Cartridge Conversions in Pale Rider?

[Riot Earp]

In this scene, it appears that the bad guys are using Colt cartridge conversions with the loading levers still attached. I never noticed this until just now. Very cool. 1860 Armies and maybe a '61 Navy or two. I had to watch this several times to be sure, and I still couldn't make them all out. If there is indeed a '61 Navy in the mix, it would be the first one I've ever seen in a film.



The Marshal's henchmen seem to be carrying Colt conversions (1860s) with loading levers also. This can be seen in a different clip on youtube. Whoever selected the guns for this film gets an "A" for originality.

Check this at a little past the four minute mark:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyoT8JmFfeY&feature=related

[Jrw8214]

You're correct. There is atleast one '61 Navy in there. I love the guns in this movie!

[Flint]

Two ways of looking at it...  Authenticity that many conversions kept the loading lever, and the necessity (or convenience) of using blank cartridges for movie-making.

Note that the earlier Spaghetti westerns Clint made switched back and forth between cap & ball and conversions, depending upon whether or not the gun was going to actually be fired in that immediate scene.

In between the time the earlier and later movies were made, more realism and authenticity was being introduced to the historical accuracy of the movies, which we all appreciate, especially in the light of Hollywood's earlier lack of attention to anything of the sort.

[Long Johns Wolf]

FWIW: most Long Cylinder Conversions of the Colt Army 1860 and Navy 1861 kept their loading lever (without function) but cylinders were replaced with straight and bored through ones (1860s) and the steps of the frames (1860s) were removed to accommodate these straight cylinders. They are not known to have loading gates, however. Some had a rear sight dovetailed in the barrel.
Long Johns Wolf

[Fox Creek Kid]

LJW, is the '60 Army long cylinder your next project?

[Long Johns Wolf]

FCK: yes, a Long Cylinder Conversion with 5,5" barrel in .44 Colt. I have this run down Marshal Model which had the lockwork ruined despite the good Belgian steel. The pistol was supposed to be "waynerized" anyhow. Total cost should be around € 800,00 incl. lining of the barrel, lathing a new cylinder and nickel plating.
Long Johns Wolf

[Dusty Morningwood]

FCK: yes, a Long Cylinder Conversion with 5,5" barrel in .44 Colt. I have this run down Marshal Model which had the lockwork ruined despite the good Belgian steel. The pistol was supposed to be "waynerized" anyhow. Total cost should be around € 800,00 incl. lining of the barrel, lathing a new cylinder and nickel plating.
Long Johns Wolf

LJW:
You make the best toys! 

[Long Johns Wolf]

Thanks Dusty but I am just providing the ideas. I have these 2 left hands but know 2 gunsmiths capable of making my conversion projects reality.
Long Johns Wolf

[Harley Starr]

I've been a fan of this movie for a while. After paying close attention to the details and doing some research, I've noticed something interesting. The Preacher's 1861 Remington cylinders appeared to have only five chambers. Back in those days they had a rather unique rimfire cartridge known as the .46 Remington. In essence, this was a fivegun and not a sixgun. The final shootout goes a long way in proving that, especially when the Preacher shoots Stockburn.

[John E. Ringo]

The Colts do look cool with the levers attached. I'm glad they didn't stick SAAs in there. It would have given those scenes a different (less memorable?) feel.

[Flint]

I converted a couple 51s and left the lever, but added an ejector... (R&D cylinder)

[Riot Earp]

I just watched that first scene again, concentrating on the left handed bad guy. His gun is definitely a Colt '61 Navy. The grip is Navy sized, the bore is .36 caliber, and the barrel is 7.5 inches.

My own '61 just became cooler. 

[Jrw8214]

I wish my Pietta '61 Navy was the correct 7.5 instead of 8". I dont know if anyone would agree, but it seems to me that this extra half inch throws the gun off balance a little(it doesnt seem to balance aswell as my '60 Army or '51 Navy, and from what ive heard '61 Navies are supposed to balance the best).

[Fox Creek Kid]

...I dont know if anyone would agree, but it seems to me that this extra half inch throws the gun off balance a little...

I know the feeling. 

[Rusty Spurr]

That's where I got the idea to do this.

[Riot Earp]

Looks like an 8" Pietta. Is that a Kirst or an R&D?

[Rusty Spurr]

It ia a Pietta that R&D lined the barrel to 38sp and installed their cyl.  That movie also gave me the idea to do this

[Dusty Morningwood]

Well, I probably should not watch it again.  I have spent enough on guns lately! 

[Alabama]

There is no such thing as spending too much on guns , haven't you been paying attention   
Your spending too much on BILLS is all . LOL !!!!!! 

I can load faster than CLint any day of the week , but he sure looks cool doing it  I am not that cool , yet .
I better watch it again !!!!

Alabama

[Dusty Morningwood]

Your spending too much on BILLS is all . LOL !!!!!! 

Well, I suppose I could spend less on food.  I could afford to lose a few pounds!