Thinking about a project

[Frenchie]

Oh Ye Who Know Much More About These Things:

I have a Pietta Remington New Model Army with the short barrel that started as a gunsmith-modified cartridge conversion. One thing and another, the project turned out to be a big disappointment. I intended to sell the thing for parts, but then I thought what the hey, as long as it's half destroyed anyway, why not take a stab at trying to do something that won't cost a lot and might work (if you guys say it might work, that is). Let me bounce this off you shapers of steel and you can tell me if I'm on to something or just nuts:

Can I replace the .44 barrel with a .36 barrel and fit a Kirst .36 cartridge conversion cylinder to it? I'm working from the assumption that for economy's sake, Pietta uses the same frame for both .44 and .36 calibers. I'm thinking I'll dig out a cartridge channel in the frame and use a gated backplate for this, with an ejector rod assembly.

What are the pitfalls you see with this? What advice do you have? TIA,

[Pettifogger]

Should work.  Although the real Remington's used different sized frames and some of the early Pietta Remington reproductions (1960's and 70's) did also, the current models all use the same size frame.  You should be able to get a barrel from VTI.

[Frenchie]

Yup, I checked out VTI for parts, looks like I can get what I need. I can't try this soon, still haven't got my workbench set back up, but I'll yell for help if (when) I need it. Thanks much!

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy, Lt. Frenchie!  How's things on the high seas? 

I understand that you're trying to "save" this gun of yours.  I applaud you - anytime you can keep a gun in use is GOOD, IMHO.

However, why don't ya simply buy a new gun?  By the time ya give Walt Kirst his shekels, and pay VTI for a new barrel ... well, I'd think you are now over $300 w/ shipping, etc. - maybe quite a BIT over $300.


Taylor's (and probably others) will sell you a new, forged-frame gun.  I don't know if they have them in 36/38 versions, however.

Just one point of view.

Jeff

[Ten Wolves Fiveshooter]

  Goooood Point Jeff 


                     TW 

[Pettifogger]

Absolutely, 100% true that building your own will cost more.  Howsumever, if price were the only consideration no one would ever buy a custom built gun or have an existing gun modiified.

[Frenchie]

Howdy, Lt. Frenchie!  How's things on the high seas? 

There was a red sky at morning 

However, why don't ya simply buy a new gun?
Just one point of view.
Jeff

And it's a good point of view. I've been re-thinking this (inconvenient habit, thinking...). One smart thing among many my father told me was to sit down with paper and pencil, draw a line down the middle of the page, and write PRO above the left column and CON above the right. It turned out there are more CONs than PROs. So, I'm going to see if someone wants an incomplete gun with an action that's been stoned smooth by a 'smith.

And I'm getting more focused on what I want: a repro that's as close in size to a Remington-Beals Navy as is possible, given what's available today. That ain't a Pietta, which has a bigger grip frame. From what I can gather, it means a Euroarms (out of production) or a Uberti. And ideally, to send it to Millington or the R&D shop and have them make it into a copy of the service revolvers that the Navy had Remington convert to cartridge guns soon after the WotR.

And a 2nd generation '51 or '61 Navy Colt given the same treatment. And a Smith artillery carbine (.50 cal.), a Spencer rifle (.56-50 cal.) and a Remington Navy Rifle (.50-70 cal.). And a full enlisted petty officer outfit and a full lieutenant outfit.

My ballpark estimation for all the above is $5500 to $7000 schmuckers. It ain't gonna happen soon, that's for sure, and if it ever does, I may be too old and feeble to make use of it all. 

[Steel Horse Bailey]

Howdy again!

So you took the warning, eh?  Here's hoping for a red sky at night for ya, pard.


I hope you get all you want.  I certainly don't blame you for dreaming! 

[Buffalow Red]

SO FRENCHIE how short is the barrel?
how much of the orignial gun is left ?
what parts will it take to make it c&b again?
pictures

[Frenchie]

SO FRENCHIE how short is the barrel?
how much of the original gun is left ?
what parts will it take to make it c&b again?
pictures

Someone has e-mailed me about it and I offered it to him for shipping and insurance only. He's accepted, so it's spoken for.

Barrel is 5-1/2 inches. Everything is there but the cylinder, loading lever assembly (can't find the dang thing now), and the loading lever latch. You'd need those to make it complete again.

[Buffalow Red]

well if it dont work out send me a price on it as thats what i m looking for