1858 Remington 22/44 conversion

[Oldfalguy]

Guys,
I just got home from the big Tulsa show and I am about speechless.
I saw many many fine original Colt and Remington pistols .
I went hunting for a SS Ruger Old Army and finally found ONE at the whole show. While walking the 5.25 miles I ran across something that about made me faint-
First I have to admit to a severe weakness in all things involving
.22 caliber conversion- you name it I need a 12 step program for sure-
Anyway, I found a guy there who had a 22 conversion made a loong time ago, probably before 1900 for sure.
It replaced the loading ram and had another cylinder (duh) and a barrel sleeve. He had a copy of an article written about them in which when it was written there was only 3 conversion known at that time to exist- This cat had 2 of them. One was serial numbered 17 and the other 149 so they made a few.
I have not had any success finding info on them on the web so if anyone knows about them please chime in.
I am a kit guy, been that way since a kid and I sorta got excited just thinking about having an original 1858, a R&D 45 Colt conversion and one of these little 22 setups all properly laid out in a nice felt box etc. you get the idea.
Thing is I do not need another very expensive gun that I can't or shouldn't shoot. Would ya'll shoot a 150 yr old BP pistol? With BP or with a cowboy load R&D conversion ( I know the 22 is not a problem).

Appreciate sage advice here as This is something I have not been as excited about in a real long time.

The show was something not to be missed and I wish it had not been 15 years since my last trip to Tulsa.

Thank you Oklahoma for letting a Texas Longhorn come visit.

Mark

 

[madcratebuilder]

Thing is I do not need another very expensive gun that I can't or shouldn't shoot. Would ya'll shoot a 150 yr old BP pistol? With BP or with a cowboy load R&D conversion

Several folks shoot their originals with black powder. I wouldn't use a conversion cylinder with one, but that's just me.
I have seen C&B converted to shoot .22lr but not the add on barrel, sounds interesting.

 

[Oldfalguy]

Looked some fine Remmy conversions at Cimmerron/Texas Jack's in Fredericksberg. They told me all of the pistols were made by Uberti per their specifications. Can't understand what all that would encompass. Conversions were priced around $500.The top of the barrel is roll marked Cimmerrron, Uberti no where on it. Very nice finish/blueing etc. When I asked if they came with a percussion cylinder I was told no because Uberti couldn't do it at the price point Cimmerron wanted- Darn it, Guess I will have to do it the other way around-get the BP pistol and add an R&D conversion cylinder- I know the Krist looks more like the original conversions (Richard-Mason) but there have been post here they may need additional fitting and the fact they only have one firing pin vs the R&D which has 6. FIgure will get ones for my 1860 and pocket .31 caliber.

 

[Bezoar]

about the time the 44 special was introduced on the open market, someone designed and patented a conversion system for colt peacemakers to use 22 caliber ammo.

It was a barrel insert that was secured on the muzzle and the forcing cone of the peacemaker by screw on nuts. And a new cylinder was put in and loaded.
Not sure if any survive, but you can find the patent online rather easy with google patents.

 

[Oldfalguy]

Bezoar-
I saw 2 of the actual conversion for the 58 Remmy and got the guys contact info but as such as life goes when one returns from a gunshow I can't find any notes or numbers- I am about ready to start stutterring I am so mad at myself. They were nicely made and not cheap ($1700). The guy had an article written on the conversion bu I can find nothing on the net so far-
Mark