38 S&W in Kirst Cylinder

[warbucks16]

I have a Pietta 1851 Navy with a Kirst Conversion Cylinder that I would like to convert from 38LC to 38 S&W. The 38LC bullet diameter is .357 and the 38 S&W is .359, the rim diameter on both are the same .433.

Since the bore is already .375 would it be safe to hone the Kirst Cylinder to .360 and hone the forcing cone to 11 degrees for smooth entry.

I have no intentention of doing this myself but thought I would try to get some info before talking to a Gunsmith.

Thanks for any info.

Warbucks16

[Pettifogger]

Why on earth would you want to convert to .38 S&W?  The brass is hard to find, it uses odd bullets and it is slightly larger in diameter than the .38LC/.38 Special.  Kirst is usually held to pretty tight tolerances so the .38 S&W brass should not fit into the chambers.  Then you would have to rechamber the gun.  A lot of expense for no gain and a gun you would then find a very hard time selling.  The easiest thing to do is use .38 Special brass with hollowbase wadcutters.  Easy to obtain and will fill the .375 bore when fired.  The only reason the cylinders are marked .38LC is OAL.  A max length .38 Special might stick out of the front of the cylinder.  But as long as you are using lighter bullets or wadcutters, the .38 Special case will work just fine.

[warbucks16]

Pettifogger:

Why do I want to do it?

Because it would be unique!

I have four other 38LC Navies and when I go to the range many have the same revolver.

If it is possible to rechamber for for 38 S&W it would be a conversation piece.

As far as ammo, no problem, I reload and have plenly of brass that I have fired in my S&W Breaktop.

But I do thank you for your input.

Regards,

Warbucks16

[Pettifogger]

Try a loaded round in the chambers.  The Kirst's are bored straight through as they are all made to shoot with .375 bore guns.  So, if they fit you should have no problem.  If they don't you can rechamber them.  There's only about .008" difference in diameter.

[Pettifogger]

I had an idea if you want to shoot something unusual.   Buy some Starline .38 Short Colt brass and then get a mold for a .38 healed bullet.  Load that up and you have the equivalent of the original .38 Colt (basically you will have the round the original conversions were made for).  That way you don't have to rechamber, you solve the .375 bore issue (since the healed bullet's main diameter is .375), and you have something unusual.

[warbucks16]

The 38 Short Colt which I have shot and have dies and a mold for is just another cartridge.
You go to the range, someone asks what are you shooting, you say 38 SC, they say, Oh and walk away.
With a 51 coverted to 38 S&W they say what are you shooting, you say, 38 S&W, they say "Are you Nuts" and that starts a whole new conversation and opportunity to talk guns and calibers.
When I take my S&W Breaktop to the range, the first thing someone asks is "Are you firing Smokeless or Holly Black"
When I say smokeless they say "Your gonna blow it up", I don't tell them that I am using Handloaded Trailboss.
You would be surpised the conversations a 38 S&W can inspire.
Again, Thanks for the input you can see it's working and I have not yet had the 51 converted.


Regards

Warbucks16

[Matt Bastardson]

You shouldn't need to do anything to the Kirst cylinder, as the .38 S&W cartridges drop right in.  At least they do in mine.  Although you would need to use a skirted .38 S&W bullet or sleeve the barrel of the gun for any accuracy.