McDowell's Colt Conversion Book

[sail32]

I came across this link to McDowell's Colt Revolver Conversions book.
If you don't have a access to a hard copy this may be of interest.

"THE SHOOTISTS.CO.UK"  = The UK web site.

   Forums > Guns of the Old West > Colt 1871-72 Open Top Study

From = http://shootists.websitetoolbox.com/post/Colt-187172-Open-Top-Study-6280282


McDowell Colt Revolver Conversions

http://www.scribd.com/doc/39482680/McDowell-Colt-Revolver-Conversions-From-www-jgokey-com

[Abilene]

Well now, that is just awesome!  Thanks!

[Abilene]

I'm a little surprised that there have been no other comments on this, so I'm bringing it back to the top for those who may have missed it.  If you don't have several hundred dollars for the out-of-print book, you can view the entire content online and free!  I've only had a chance to skim it briefly a few times but have saved the link in my favorites.

[Crow Choker]

sail32, Thank you for bringing the McDowell to everyone who has never seen one and cringe's at the thought of what they cost (ifin you can find one for sale). I put it on my desktop and plan on reading. Everytime I pick up Wilsons or Adlers books on Colts, I always think "Wish I had access to McDowells book"! Thanks again. Crow Choker

[Pettifogger]

I have a hard copy.  What do they sell for?  Maybe I'll sell it as I haven't looked at it in years.

[Abilene]

I have a hard copy.  What do they sell for?  Maybe I'll sell it as I haven't looked at it in years.

They usually go for $50.  I'll give you $60  

Actually, the least expensive used one ( $119.99 ) right now on Amazon is about the least expensive I've seen in a while.  Seems like $200 range and up is more common:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0873414462/ref=sr_1_1_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1383264215&sr=8-1&keywords=mcdowell+colt&condition=used

[Crow Choker]

I'll outbid Abilene and give ya $61 Pettifogger ! I'll have to check out the one on Amazon for $120. That's the cheapest I've seen em. Ususal price I've seen on line is upwards of $250-300. I did pdf the site sail32 noted and been readin the McDowell book all night. Methinks I'm in conversion information heaven. Been wantin to lay eyes on that info for many a moon.

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

Good link! Perhaps it should become a sticky?  I have a copy received as a Christmas gift from my daughter several years ago. This book should be available to all shooters of the open tops.

[Graveyard Jack]

I'd suggest putting it on your Amazon wishlist and keeping an eye on it. There was no way I was going to pay $200 for one but I watched it for a couple years and finally snagged a brand new copy last August for $70. It doesn't have the drool inducing color pictures that Adler's books have but there is more technical information on these guns than you will find anywhere else. More of the ardent student's textbook.

[Crow Choker]

Here's a post from the "archevy's" that may interest some of you. Back in August of 2013, 'sail32' posted info on where a downloadable version of Bruce McDowell's book on Colt (and other) Conversions could be found online and downloaded. It was possible though a on-line service called 'Scribd', which is a on-line book service where books may be downloaded. I did so and up until recently it was my only avenue to read McDowell's work, enjoyed being able to do so. Hard copy's on-line and through other sources always showed books available, but at a $150+ range. It was a pleasure to be able to see the book, but a pain in that I had to scroll through the many pages to read it, both forward and backward scrolling. I hadn't checked on it for a while and a couple of weeks ago, went to my downloaded version and found that Scribd. had deleted from their files. Went online at Amazon and Abe's books and found that many used copies could be had in the $80-120 range. There were still a lot of $150-300 copies to be had, but many of the $100 and below were available. I purchased one through Amazon that had a mylar covering and reported to be as new for $77.00. What a gem, the pages didn't appear to even have been 'cracked', no writing inside, pages white as snow, no page ruffles. Have been enjoying it. I cringe at paying even the $77, but the printed price on the cover when it was printed in 1977 was $39.95, I guess it wasn't to bad a deal. Both Amazon and Abe's Books still have many in the $80-120 range in their offerings. Don't know why more are available now at the listed prices-maybe many who were holding them decided to sell and a 'glut' of the books hit the shelves and cyberspace airways. Just lettin' you all know!