How do you feel about the cut but non-gated cartridge conversions?

[Bonnie_blue1861]

I was thinking about doing a (Kirst style) .38 cartridge conversion on an 1851.

I wondering how many of you have done cartridge conversions, (specifically as to using a non gated back plate) instead of a gated plate?

I'm referring to the back plate that is just cut out like a "C", not the solid non-gated one, that requires complete removal of the entire cylinder to reload.

For those of you that have the 1851 conversion..... non gated back plates, have you ever had issues where a cartridge backed out enough that the cylinder wouldn't turn or similar function problem...worse scenario a bullet slides to far back or even falls out, (while cocking back the hammer of course...since it cant happen when the cylinder is aligned with the barrel and ready to fire) ....while pointing the revolver upwards to some degree of angle especially.

For example...I tinkered around with my .45LC converted 1858 with the gate door in the "open position" , while drawing back the hammer (gun pointed up at about 45 degrees upward) and on more than one occasion, I noticed a bullet would occasionally back out just enough that I noticed it.

Once it was enough that it stopped the cylinder from rotating as the brass stuck out and caught the back plate.
,
The open design is appealing on guns like the 1849 shown here at http://www.kirstkonverter.com/coltpocket.html or on an 1851.... but if its more trouble than its worth, I will steer away from it and stick with a gated conversion.
I read that the "Public Defender" was a pretty popular take on this design a few years back in .38 S&W.

[Long Johns Wolf]

I am shooting a pair of non gated Centaure Long Cylinder Conversions in .44 Colt for 2 years now in CAS matches.
Had the issues Bonnie Blue described during the first match using a 2 handed hold and empties moving backwards during recoil.
After I switched to duellist style no such problems anymore. I am a happy camper now with my LCCs.
Long Johns Wolf

[Slowhand Bob]

Not the Colts but I did a pair of Remingtons like this some years back, I actually think it was before they offered the gates.  There were no problems with them. 

[Hoof Hearted]

I have many "ported" conversions (w/o the gate) and only have issues when cocking slowly while aiming at low flying aircraft
(This is my way of saying it ain't a problem)

I kinda like this style as a "break" from the norm, but Kirst isn't supplying it much anymore (I believe only on the Colt pocket). You can get the 1858 (Pale Rider) and port the converter ring.

HH

[Hoof Hearted]

Here are some pics of a recreated "gunsmiths" conversion........

[Bonnie_blue1861]

I don't know Hoof Hearted....every time you post something new, you make me drool like a hound dog with a soup bone.

I just clicked on your conversion services site link...nice operation you have there.

[Hoof Hearted]

I don't know Hoof Hearted....every time you post something new, you make me drool like a hound dog with a soup bone.

I just clicked on your conversion services site link...nice operation you have there.

Thank you kindly Sir!
I really do like to help the bretheren here so if you are planning one of your own feel free to PM me with any questions you may have

HH

[Flint]

I first converted two 1851s with Kirst before he offered the gated backplates.  Fired cartridges would back out if I tipped the gun up too much and cocked too slowly.  Normall I had no problem  Soft brass helps as it expands more.  When Kirst offered the gated backplates, I bought two (as parts, without cylinders) to replace the gateless ones.  I also have R&D/Howell cylinders on a few guns, they are also gated.

Bonnie Blue, my two 51s are shown in the "ejector" thread when they still had the ungated cutouts, also in the 1851 thread.

On a larger bore gun, like a 44 the edge of the case rim will travel less distance to the edge of the cutout so be less of a problem.

[Coffinmaker]

I'm with Hoof.  If your tracking low flying objects and cocking slowly, not so good.  If your one of those folks that flip the muzzle up in the air to cock the gun by then flipping the barrel down, that ain't KOOL and you need to stop that.

Coffinmaker

[Bonnie_blue1861]

Good to hear all the comments about the open gates from those of you that have used them.

For some reason, they really are kinda appealing, even if its just a step back in the progress of wheel gun development. A loading gate certainly makes sense but the gate-less design kinda grows on you. Perhaps its because they have a "missing something" look to it them that make this sort of gate so aesthetically pleasing. ( I think I'm thinking too deeply on this one...They are just COOL.)

So unless you had to shoot some two bit scoundrel off the second floor balcony at the saloon... or off the roof of the general store...you won't have to worry too much about a cartridge backing itself out. 

[RRio]

Never had a problem with mine.