1858 Remmy, conversion cylinder with R& M ejector, eliminate the loading lever

[hang fire]

When using the Kirst .45 LC gated conversion cylinder in my Pietta 58 Remmy with the Richard and Mason ejector. I found the new base pin (permanently welded to the Richard & Mason ejector is round full length, except relieved in the front for clearance of loading lever pivot) could not be slid forward unless pivot screw and loading lever is removed. Aside from retaining Richard & Mason base pin when using conversion cylinder, the loading lever is just so much a heavy and useless appendage.



The percussion base pin is relieved flat on the bottom, except for that round portion which enters into back of frame. When the loading lever is lowered, the base pin can be slid forward until stopped by round portion contact with loading lever pivot and the cylinder can be removed. (I have heard some state the relieved bottom of base pin is to help prevent fouling binding, but it is only there to allow base pin to be slid forward )

So how to eliminate the loading lever when using the conversion cylinder with the Richard & Mason ejector?

I made up a pivot screw bushing, 0.200” long, 0.312” diameter, drilled out 5/64” to accommodate the pivot screw. Works like a champ retaining the base pin, which is now stopped by the bushing as it was by the loading lever pivot. A piece of 3/16” flat stock could be fitted and drilled to serve the same purpose.



Sure makes a difference in balance and getting on target faster without the additional weight of the loading lever.

 

[Ultravox]

Nice work and nice looking pistol there.

 

[Acesn8]

Hang Fire,
Beautiful work.
You have done what I've been wondering how to do.
could you please post pic's of parts Made disasembled.

as i work in a machine shop i plan to do all my own mods;
an i'm sure others would like to see too.

good shootin.

 

[hang fire]

It is just an aluminum bushing/spacer. 0.195” long x 5/16” diameter, center drilled 5/64” for the pivot screw. To install, just place on the base pin flat in .200” opening and roll into place for pivot screw with a toothpick.

One can buy the 5/16” aluminum rod at most any hardware store.

I originally made it .200” long, but was bit of a snug fit for easy installation, so took .005” off length.

 

[1858remington]

I may have to try this myself

 

[rbertalotto]

Can you post a picture of what this revolver looks like with the loading lever AND the ejector installed. Just curious......

 

[hang fire]

 

[Hoof Hearted]

While I find the spring loaded "Mason" ejector to be convenient, I do not appreciate the design of the head or thumbpiece. It is annoying how it sticks out in the "wind" and the shape leaves a lot to be desired.......

I do want to compliment the OP on the way his "target" model looks! I do like this setup with the target sights it looks more at home here than in the traditional role and think that if he were to unscrew the head from the rod (super easy as Kirst does not even use locktite) and maybe fashion one that at least points back towards the barrel and was semi round like the Colt design he might really be onto something!

Good work!
Regards, HH

 

[BHP FAN]

Mine has the more traditional hammered piece of 7018 welding rod ejector. At least that's what it looks like. on the plus side, I've seen originals with the same set-up.

 

[rbertalotto]

Thanks for the picture HF...........

I do not appreciate the design of the head or thumbpiece. It is annoying how it sticks out in the "wind"

How would this revolver holster with the thumb lever exposed like that? Seems to me at the very least it would tear up your holster...?

BPH, That looks great, and unlike the 1860 Colts, where you remove the loading lever, and in my opinion, damage the overall looks of the revolver, the 1858 ejector maintains the overall look of the unconverted revolver.

NICE..........

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

This is mine

I have a Jay Strite conversion on a 1980's Navy Arms Shooters Model with the mason-richards type ejector. The head of the ejector actually slides into a slot just behind it's full extention. I carry mine in a slim jim holster or a mexican loop folster with absolutely no problems. I kinda like the loading leaver. The weight helps with the recoil of my BP loads. I am a western reenactor and have had some tell me it wasn't historical. I didn't have it done uintil I saw this on an auction site, then I had it installed!

 

[Hoof Hearted]

Nice revolver Preacher!

Those are just standard Kirst parts and that is the ejector we are referring to.
Did Jay also silver plate the trigger guard for you?

Regards, HH

 

[Saddlebag Preacher]

The silver trigger guard came that way, and it has the progressive twist rifling.
The gun originally calls for .457 roundballs (not .451). I reload my .45 shells with Buffalo Bros. .454 250 grain prelubed lead, but they are just a hair too long for the cylinder in .45LC. (factory cowboy loads are ok). So I changed to .45 schofield brass with .30 grains of 2F and it shoots POA at 50 feet if I do my part. (Eyes getting older).

The old girl had the narrow slots, so Jay fixed the bolt to accomidate the newer cylinder's different size bolt.