How do I convert my 1858 Remington Carbine to centerfire?

aarondhgraham · October 8, 2020, 11:10 AM

How do I convert my 1858 Remington Carbine to centerfire?

I bought this carbine back in 1998 from Cabela's,,,
I loved shooting the little thing,,,
But I hated the clean-up.

Last night I was watching TV,,,
And noticed the rifle hanging on the wall.

I've read that there is a way to convert it to shoot centerfire,,,
But I have no idea who does this conversion,,,
Or if it's a drop-in I can do myself.

Also, what cartridge would it use,,,
I have read .45 Long Colt,,,
And .44 Special.

I either need to convert the carbine or peddle it off,,,
I sure did like shooting the carbine though,,,
But I swore off black powder completely.

Anyone have any information for me?

Aarond

.

Scorch · October 8, 2020, 02:58 PM

You can buy conversion cylinders for the Remington 1858 to convert them to fire 45 Colt (44 caliber BP revolvers typically have .45 groove diameter). But just know that converting it with a conversion cylinder does not really make it easier to shoot because of the hassle of removing the cylinder to reload and having to eject the empties with a dowel. But it does make it a little more convenient in that you don't have to handle loose powder and ball. Doing a full conversion with loading gate and fixed firing pin is a lot of work and turns it into a modern firearm (legally).

aarondhgraham · October 8, 2020, 04:27 PM

That info helps me.

I'll never shoot it again using black powder,,,
I absolutely hate the clean-up process.

I believe removing/loading/inserting the cylinder will be a lot easier,,,
Besides, me being way into shooting single-shot rifles,,,
I kinda enjoy the slower mechanics of this.

I went to taylorsfirearms.com on a members suggestion,,,
They have the cylinder that will work for me,,,
Price is a bit steep but what the heck.

I just need to determine if my carbine is a Pietta or an Uberti,,,
I should know that but it's been a long time since I even looked at the gun.

Thanks for clearing that issue of which cartridge it will use,,,
I have a SASS buddy who will load light rounds for me,,,
At least I think he will if I ask nicely.

Aarond

.

October 8, 2020, 11:10 AM	#1
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	How do I convert my 1858 Remington Carbine to centerfire? How do I convert my 1858 Remington Carbine to centerfire? I bought this carbine back in 1998 from Cabela's,,, I loved shooting the little thing,,, But I hated the clean-up. Last night I was watching TV,,, And noticed the rifle hanging on the wall. I've read that there is a way to convert it to shoot centerfire,,, But I have no idea who does this conversion,,, Or if it's a drop-in I can do myself. Also, what cartridge would it use,,, I have read .45 Long Colt,,, And .44 Special. I either need to convert the carbine or peddle it off,,, I sure did like shooting the carbine though,,, But I swore off black powder completely. Anyone have any information for me? Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

October 8, 2020, 02:58 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	You can buy conversion cylinders for the Remington 1858 to convert them to fire 45 Colt (44 caliber BP revolvers typically have .45 groove diameter). But just know that converting it with a conversion cylinder does not really make it easier to shoot because of the hassle of removing the cylinder to reload and having to eject the empties with a dowel. But it does make it a little more convenient in that you don't have to handle loose powder and ball. Doing a full conversion with loading gate and fixed firing pin is a lot of work and turns it into a modern firearm (legally). __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

October 8, 2020, 04:27 PM	#3
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Thanks Scorch,,, That info helps me. I'll never shoot it again using black powder,,, I absolutely hate the clean-up process. I believe removing/loading/inserting the cylinder will be a lot easier,,, Besides, me being way into shooting single-shot rifles,,, I kinda enjoy the slower mechanics of this. I went to taylorsfirearms.com on a members suggestion,,, They have the cylinder that will work for me,,, Price is a bit steep but what the heck. I just need to determine if my carbine is a Pietta or an Uberti,,, I should know that but it's been a long time since I even looked at the gun. Thanks for clearing that issue of which cartridge it will use,,, I have a SASS buddy who will load light rounds for me,,, At least I think he will if I ask nicely. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)