I have two of the ASM version of the Richards Conversion of the Colt’s 1860.
You can see the shorter ejector rod housing, the rear sight on the conversion ring and the loading gate.
In the second image, you can see the spring loaded firing pin in the conversion ring.
In the third image you can see the modification to the hammer face.
These are both chambered for the modern 44 Colt cartridge. The original 44 Colt used a bullet of about .455 caliber with a heeled base and loaded it into the case only as deep as the heel. The modern 44 Colt utilizes technology similar to what Colt’s did with the 41, 38 and maybe the 32 Colt when the modernized them. They used a bullet that would fit inside the case and tightened the bore to match. In the case of the 44 Colt, ASM chose to use a .430 bullet and a .429 bore. (Just like the 44 S&W Special and the 44 Remington Magnum).
I load a 200 grain RNFP cast bullet over as much black powder as I can comfortably squeeze into the case. BP lube and a primer and I am good to go.
No one currently makes a copy of the Richards Conversion which is too bad. To me it is the finest of all the conversion revolvers.
Kevin
