1851 Navy Conversion project

Hoof Hearted · November 19, 2008, 07:32:47 PM

I bought this pistol right here on the CAs City Classifieds for $75.00

The proofs had been removed from the frame (not sure I am satisfied with the job done) and barrel.

The Kirst cylinder was used and listed here also for $150.00

It didn't function in the pistol and would lock the action up when cocked. After a bit of tweaking it works superbly.

Here's the list of mods:

turn cylinder to remove machining marks
refinish blued parts with old/worn look
slight antique of brass
remove numbers and renumber and add assembly numbers
fix all srew heads and reblue
belt sand grip frame (looked like a trumpet) to look correct
refit grips
internal action work
recut loading port (the pistol came with the port cut a little low)
strip, stain and tung oil the grips

Lastly, I was not satisfied because it looked too "unused" so I put a "proud" bolt in and recreated a drag ring (then I put the correctly fitted one back in).

I have noticed some interest in this look with the rammer and like the feel and balance of the pistol with it still attached.

Roland of Gilead · November 19, 2008, 11:11:16 PM

That is beautiful. I wish I knew how to do that. You are very talented congrats.

Roland

Flint · November 20, 2008, 12:22:33 AM

What makes it a "London"? The London should have a steel triggerguard and backstrap. Is the barrel marked London?

Fox Creek Kid · November 20, 2008, 12:23:48 AM

Looks good, but I thought all London 'Navies had steel backstraps?

Long Johns Wolf · November 20, 2008, 02:15:20 AM

Very nice job. Are you using heel type bullets?
Long Johns Wolf

Hoof Hearted · November 20, 2008, 07:16:14 AM

Quote from: Flint on November 20, 2008, 12:22:33 AM
What makes it a "London"? The London should have a steel triggerguard and backstrap. Is the barrel marked London?

Flint
My mistake! I am more of a Remington guy than a Colt guy.........The last ASM 51 conversion I had was marked London and had a silver plated, round trigger guard, brass backstrap. In my mind that meant round trigger guard = London

Major 2 · November 20, 2008, 07:24:42 AM

nice !

Hoof Hearted · November 20, 2008, 10:22:05 AM

Quote from: Long Johns Wolf on November 20, 2008, 02:15:20 AM
Very nice job. Are you using heel type bullets?
Long Johns Wolf

LJF

I do!

It has become so easy for me to load heel base that it has become FUN to load and shoot them! I have many, many moulds and crimping and sizing is a piece of cake too (albeit a bit slower than inside lubed rounds). I am thinking about taking some pics of the process and writing an article on the process for ths forum.

As far as heel base calibers go I presently cast, load and shoot 32 Colt, 38 Colt, 41 Colt, 44 Colt, and my version of 44 Remington. As well as many other conversion and obsolete calibers. It's a passion of mine

Long Johns Wolf · November 20, 2008, 11:15:56 AM

HH: I am looking forward to that article.
Long Johns Wolf

Flint · November 20, 2008, 02:25:55 PM

In any case, it's a good looking revolver. You cleaned it up well.

Sir Charles deMouton-Black · November 20, 2008, 05:19:23 PM

There was an article in an old SHOOTIST about heeled bullets. Author was John Hilliker.

Hoof Hearted · November 20, 2008, 06:06:24 PM

Quote from: Sir Charles deMoutonBlack on November 20, 2008, 05:19:23 PM
There was an article in an old SHOOTIST about heeled bullets. Author was John H.

I think I have read a reprint of that article

Over the years I gobbled up everything I could trying to create a decent Heel Base round. The key is to size after you load and the modified collet crimp is the ONLY way to crimp IMHO

Trinity · November 24, 2008, 07:54:49 PM

Quote from: Hoof Hearted on November 19, 2008, 07:32:47 PM
...

I have noticed some interest in this look with the rammer and like the feel and balance of the pistol with it still attached.

...

Great looking revolver there, HH. I'm mighty envious!

I also happen to be one of those that likes that look. I thought about getting a Kirst cylinder for mine, but don't think I'm ready to mess with heeled bullets. I'll have to do a little more reading, or buy a .44. Hmmm, Cabelas keeps sending me email discounts...

Pony Racer · November 25, 2008, 10:09:14 AM

I would too.

I have tried to do the 11mm french heeled bullets - I have correct bullets and brass but i do not have the special crimping tool.

Would love to get more info on the process and the tool to see if i am doing something wrong.

PR

Hoof Hearted · November 25, 2008, 10:34:00 AM

Ok the "masses" have spoken

I'll spend some time writing and take some pics. Give me a FEW days to clean up the reloading bench

Johnny Reb · December 01, 2008, 10:05:01 AM

Awesome conversion Hoof Hearted! You did a great job on the finish too.

I like the lever/rammer left on as well.

Take care
Rich

mrbig6045 · December 29, 2008, 07:37:53 AM

thats a nice job,good looking pistol. i did mine myself also,but i sent my barral to the folks at r&d and got it lined to .357.very nice shooting pistol

edward austin cable · March 15, 2009, 04:03:26 PM

Hoof Hearted great job with the revolver.I love the looks of it, I too am a fan of leaving the loading lever on, what do you use to punch out the empty cartridges? Im starting the same type conversion with my 1851

Hoof Hearted · March 16, 2009, 08:43:53 AM

Quote from: edward austin cable on March 15, 2009, 04:03:26 PM
Hoof Hearted great job with the revolver.I love the looks of it, I too am a fan of leaving the loading lever on, what do you use to punch out the empty cartridges? Im starting the same type conversion with my 1851

I like to use an old church key, but a short piece of wooden dowel works great also!

HH