Photo test of 1st Model Richards

Black River Smith · October 04, 2006, 09:32:02 PM

Here is a test photo of my 1st Model Richards parts.

Editted: It worked so here goes more.

Black River Smith · October 04, 2006, 09:37:16 PM

Another attachment.

Wymore Wrangler · October 04, 2006, 09:41:29 PM

just takes a little time for them to open....

Black River Smith · October 04, 2006, 09:44:19 PM

Another and the last one. They did not save as others but.

will52100 · October 05, 2006, 11:57:41 AM

Awsome! Is that a cut down percussion cylinder? Might just be a trick of the light but did you get into the locking notches?

Black River Smith · October 05, 2006, 12:44:04 PM

Yes and Yes. There is no way around that. The very earliest Richards had the same problem. This lead to the 12 notch then too a larger diameter cylinder.

O.T. Buchannan · October 05, 2006, 02:39:12 PM

Good work! It will be very interesting when all is said and done.

Black River Smith · October 05, 2006, 10:39:42 PM

As I stated in another posting, it will fire blanks or just be a show piece, but I had the fun and experience of doing it.

will52100 · October 06, 2006, 12:18:21 AM

Don't think I could stand it, it'd have to be live fired! Any way to make a slightly larger cylinder so you wouldn't get into the cylinder stops? Just how much extra room do you have on the rebated part of the frame or would it have to be milled out a little?

Black River Smith · October 06, 2006, 04:26:39 PM

While the rebate was increased slightly, I do not believe the frame needed to be cut. I do not have the ability or machinery to make a new cylinder from scratch so I used the original.

will52100 · October 06, 2006, 10:56:51 PM

I was told by VTI that some people had used there RM cylinders in conversions. Cimmeron told me that there RM parts would interchange with originals. You might be able to use a RM cylinder from VTI. I've got a RM gun on the way, when I get it I'll measure the cylinder and if it lines up rite I'll order a cylinder from VTI. The cylinders are about 70$, and already chambered for 44 colt. I've got the equipment to turn a cylinder, but to cut the locking notches and ratchet teeth are a little beyond my skill level rite now.

Ottawa Creek Bill · October 07, 2006, 09:59:13 AM

Jerry,
Nice work!! Did you make the hand? I modified a new hand from a Colt1873 (real colt part) and it works perfectly. I should have it up and running this weekend, I'll post photos when its together. I ordered the faux Ivory grips for it yesterday (Friday).

Bill

Black River Smith · October 07, 2006, 05:39:21 PM

Yes, I made it from cold rolled flat stock. Had to use the pin from the original hand and then work around that. It is shaped as close to the original as I could get it, some minor adjustments may be necessary as plate is fitted. Since the ratchets are hand cut and not precise I figured I would make one. I tried the hand from my OT and managed to break the spring. The groove seems too tight for that long OT spring, so I will try different lengths and shapes. That is not done. Everything is timed-out and working for now.

Can't wait to see yours' finished.