The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Which Conversion cylinder best for 1858 Rem 44

45 Dragoon · January 3, 2021, 12:32 AM

Question 1 - a six shot Howell (from Howell or Taylor's) for the Remington. It is a drop cylinder and the Remington platform is excellent for a drop cylinder conversion. It is also a close historic copy of period conversions. All other conversion cyls are 5 shot and they may not play well if you want a "convertible" revolver (5 shot cart. /6 shot cap cyl.).

Question 2 - a correctly set up open top with a Kirst gated conversion would be the best pick (and a stronger revolver (contrary to popular belief)) for 1000 fps or less cartridges. Even better, a Dragoon platform will give you 6 shots and convertibility. Not to mention, it is a more historically correct conversion (no drop cys. were used as conversions for open top revolvers).

Bonus answer - Ruger Old Army with a Kirst conversion is "King of the hill"!! It's an absolute beast!! (Plus, convertibility!!)

Mike

January 3, 2021, 12:32 AM	#5
45 Dragoon Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2013 Posts: 657	Question 1 - a six shot Howell (from Howell or Taylor's) for the Remington. It is a drop cylinder and the Remington platform is excellent for a drop cylinder conversion. It is also a close historic copy of period conversions. All other conversion cyls are 5 shot and they may not play well if you want a "convertible" revolver (5 shot cart. /6 shot cap cyl.). Question 2 - a correctly set up open top with a Kirst gated conversion would be the best pick (and a stronger revolver (contrary to popular belief)) for 1000 fps or less cartridges. Even better, a Dragoon platform will give you 6 shots and convertibility. Not to mention, it is a more historically correct conversion (no drop cys. were used as conversions for open top revolvers). Bonus answer - Ruger Old Army with a Kirst conversion is "King of the hill"!! It's an absolute beast!! (Plus, convertibility!!) Mike