Shot ny Pietta 1860 conversion today.

[Pitchy]

Haven`t shot it for quite some time so took it out and shot five rounds at ten paces, did pretty good for a shaky half blind old fart.
It has a Howell conversion cylinder , I can`t remember what the load is at the moment but I think I may have to load some more, these guns are a thing of beauty and I love them.

[Shenandoah]

Not bad shooting for an "ole fart". 

[Tuolumne Lawman]

Nice!  I do have to say that the Pietta 1860s shoot well with the R&D cylinders in them!

[Pitchy]

Thanks fellars, I`ve been chewing at the bit about getting a factory conversion gun for years.
Wish I could find a place I could look before I buy.
They're a thing of beauty for sure. 

[Pitchy]

Few pictures. 

[Pitchy]

Loaded up 50 rounds today using a lead round nose 225 grainer over 6.5 grains of Unique and going to shoot off a rest tomorrow and see what we get.

[Pitchy]

Well I can shoot the open top better than the Colt SAA but it`s because of the sights on the two guns the open top being a better sight picture for my eyes.





Targets on the left are the 45 and right are from my Colt SAA 44spl.--15 yards.



I`m thinking about getting a factory open top but can`t decide if I should get a Richards Mason model or the late 72 model, or to get a 45 LC or one in 44 spl.
I have lots of 44 Spl ammo but the gun in this thread is a 45.
What is the overall cartridge length for a 44 special have to be in one of these guns?

Thanks

[Pitchy]

The loading lever hanger flew off and got lost so I decided I would get rid of it all together as I never plan on shooting it as a ML.
It has a Howell conversion cyl on it, filled the hole and slot where the LL plunger went and the dovetail in with JB weld sanded and colored it black.
Recon you`ll love it or hate it. 

[RebHolister]

I like it.

[Pitchy]

I like it.

Thanks , I`m working up a load for it using Trail boss and will update tomorrow. 

[Coffinmaker]

Well DARN Pitchy.

I've probably got about a half dozen of those little lever latches.  I'd a sent ya one for postage.

While your piddling around for a load, try 15Gr 2f APP, topped with Cream-0-Wheat to the base of the bullet.  Lotta smoke and great fun.

Coffinmaker

When looking for a factory conversion, give serious consideration to Cimarron's Richards/Mason Conversions.  I prefer 44s.  The rear sight is same same you 1860.  In the hammer nose.  72 Open Top is at the back of the barrel and a little tough to see.  Don't know you'd be happy with the 71/72 Open Top sights.

Coffinmaker

[Pitchy]

Well DARN Pitchy.

I've probably got about a half dozen of those little lever latches.  I'd a sent ya one for postage.

While your piddling around for a load, try 15Gr 2f APP, topped with Cream-0-Wheat to the base of the bullet.  Lotta smoke and great fun.

Coffinmaker

When looking for a factory conversion, give serious consideration to Cimarron's Richards/Mason Conversions.  I prefer 44s.  The rear sight is same same you 1860.  In the hammer nose.  72 Open Top is at the back of the barrel and a little tough to see.  Don't know you'd be happy with the 71/72 Open Top sights.

Coffinmaker

Thanks, I like the looks of it without the loading lever on it anyway but thanks for the offer.
Yepper the one iv`e been looking at is the one you mentioned but can`t decide if I need it or can afford it. 

[Coal Creek Griff]

Of course you need it.  I stopped asking myself that question a long time ago.  In fact, I'd say that you need BOTH the R/M conversion AND the 71/72 open top.  I know i did.  How will you know which you like better if you don't shoot them both for the next 15 years or so?  Mine are in .44, by the way.

CC Griff

[Pitchy]

Of course you need it.  I stopped asking myself that question a long time ago.  In fact, I'd say that you need BOTH the R/M conversion AND the 71/72 open top.  I know i did.  How will you know which you like better if you don't shoot them both for the next 15 years or so?  Mine are in .44, by the way.

CC Griff

I`m hearing ya Griff, still kicking it around we`ll see.

[Tuolumne Lawman]

The loading lever hanger flew off and got lost so I decided I would get rid of it all together as I never plan on shooting it as a ML.
It has a Howell conversion cyl on it, filled the hole and slot where the LL plunger went and the dovetail in with JB weld sanded and colored it black.
Recon you`ll love it or hate it. 

I like it!  Lean and mean

[Pitchy]

Thanks Tuolumne Lawman, I agree. 

Went out and shot 20 rounds loaded with a 230 grain round nose lead over 4.5 grains of Trail Boss at 15 yards.
Real mild feeling load but shoots high of coarse being mild, had to nestle the front low in the rear notch  but might be fine at 20-30 yards.

[Pitchy]

And the reason to carry, found this in the driveway this morn.
Pretty sure it`s a cougar as all tracks are round, odd for here.

[Pitchy]

Update on the track, after further investigation we have determined it is a black bear track as he was in the yard this morning trying to tear down the wifes bird feeders.

[Pitchy]

better picture.

[Pitchy]

Kinda lonely around here.