Kirst Conv interchangabiiity

[Slowhand Bob]

Guys, I am thinking about trying to juggle around my '58 Pietta Remington options but need to have some definite answers before advertising for trades. I have a pair of the first model 'ported' .45 cal back plates, without gate, and am thinking on trying to swap the plates only for a pair of the old style solid plates (I do not want the CW version). This was the first version made for cutting the cartridge loading port. For some reason I think that as soon as I offer to trade there will be pards offering Uberti versions as suitable for Pietta and I need to know if just the back plates are interchangeable between the two brands? I do not want to have to do any sanding or fitting to make it work. Any definitive answers on this?

[Hoof Hearted]

Bob

The backplates are interchangeable

The newest version has a .005 longer "foot" due to the uberti Forged frame dimensions. What I am referring to is the thin, tab at the bottom. On some Euroarms/ASP pistols you will need to file it to fit.

Good luck on ya!

HH

[Slowhand Bob]

It turns out you are absolutely correct.  I called River junction today and was informed that the plates are interchangeable between makes but the cylinder portions are not.  I now have three sets of the '58s and want to change the conversion options.  If all else fails I can get the CW versions but I would much rather have the old style solid plates.   

[Flint]

The Kirst conversions all use the same backplate, Uberti and Pietta, 44 and 36 caliber, gated or not.  The cylinders are different lengths, as well as the cylinder stop notches.  Unless Kirst has changed them or offers both versions, Pietta now uses a full width cylinder notch and has done away with the tapered bolt head, which invited overtravel.

R&D on the other hand uses the same length cylinder for both Pietta and Uberti, and employ two different thicknesses of backplate.  If you have an older Uberti with the longer cylinder, you use a Pietta backplate and an Uberti cylinder (because of the different width stop notches).  Perhaps with the recent change to full width stop notches, the Uberti cylinder will fit the newer Piettas, used with the Pietta backplate.