Cartridge conversion for percussion revolvers?

Matt Wallis · June 22, 2001, 03:05 PM

Hey Everybody,

I've been continuing my self education about the Old West as well as my fascination with those beautiful and sleek percussion revolvers. One of the things I've learned is that as metal cartridges became available some "gunfighters" converted their old Colt Navy and Army model percussion revolvers to accept cartridges.

Is it possible to do that with modern day (CVA, Uberti, etc) percussion revolvers? Does anyone sell conversion kits? What does it take to convert one, anyway?

Thanks,
Matt

**4V50 Gary** · June 23, 2001, 09:30 AM

Back in the late '70s, conversion kits were pretty common and they cost about $50. They waned and with the resurgence in cowboy shooting, are starting to appear again. You'll have to pick up a copy of Shotgun News to find 'em. They may even appear in Gunlist.

BigG · June 25, 2001, 09:50 AM

Watch the movie "Wild Bill" with Jeff Bridges to see some cool cartridge conversions. Bill's Navy Colts were converted to cartridge.

Matt Wallis · June 25, 2001, 10:17 AM

Since I am still waiting to decide on which model and brand percussion revolver to buy, are conversion kits only for use with certain brands? Or since they are all repros of other models anyway does it not really matter?

BTW, who makes Cabela's revolvers?

Regards,
Matt

WINTERVILLE WILL · June 26, 2001, 01:15 PM

You need R&D gunworks replacement cylinder...made for steel frame 1858 Remingtons and Ruger old army...cost about $285 and available from Brownell's or Taylor's

Poodleshooter · June 26, 2001, 01:21 PM

Pietta makes Cabela's guns. They suck. I just broke a spring on one a few days ago.

cjc · June 27, 2001, 10:14 AM

Conversion kits are available, and they cost more than the guns. The brass frame '58s shouldn't be converted because the brass just can't stand up to the higher pressures produced by the cartridges.

I'm drawing a blank but it seems that someone is actually making the conversions, if I can find the infor I'll post it here. In the mean time you may want to check out my site at www.angelfire.com/home/oldguns It's a site dedicated to the guns of the American Frontier from the early American Longrifles to the Colt, S&W and Winchesters that won the west.

Harvester · June 27, 2001, 10:28 AM

I can confirm the conversions are readily available from Brownell's, as Winterville Will indicated- but they usually do cost more than a separate gun, as cjc stated. I thought the conversion was a neat idea when I first heard about it, but punted the idea when I discovered the cost. I picked up my Ruger Old Army and my Blackhawk for a total outlay less than the retail of the conversion kit alone.

I do not know that I would trust any piece other than the Old Army with such a conversion. They are built to withstand 44 magnum pressures- basically you can stuff the chambers with as much powder as you can, but still cram a bullet in and the revolver will take it.

-Harvester

Matt Wallis · June 28, 2001, 07:20 AM

I appreciate it! And cjc, nice site, man! Very cool article on cap and ball basics.

Regards,
Matt

June 22, 2001, 03:05 PM	#1
Matt Wallis Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 176	Cartridge conversion for percussion revolvers? Hey Everybody, I've been continuing my self education about the Old West as well as my fascination with those beautiful and sleek percussion revolvers. One of the things I've learned is that as metal cartridges became available some "gunfighters" converted their old Colt Navy and Army model percussion revolvers to accept cartridges. Is it possible to do that with modern day (CVA, Uberti, etc) percussion revolvers? Does anyone sell conversion kits? What does it take to convert one, anyway? Thanks, Matt

June 23, 2001, 09:30 AM	#2
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 22,309	Back in the late '70s, conversion kits were pretty common and they cost about $50. They waned and with the resurgence in cowboy shooting, are starting to appear again. You'll have to pick up a copy of Shotgun News to find 'em. They may even appear in Gunlist. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

June 25, 2001, 10:17 AM	#4
Matt Wallis Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 176	Does the brand matter? Since I am still waiting to decide on which model and brand percussion revolver to buy, are conversion kits only for use with certain brands? Or since they are all repros of other models anyway does it not really matter? BTW, who makes Cabela's revolvers? Regards, Matt

June 28, 2001, 07:20 AM	#9
Matt Wallis Senior Member Join Date: January 30, 2001 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 176	Thanks for the advice, guys... I appreciate it! And cjc, nice site, man! Very cool article on cap and ball basics. Regards, Matt

June 25, 2001, 09:50 AM	#3
BigG Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 4,334	Watch the movie "Wild Bill" with Jeff Bridges to see some cool cartridge conversions. Bill's Navy Colts were converted to cartridge.

June 26, 2001, 01:15 PM	#5
WINTERVILLE WILL Member Join Date: April 7, 2000 Location: Winterville, Ga. USA Posts: 50	You need R&D gunworks replacement cylinder...made for steel frame 1858 Remingtons and Ruger old army...cost about $285 and available from Brownell's or Taylor's

June 26, 2001, 01:21 PM	#6
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	Pietta makes Cabela's guns. They suck. I just broke a spring on one a few days ago.

June 27, 2001, 10:14 AM	#7
cjc Member Join Date: November 15, 2000 Location: Utah Posts: 40	Conversion kits are available, and they cost more than the guns. The brass frame '58s shouldn't be converted because the brass just can't stand up to the higher pressures produced by the cartridges. I'm drawing a blank but it seems that someone is actually making the conversions, if I can find the infor I'll post it here. In the mean time you may want to check out my site at www.angelfire.com/home/oldguns It's a site dedicated to the guns of the American Frontier from the early American Longrifles to the Colt, S&W and Winchesters that won the west.

June 27, 2001, 10:28 AM	#8
Harvester Junior Member Join Date: June 27, 2001 Location: the NEW Dominion Posts: 10	I can confirm the conversions are readily available from Brownell's, as Winterville Will indicated- but they usually do cost more than a separate gun, as cjc stated. I thought the conversion was a neat idea when I first heard about it, but punted the idea when I discovered the cost. I picked up my Ruger Old Army and my Blackhawk for a total outlay less than the retail of the conversion kit alone. I do not know that I would trust any piece other than the Old Army with such a conversion. They are built to withstand 44 magnum pressures- basically you can stuff the chambers with as much powder as you can, but still cram a bullet in and the revolver will take it. -Harvester