Conversion to Open Top question

[Yul Catchum]

I have an 1851 with steel frame and the R&D cylinder (38 caliber). Haven't shot it yet but the guy I got it from is a pretty straight shooter (no pun intended) and he said it works and is accurate.

Thing is I want a Transition Model not just the cylinder soooooo, got to ask about the kits.

1) Can a NON-technical not even backyard qualified ovice install the loading gate versions and do they come with ejector rods?

2) Can they handle smokeless loads like a 38 hollowbase wadcutter loaded mild?

3) Who is a good source for kit, - VTI ?

Since I forget to check CAS anybody with advice can PM me at rvmartin@calcasieu911.com

thanks Yul Catchum

[Sgt. Jake]

   Yul Catchum    I would look at the Kirst gated conversion,ejector housing & rod. Kirst states that the use of smokeless cowboy loads or black are recomended,you shouldnt have a problem. You might give Gunpowder a whirl,a pard two weeks ago said to me ,Blackpowder isnt anywhere near as folks make it sound,I said SSh the price of black will jump if everybody finds out.  If I were going to invest in another it would be the Kirst

[Flint]

I have both Kirst and R&D gated conversions.  The major difference is the R&D is screwed to the breech, the Kirst is not.  R&D will rent you ther fixture to spot the holes for the screws, then you have to tap them.  For the shooter without a shop, the Kirst is easier to install.  Both require cutting a loading port, I used a rat tial file and a Dremel sanding drum.

Kirst has an ejector rod kit, look at his website.  The Ejector rod is nor included with the cylinder kit.

http://www.kirstkonverter.com/