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. 

[Coffinmaker]

Without a Mill and a Ball cutter, Dremeling the loading channel can be a real challenge.  The screaming Dremel will try and "jump" the work area (and oft does) and scar somewhere you don't want it to scar the surface.  It is also not a fun job and with all the ground steel particles in the air, goggles are a must as is hearing protection.

I consider cutting a barrel from 8 inches back to 7 1/2 to be somewhat "silly". From 2 feet you can't really tell the difference between 8 and 7 1/2.  And as Abilene has mentioned, you can't just cut back a half inch.  Going for absolute authenticity can and will get really expensive.  If one just absolutely has to have "something" I can understand, but must be understood, it ain't gonna be cheap.  I personally built quite a few conversions and frankly, the cost of available parts and labor always exceeded the original cost of the donor by a good deal.

[Graveyard Jack]

That is essentially what I did. Got the 1860 Type II in .38Spl and swapped the grip frame. The newer Ubertis and parts are very consistent. It's not a perfect seamless fit but it's pretty good. I was going to reshape the barrel lug to more closely resemble the originals but never followed through.

That said, cutting the loading port for a gated conversion is not that difficult. It takes some time but it's not terribly hard. Just use a sanding drum, it's close to the perfect size.

[Coffinmaker]

  Graveyard 

Hubba Bubba Ding Ding!!  That be one fine looking Type II.  I are a Fuddy Duddy.  I think the Barrel Lug as seen on the Colt Factory '61 conversions is Ugly as Sin.  I much prefer the appearance of the original 60/61 Lug.  Just a personal thing.

PS:  Just another personal thing.  My hands aren't as steady as they were.  Part of the reason I had to take down my shingle.  Really makes the loading channel for a Gated conversion a real challenge for me now.

[45 Dragoon]

Gotta agree with Mike (thuthern) on the "appearance" thing.  That's a beauty  GJ !!!

Mike (thisun )

[Graveyard Jack]

I think the Barrel Lug as seen on the Colt Factory '61 conversions is Ugly as Sin.

I don't know, I think the `61 reshaped lug is sexy time! Plus it's one of the things that sets it apart. Plus I just like screwing with stuff.

[Abilene]

Yeah, I do like the looks of my '61's with the big lug, but the original '61 is so sleek looking! I'd pick that over the current "incorrect" models if it was offered.  I'm surprised Uberti never came out with that model, just needs a new barrel.