First time out: MWNN conversion

[Mean Bob Mean]

Loaded some 38 Long Colt brass with 16 grains of FFFg and 158 grain leads.  Shot it in a match, tried it just two stages and hit everything I shot at.  I love this gun although the recoil sent the loading lever flying which freaked out the crowd.  Heh, I told them it was nothing and kept shooting. 

[Pettifogger]

With 16 grains of powder, what recoil are you talking about?

[Mean Bob Mean]

With 16 grains of powder, what recoil are you talking about?

Heh, too true!

Whatever recoil there was shook the loading bar loose and it flew off.  It's the force of recoil whether it is minimal or excessive. 

[Pettifogger]

If it keeps coming unlatched with a light BP load then you need to do a little work on the latch.  Don't want to lose that little pieced you use to knock out the empties.

[Long Johns Wolf]

Is it the latch or is the barrel stud giving way?
If it is the stud this little "hook"is probably not dove tailed properly in the barrel like the slot is not cut deep enough.
Brazing of the stud should be considered.
Best,
Long Johns Wolf

[FriscoCounty]

The loading lever shouldn't go flying.  I have a pair of 1851 .38 long Colt conversions (not MWNN) and the loading lever stays put with a a case full of FFFg and heeled bullets.  Does sound like some adjustment is necessary on the latch or stud is called for.

As a quick fix, you could always try any of the Walker droop remedies.  For example:

[Mean Bob Mean]

As a quick fix, you could always try any of the Walker droop remedies.  For example:

And it could double as a divining rod . . . I like it!

[Blair]

Sorry guys, I'm still trying understand just what "MWNN conversion" is and means?
My best,
Blair

[Mean Bob Mean]

Sorry guys, I'm still trying understand just what "MWNN conversion" is and means?
My best,
Blair

"Man with no name".  It's the 1851 with loading gate, no conversion ring, and no ejector rod. 

[Blair]

Thanks Bob.

I think I will leave this thread alone.
My best,
Blair

[Abilene]

http://www.cimarron-firearms.com/hollywood-series/hollywood-series-man-with-no-name-conversion.html

The gun is actually a '71-72 Opentop with a Navy-style barrel, because that's what was originally used in the movie. 

I agree, something is out of whack with the latch or the stud, because recoil should not make it come loose.

[Lefty Dude]

A little file work on the latch notch is in order. I use a triangle safe Swiss pattern file for such a task.

[Mean Bob Mean]

Good idea re file, thanks.

Abilene:  it is nothing serious and it's a really fun pistol to shoot and yes, I'd call it an open top but then everyone says "no it says conversion . . ."

[Lefty Dude]

They rough cut those dove-tailed latches, many are undersized or have a burr. Many times fitting is all that is required.