1861 conversion

[Pappy Hayes]

I purchased an uberti 1861 Navy Colt to do a Kirst conversion. But I am scared to cut the loading port. Do to the cost having someone build me one,thinking about just buying Uberti 1860 Army Type II in 38 Colt. Then buy a Navy grip and have the barrel shortened to 7 1/2. Opinions?

[Abilene]

Well, you know my opinion because that's what I did.    Except that I got the 5 1/2" barrel so no cutting.  If it was me, I'd live with the barrel as-is.  Anyway, you would have to cut 3/4" to clear the front sight.

Now, my 7 1/2" Uberti Kirst-Strite '61 is a great gun, but I bought it already converted as thus far I too have not gotten up the courage to dremel out a loading port on anything.  I have a pair of stainless Pietta Remingtons that I may or may not try.  Or I may pay somebody else to do it.  Life is too short to quibble about a few dollars.