Shoulder Stock for 51 R-M

[Triggersmith]

I have a Cimarron 51 Richards mason comversion.  There is supposedly a shoulder stock for either a 51 Navy cut for shoulder stock or one not cut for shoulder stock.  How can I bolt a shoulder stock up to a Richards Mason conversion?  My 51 has the brass back strap.
Thanks
Triggersmith
bluesman@acd.net

[Major 2]

Ray
There was two Variations of 1851 Navy Shoulder Stock. 

Top: Gun not Cut for Shoulder Stock.






Bottom: Gun cut for Shoulder Stock

[Major 2]

The conversions were made mostly on guns not cut because of the loading gate.



Some do exist , I've seen 1860's cut for the stock as conversions.

Yours will need the cut out in the backstrap and the two longer screws at the frame.

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[Coffinmaker]

IF ...... you clamp that shoulder stock up to a conversion, with a cartridge cylinder in it, your flirting with the feds.  Unless you hapen to have 16 inches of barrel.  The feds have absolutely NO SENSE OF HUMOR.  They will make you a guest for a real nasty vacation.

Coffinmaker

[Triggersmith]

Thanks for the reply gents. 
 Mr Coffinmaker.  I wasn't aware barrel length made a difference on a Richards Mason conversion with a shoulder stock attachment.  I will most assuredly look into the matter before I do it.  I've seen pictures of 1860 R-M conversions with shoulder stocks.  Hmmmmm.  Interesting.
Triggersmith

[Coffinmaker]

Shoulder stocks and hand guns.  BATF does not consider a BP cap and ball weapon to be a firearm.  Go figure.  It's legal to mail, ship, send, haul or drag one anywhere.  No barrel length restrictions of any sort.  For all practical situations, you can do anything you want with it.  It isn't a firearm.
Now, add a cartridge cylinder and the rules change.  It is now a firearm and ALL applicable laws governing firearms apply.  So long as the cartridge cylinder is in the gun, you MAY NOT add a butt stock unless your barrel is 16+ inches.  Get caught with a butt stock on a short "firearm" and your looking at a federal firearms conviction, jail time, fine and loss of your firearms privileges for LIFE!!  BATF does not take prisoners!!!
Additionally, if you CONVERT a BP handgun to cartridge, by modifying the frame, you have manufactured a firearm without a license.  You may do this for yourself legally, but once the conversion is done, you may never legally sell or transfer said firearm.  Modify a frame to accept a Kirst = yours forever.  Re-cut the frame for a Richards style recoil plate and cylinder (home brew or Kirst) = yours forever.  Cutting a frame for cartridge loading (Kirst without loading gate) and you have still manufactured a firearm = yours forever.

Coffinmaker

[Triggersmith]

I guess I better read up on my gun law.  I have a Cimarron Richards Mason conversion that is a manufactured cartridge revolver.  I wasn't aware that adding a shoulder stock to it would be illegal.  thanks for the reply.  I'll get back.
Triggersmith

[Triggersmith]

Evidently, if I understand the Regulations correctly,  it would be considered an assault weapon.
Am I correct?
Triggersmith

[St. George]

More like a 'Short-Barrelled Rifle'.

In truth - few original 1851 Navies were ever stocked - but 1860 Armies and the Dragoons were.

The stock was deemed to be a significant development for the trooper - but the carbine over-rode it, and the troopers weren't all that fond of it.

The frames were cut for the 'ears' of the stock and there were two large-headed screws installed to assist in securing the device - creating the 'four-screw' frame - but as time went on - the cut-outs would be kept, but they'd drop the installation of the additional screws.

Most Conversions weren't made from that style of frame - and McDowell's book - 'A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers' doesn't indicate any use of shoulder stocks.

The inherent 'problem' with conversion cylinders installed in BP revolvers is that they create a 'firearm', in the eyes of the law.

It's true that BP revolvers can be shipped anywhere and bought by anyone.

On the other hand - should an ex-felon (or one in good standing) buy a BP revolver, wrongly thinking that it's 'legal', since the law doesn't see it as a 'firearm' - and if he buys and installs a conversion cylinder - he's back on his way to rooming with 'Bubba - the Sheep Squeezer', since that's now a felony.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Triggersmith]

Thanks for the replies Gents.  I think doing it would be a large pain in the butt anyway.  I saw Lee Van Cleef in "For a few dollars more" and he had a long barreled pistol with a shoulder stock attachment and thought it was kinda neat.  Naah.  I'll think of something else to do.  How about a Gatling?
Triggersmith

[Coffinmaker]

A Gatling???  You betcha!!! I'm IN!!

Coffinmaker

[Triggersmith]

Well, Let's git er done.  Thanks for your advise.
Triggersmith