Thinking about doing a 1860's 44 russian conversion project

[Pony Racer]

Pards and p[ardettes I know I can get ready made 44 russian OT's - I have a pair!:)

But I love the feel of my 1851's converted to 38 spl and I think the main issue is that the conversions with the loading level left on - just have theat better feal to them than the lighter weight ready made richard mason or OT's.

Don't get me wrong - I love my 1872 OT's - just want more OT's!!
I am thinking about this being my - You made O-5 (Commander in USCG = LtCol - USA/USMC) present and having a pair done up nice with some nice handle and engraving work.  You know the full monty!!

I know the barrels will have to be lined - but do Kirst or R&D make 44 colt cylinders or will whomever I pay for this endeavor have to do up some cyliner work?

Thanks for any info.  Oh - don't try to talk me out of doing the conversions and buying another pair of OT's or RM's - I love the pair I have, may get another pair in time, but want the conversions.

PR

[Long Johns Wolf]

Pony Racer: welcome to the pards & pardettes infected with Bacillus Conversicus. Only temporary cure known which is to get another conversion...
1860 conversion with a loading lever left on = Long Cylinder Conversion.
Why don't you have her converted to .44 Colt instead of .44 Russian = same kind of barrel liner needed but you don't have to worry about the diameter of the rim of the cartridge.
There are a couple of nice pics of LCCs in Dennis Adler's book COLT SINGLE ACTION FROM PATERSONS TO PEACEMAKERS, even engraved ones.
Long Johns Wolf

[Pony Racer]

Tks LJW - I was thinking either 44 Colt or Special - then you can shoot all three rounds just like the new 1872 OT's that I have.

PR

[Long Johns Wolf]

PR: going for the 3 calibers might be tricky if you wish to be close to original specs at the same time.
Because you might have issues loading 6 rounds of .44 Special and possibly also .44 Russian into a 1860 Army size conversion cylinder (not beefed up like the conversions available from Italy). Their rims are too wide, compared to .44 Colt. If you care for 6 chambers bored parallel to the arbor you may want to  go the .44 Colt way. Alternatively you bore the chambers at a slight angle like 4° to have the space needed for the wider rims of .44 Special/Russian, or you make it a 5 chambers cylinder conversion.
Anyhow it will be a fun project and please, make sure to share your experience and pics.
Long Johns Wolf

[Flint]

The 44 Colt rim is narrow for just that reason, the diameter of the converted caplock.  The Opentop cylinder and chamber circle is larger in order to get six 44/45 caliber rims in.  Chamber it for 44 Colt, and if you want the Russian length, trim the 44 Colt cases, or turn down the Russian rims.

[Pony Racer]

Roger that - thank Flint.

I would probably just stay with 44 colt for that set to make things easy.

Easier to have the dies and brass for 44 colt - then to make the 44 colt cases into 44 russian length and then try to keep them seperate from the 44 russian cases.

Thanks guys - project is a long way off but this good info will get me started on right foot and know what to expect.

PR