Starr cartridge conversion

[Deadeye Douglas]

Hi,

I was wondering if converting the Starr DA to fire cartridges would be as simple as boring through the cylinder, counter-boring the rear of the cylinder so that the cartridge rim sits flush, and replacing the hammer? Even if an entirely new cylinder had to be made, that wouldn't be too difficult for even a modestly equipped machinist.

Does anyone know what pressures the Starr can handle? The Pietta bore can be used with .454 projectile, the same diameter as many .45 bullets available today. I know the Remington can handle .45colt but the Starr is a hinged design, not really a solid frame. I suppose a down-loaded .45colt could be used if necessary but what I'd really like is to use .455 webley, which is lower pressure from the get go and has the same (.454) diameter.

Any advice or information would be appreciated.

Best,

Doug

[Thumper]

I have had the "priviledge" of working on an original Starr conversion (came with very few innerds), and have seen one other. Both used the 2 part cylinder and recoil plate method. This included having a spring loaded single firing pin. Here's a couple of pic's'. The 1st is of the gun, next 2 of the hand I needed to make and 3 is of the bolt I fabbed. That's what they did way-back-then so i guess that was the easiest choice for the gunsmith to make.

[Deadeye Douglas]

I have had the "priviledge" of working on an original Starr conversion (came with very few innerds), and have seen one other. Both used the 2 part cylinder and recoil plate method. This included having a spring loaded single firing pin. Here's a couple of pic's'. The 1st is of the gun, next 2 of the hand I needed to make and 3 is of the bolt I fabbed. That's what they did way-back-then so i guess that was the easiest choice for the gunsmith to make.

Thanks for the reply and the pics Thumper. That method may be a little more difficult but not impossible. I need to look at more real conversion and other early cartridge guns first I suppose.

[burris]

Is there a conversion kit that can be bought somewhere?  I have the 1858 Starr DA.