accuracy in conversions

[edward austin cable]

Had a question regarding some of the conversion revolvers available...Which ones are the most historically accurate, by design and in what cartridge size they can come in? thanks in advance.
cable

[Fox Creek Kid]

You might want to peruse the archives here with the "search" function as there is a ton of info. 

[Dr. Bob]

Howdy eac,

Look here for the models and cartridges available!

    http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/Conversions/60-R-MConvOpener.htm

You will be able to check the various conversions and Open Top models offered.

I have an 1860 Open Top in 44 Colt.  It is at least as accurate as I am.  Haven't shot for group off of a rest, but it is great for CAS targets & ranges!  I'm shooting 44 Russians in mine.

[Long Johns Wolf]

Historically accurate by design & cartridge: that's a complex and possibly academic subject.
The cartridge is named correctly but the old BP .44 Colt used an outside lubed bullet, whereas today's factory ammo is insided lubed. The latter is very user friendly.
Regarding guns, talking Colt-designs & IMHO only: the currently commercially available pistols are from Uberti. Their inherent accuracy with the factory .44 Colt (or their 51 RM conversion in .38 Special) is much greater than I will ever be.
Dimensional accuracy is another matter: their frames, cylinders and barrel lugs are significantly and visibly beefed up compared to the real thing. One has to like it but they are the only game in town in a reasonable price & quality bracket.
If you consider customs conversions made by one of the few reputable smiths around in that field and using Italian replicas, 2nd or 3rd gen Colt C&B pistols but also the Belgian Centaures that can turn out to be costly. But you get better PC!
Without barrel liner, these custom conversions can be loaded with the old outside lubed .44 Colt. If you go for the user friendly new version they can be fitted with a liner and that works well, too.
However, I did a lot of comparative measuring recently in connection with other conversion projects. In essence the measurements of currently available C&B replicas of the 1860 variety (Italian, 2nd & 3rd gen Colt, Centaure) converted by these conversion artists are also off compared to 1st gen Colts. Dimensionally the diameter of their cylinders and the height of their barrel lugs is smaller than the 1st gen Colts...but by no means as extreme as the Italian factory conversions are bigger.
Long Johns Wolf

[edward austin cable]

Thank you to you all for the quick responses and help! I will do some checking around.