860 Army which are differant.

Here's a pic of an 1860 Army snub, belong's to Yankee John.
http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.47589679cd.jpg (http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?47589679cd.jpg)

And an 1862 snub.
http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.04dfec79f3.jpg (http://img3.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?04dfec79f3.jpg)

Try CAS City for the Birds head grip info.

[38splfan]

Thanks for the help guys.
Did a little looking through some of the schematics on the Cimarron page, seems like all the Italian repros use the same grip frame sub-parts.

Gonna try a '51 Navy, cut down myself with front sight re-mounted, and a Lightning backstrap/grips. Gonna leave it cap and ball though, just to be interesting. No cartridge conversion for me.

If anyone has done anything else like this, let me know.

Thanks guys.