Richards 1st Model Navy Conversion Project

Ottawa Creek Bill · May 29, 2007, 11:48:50 AM

Crow Scout...
I've built about a half dozen conversions.....In one of your photos it shows what looks like a cylinder setting on top of vice jaws and a mill is relieving the shoulder for the cartridge rims. My question is...what is holding the cylinder while it is being milled?? I normally do this step on a 10" rotary table attached to a fixture that I've built.

Nice work.....

Bill
This is the photo I was referring to:

Crow Scout · June 01, 2007, 11:47:42 AM

Bill,

Sorry I didn't see this post. This is such a crude method. I won't be doing it this way again but for a one time deal I thought this would work out ok. Originally I didn't see myself attempting this again but the bug has bit and I'm pretty much hooked. Lately we've been designing fixtures to do all of the machining work (something that we should have done to begin with) so consider this the poor man's cylinder fixture.

All we did was turn a rod to just fit into 2 of the chambers and then mounted them into the vise making sure that the cylinder sat flat. Here's a pic of that set up. I'm not sure I'd recommend this method.

I really like what you have done with your conversions and you've really been a huge inspiration to me. I've been holding your pistols as the high standard that I'm trying to achieve. I can't say enough about how much I like your work. Again thanks for posting all of the information that you do.

Jake

Crow Scout · June 01, 2007, 11:59:02 AM

Quote from: Major 2 on April 05, 2007, 08:32:47 AM
You mention '' ... For me this was a way to kill 2 birds with one stone. I get to learn how to do some machining and own something that I can't buy but always wanted."

there is one other " bird in that flock " as I see it

Get to have a project with your Dad that in it's self is priceless ...

very nice work....

How true this is. This project has done a great deal in bringing the 2 of us much closer. Thanks for pointing out the bigger picture.

Crow Scout · August 02, 2007, 12:51:36 AM

Just a quick update on these. I cut the loading channels and made some loading gate springs. I'm trying to work my way through making some firing pins right now. After that I can start cleaning things up and making them presentable. Here's a few pics as they are now.

Pomona Pete · August 02, 2007, 10:10:40 PM

I am the father mentioned in this post somewhere. I have been working on two Third Model Dragoons that I have been converting to 45 Colt. I am almost done with them and they seem to be coming out very nice. If anyone is interested I can post some pictures. The kid just bought a restored Sheldon lathe and a mill from me so he can have his own shop. It is great to see him wanting to do his own machine work.

Halfway Creek Charlie · August 02, 2007, 10:52:22 PM

We'd all love to see your pictures.

65bsaA65 · August 03, 2007, 09:21:17 PM

Yes, please post pics as soon as you can get around to it. I'm itching to see those Dragoons!

Major 2 · August 04, 2007, 02:21:35 PM

Quote from: Pomona Pete on August 02, 2007, 10:10:40 PM
I am the father mentioned in this post somewhere. I have been working on two Third Model Dragoons that I have been converting to 45 Colt. I am almost done with them and they seem to be coming out very nice. If anyone is interested I can post some pictures. The kid just bought a restored Sheldon lathe and a mill from me so he can have his own shop. It is great to see him wanting to do his own machine work.

If anyone is interested I can post some pictures.

?

I'm falling all over rushing to write this ... Heck yeah interested ! you bet

The Avocado Kid · August 04, 2007, 04:58:38 PM

"I'm itching to see those Dragoons!" Yes Sir....please post some pic's....it just blows my mind that you guys are doing this kind of work. Dusty.

Pomona Pete · August 04, 2007, 10:36:57 PM

Hey guys:

Sorry about not getting the pictures of the dragoons on here yet, but I have had one of those days!!!!!!!!!!! I bought calves this morning and unloaded them in my pasture and unkown to me was that the big cows had knocked one of the wires on the fence down. Well, I took the calves about 10 minutes to find the hole and they were out and gone. I finally got the last one roped and loaded in the trailer at 8:00 PM. I put them in the corral and they are bawling their heads off for their mothers........ Not much sleep for us tonight.
The wife and I just got to bed and she thought she smelled a skunk, I knew it wasn't me because I took a shower after the calf rodeo. I heard one of the dogs whimpering, yep, he got skunked!!!!!!!!!!! Got a leash on him and put him in the barn stinking up my 1923 Motel T, guess we'll deodorize him and the car in the morning. So you can see that it has been one of those days.
I will be out in the shop after I get the dog done tomorrow and I will get the pictures taken for you all. Am I forgiven?

Pooped Pomona Pete $:-\$

The Avocado Kid · August 04, 2007, 11:32:46 PM

Well,when I was a Kid... I was playing a music gig at an Air Force base and I hit a Skunk on the ride home so.....my Dad's brand new GTO got skunked real good....I know the smell up close and personal. Tomato juice works pretty good and should take care of your Dog. Hope things smell better real soon....Dusty.

Crow Scout · August 05, 2007, 12:48:11 AM

Ha Ha

will52100 · August 11, 2007, 01:23:09 PM

Good looking guns, just one question though. In a couple of your photo's it looks like there's a book on conversions in the back ground? What bood is it and doe it have plenty of info on conversions?

Thanks

Crow Scout · August 11, 2007, 05:47:20 PM

It's titled "A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers". It's written by R. Bruce McDowell. There's more information on conversion pistols in there than you'll ever want. Tons of pictures and dimensions. You'll definately want a copy of this if you can find it. If you can't find a copy at the library then PM me...... it's going for several hundred dollars.

will52100 · August 12, 2007, 02:12:13 PM

Thanks, I'll see if I can find a copy

Flint · August 12, 2007, 05:55:52 PM

After seeing the prices the book is going for, I'm glad I was lucky enough to buy mine a couple years ago before the loss of the author.

It's on Amazon.com right now for $295, $300 and $400. WOW!

Halfway Creek Charlie · August 12, 2007, 06:45:37 PM

I was lucky enough to buy mine right after it came out at the KC gun show for $40.00. What foresight a pard had when he said that I needed to buy that book since I like conversions.

Crow Scout · December 08, 2007, 03:21:50 PM

OK. The firing pins are finally done and test fired on primed empty cartridges. I should have pictures up in about an hour.

Crow Scout · December 08, 2007, 05:40:51 PM

....... and here are the pics. The firing pins installed.

..... and the test primer.

Crow Scout · December 08, 2007, 05:42:34 PM

Now I need to smooth the edges and polish out the tool marks so I can start getting the final finish on them. I still haven't decided on what that will be. Any suggestions?