Cap and Ball to Cartridge Firing

[Ramjo]

I was wondering what model of pistol was made that had the look of the old cap and ball revolvers but used cartridges instead of breech loading? Or were guns like that just converted and not a production model?

[Garufa]

Both the Remington 1858 New Army and Colt Army, Navy, etc. were converted back in the day to fire cartridges. Maybe the Remingtons more so as it is a superior design () but it was quite common after the War of Northern Agression and evolution to cartridges.

I know .45 Colt conversion cylinders are available for the modern Reminton 1858's.

[Caster]

You can get conversion cylinders for several models. One I find appealing is a Ruger Old Army with a 45 Long Colt conversion cylinder. You do realize though, most conversion cylinders require the removal of the cylinder then unscrewing a cap over the cylinder, in order to reload. For leisure it's no biggy, but it's hardly practical.

[Ramjo]

You can get conversion cylinders for several models. One I find appealing is a Ruger Old Army with a 45 Long Colt conversion cylinder. You do realize though, most conversion cylinders require the removal of the cylinder then unscrewing a cap over the cylinder, in order to reload. For leisure it's no biggy, but it's hardly practical.

Well perhaps it was just quicker for them to carry more cylinders instead of trying to reload one.

[Guest mrkirker]

Well perhaps it was just quicker for them to carry more cylinders instead of trying to reload one.

Yep, there are instances where those carrying revolvers exchanged an empty cylinder for a loaded one.

There are examples of 'converted' B/P revolvers from the Civill War period, and not only the 'major' brands, either. I've seen Whitneys, Roger and Spencer, as well as '58 Remingtons and Colts so modified (insert 'crying' icon!).

If you want to go this route, be CERTAIN that the model being considered has that aftermarket option, as there are no 'one size fits all' options available. Pietta makes a quality repro, both in the Remington and the Rogers & Spencer models. Colts from this time period are generally not as accurate even with conversion cylinders, due to their notched hammer sighting system.

If a more 'modern' look is desired, consider the Ruger. IMHO, the Ruger is an example of where B/P would be, had smokeless propellants not been invented.

Have fun!

Edited March 31, 2011 by mrkirker
correct spelling

[Ramjo]

Yeah see i like the looks of the cap and ball guns, but i definitely don't want the hassle of cleaning the powder residue or having to apply that gunk into the cylinder to keep from firing off the other rounds. Thats why I'm asking about it. I don't want to own a gun that I dread the reloading and clean up process.

[Guest mrkirker]

Yeah see i like the looks of the cap and ball guns, but i definitely don't want the hassle of cleaning the powder residue or having to apply that gunk into the cylinder to keep from firing off the other rounds. Thats why I'm asking about it. I don't want to own a gun that I dread the reloading and clean up process.

Guess it depends on the cleaning technique used. My B/P items aren't any more of a hassle to thouroughly clean than my smokeless stuff. By the way, the 'gunk' keeps the char/residue soft. You've got a lead 'stopper' in each cylinder hole (and filler, if used) between the outside world and the B/P for that loaded round.

[Ramjo]

Guess it depends on the cleaning technique used. My B/P items aren't any more of a hassle to thouroughly clean than my smokeless stuff. By the way, the 'gunk' keeps the char/residue soft. You've got a lead 'stopper' in each cylinder hole (and filler, if used) between the outside world and the B/P for that loaded round.

Oh so you think that it is not necessary to use that stuff?

[Guest mrkirker]

Oh so you think that it is not necessary to use that stuff?

I use it to keep the residue/char soft and easy to clean. Use it, and a Bore Snake followed by an oiled patch will suffice. Don't use it, and you'll be brushing and scraping for ages, trying to get all the hardened char outta your barrel. You gotta remember that aprox 50% of B/P converts to smoke and residue when ignited (Waters, Pet Loads). Some of the guys on our team shoot 'dry' but they fully strip their frames and ultrasound them. I don't have sech devices.

[Ramjo]

I use it to keep the residue/char soft and easy to clean. Use it, and a Bore Snake followed by an oiled patch will suffice. Don't use it, and you'll be brushing and scraping for ages, trying to get all the hardened char outta your barrel. You gotta remember that aprox 50% of B/P converts to smoke and residue when ignited (Waters, Pet Loads). Some of the guys on our team shoot 'dry' but they fully strip their frames and ultrasound them. I don't have sech devices.

Ah they probably just boiled the guns in water back in the day lol