Need help with all this "Conversion" stuff

[aalmcc4]

I'm new to the replica "Conversion revolvers".  Does anyone know a source identifying the differrences between the various "conversions"?  I really know very little about these guns.   

Do any of the modern replica conversions come in authentic calibers?     

Lastly, what would you recommend for a conversion "newbie".  I'm not a CAS shooter, just a guy who likes the Old guns.  I am a  reloader and plan to shoot Black powder in it. 

Thanks guys!

[Major 2]

about as close to a source identifying the differrences between the various "conversions "
is Adlers Metallic Cartridge Conversions this book gives a good overview of the replica Conversions out there...
Though a little dated now as some of the Smiths are no longer active.

In my openion, the closest would be custom gated conversion on a Second Generation Colt 51 Navy using a heeled 38 Colt.

[Flint]

Authentic calbers are not to be found in the modern made conversions, as so many original conversions were rimfire.  The centerfire conversions were most likely found using heeled bullets, so that a 44 was actually a 45, and a 38 was truly a 38.

The current crop of conversions are chambered in 45 Colt, 45 Schofield, 44 Russian, 44 Colt, 44 Special, and 38 LC or 38 Special.

Though the 44 Colt is an authentic caliber, the modern bore size is 429, not the 45 caliber of the original, making the current 44 Colt effectively a shortened 44 Special with a smaller rim.

Even the Opentop1872 was originally chambered in 44 rimfire, where the Richards types were in 44 Colt centerfire.   They teamed up with Henrys I suppose, as it was a common cartridge to be found in the West.  The current Uberti Opentop is most authentic in 44 Russian, as that is close in size to the rimfire Henry round.