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Conversions / Re: Conversions-the scoop
« on: July 11, 2024, 09:07:45 AM »
I agree with Mike, but I also would not volunteer the information that I have a conversion cylinder for it to an LEO, if it wasn't immediately apparent.
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That's pretty much the way I see it too. But, I do like to tinker and build my own guns. Also, there's the whole paperwork issue. That seems to be the elephant in the room, and I totally get it.I think that is spot-on, Zulch.I suppose it is quite possible that folks might have a real special, or favorite gun and they would like the option to be able to swap out cylinders and go back and forth? Like someone else had mentioned the steel used in the black powder guns is inferior to the cartridge open tops and RM's. I also reckon if one did ruin the barrel of the black powder gun by shooting cartridge smokeless powder they could always buy a new barrel. It just seems like a costly venture to me—just my 2 cents.
Every time I go out, which isn't often, capping is a struggle that day, or the kids get bored before I've gone through two cylinders in the time their deceased Maw would empty two 30rd AR mags... I've looked at conversion.
But when I maths the "Is the juice worth the squeeze?" equation. I don't shoot enough to make it make sense, and I like these for what they are.
If I need a cartridge gun that badly, there are 1911s to pick from, 1875's, 1873's, Vaqueros, all the things.
Another aspect from the business end of conversion cylinders is, the manufacturer doesn't know WHAT type of "rattle trap" some customers may be installing their products in . . . which gets you back to Ruger recommending "no handloads".Good comments, Mike. If I build a conversion revolver, I will probably use a Kirst cylinder. But I will also probably use a Pietta '58 Remington. If it turns out that the barrel doesn't last long, it would be pretty easy for me to make a new barrel from a modern blank. Although, I suppose it wouldn't be too difficult to put a liner in an 1860 Army barrel.
As far as barrels go, I asked Walt if jacketed bullets would wear them out, his response was "not in your lifetime"! So, unless he knows something I don't ( heck, I'm only 66 y.o!!), I'd say it's not a worry. Set up correctly, these revolvers are perfectly fine and can be treated just as any other modern SA revolver.
As far as Howell cylinders (and "Taylor’s"), they don't have 100% support for the cartridge case to back up against (the other end of the pressure column) like the Kirst plate/ring does. Therefore, I'd say tier1 loads should be considered maximum loads.
This information is also for the open-top platform which is superior to like top-strap designs ( Remingtons etc.). Of course the ROA is a modern design with a thicker top strap and can definitely handle tier2 loads.
Mike