1860 Kirst Konversions???

Outrider #72622 · April 19, 2009, 06:28:46 PM

How many of y'all have tried them? If so, how did they do?
I broke out a couple of 1860 Sheriffs that I had before I went to Iraq and started remembering how much I loved them. Although, I didn't love the train wreck I had with them at a match. I started thinking some conversion cylinders might just be the ticket to rekindling the old flame!

Justice Johnson · April 21, 2009, 11:47:50 AM

howdy, have 2 1860 pietta's wih gated kirst conversions, they work flawlessly. they took a bit more work that my R&d conversions, but well worth it.

they will handle .45 colt fine if you seat the boolit a tad deeper.

regards and good luck

Outrider #72622 · April 22, 2009, 09:49:48 PM

Howdy Mr. Johnson.
Would say it is something your average table top gunsmith can do?
Did you do it yourself? If so, what tools did you use?
Thanks pard!

Dirty Brass · April 23, 2009, 08:51:28 AM

I just picked up an older BP '58 Remmy carbine model (Navy Arms), that was also fitted with a Kirst conversion cyclinder. I tried putting it in my Uberti pistol (also a '58) and it did fit, but was real snug and wouldn't turn without help. I'm guessing the cyclinder gap is about "zero" and rubbing, which will be an easy fix. Didn't look like any other machining would be need to be operational, unless a loading gate would b e desired in the conversion backplate....Others will chime in that have a much vaster knowledge about these than I......just offering my findings so far (last three days)

Flint · April 23, 2009, 11:53:03 AM

Dirty Brass, the older Ubertis had a longer cylinder than the currednt ones, they were the same length as the Pietta has now. I had to convert an older Uberti with a Pietta backplate (R&D). The Kirst would need the Pietta cylinder, as the Kirst backplates are the same thickness.

Justice Johnson · April 23, 2009, 03:11:09 PM

to answer your question, yes did it myself. to cut the recoil shield follow the directions and use the supplied template, this takes about 1-2 hours with a dremel and i believe the5 /8 sanding drum. not hard to do just takes some time. the directions are pretty good.

good job for a saturday afternoon

regards

Outrider #72622 · April 23, 2009, 05:18:31 PM

WOW.
After a little more searching, it seems R&D has made a gated conversion cylinder for the '60s now too. Midway is out but expects more in on 23 May. The are made for .45 Colt, not the Schofields!
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

Skinny Preacher 66418 · May 04, 2009, 01:03:20 PM

Quote from: Outrider #72622 on April 23, 2009, 05:18:31 PM
WOW.
After a little more searching, it seems R&D has made a gated conversion cylinder for the '60s now too. Midway is out but expects more in on 23 May. The are made for .45 Colt, not the Schofields!
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

FYI, the gated R&D '60 conversion requires drilling the frame and screwing the cylinder backplate to it. The Kirst Konversion does not.