44 Colt

[StrawHat]

This is a pair of ASM Richards Conversion 44 Colts built on the 1860 frame. These are close copies but not exact. The biggest difference is the conversion ring lacks the lip that would cover the breech end of the cylinder. ASM also chose to reduce the bore from a nominal 45 down to 43. This simplifies reloading as one can use .430 bullets and seat them inside the case rather than a rebated bullet sitting proud of the case and held there by a crimp similar to the 22 rimfire.



This was the first successful bored through cylinder for Colts in a large bore. There were several other Colts firsts in this design. The rear sight was moved from the hammer to the conversion ring. This gave a solid sight picture even if a bit shorter. The firing pin was incorporated into the conversion ring and was spring loaded to retract when the hammer was anywhere other than fully down.

All in all, a successful venture for Colts

Kevin

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

I hope you will forgive me if I post a few photos of my Richards Conversion. Those are a few antique 44 Colt cartridges with it.






Not quite sure what you mean about the 'conversion ring lacks the lip that would cover the breech end of the cylinder.'






Is this what you mean?






The frame mounted firing pin and rear sight were a good innovation, but Colt went back to putting the firing pin on the hammer with the Richards Mason Conversion. Not sure about the rear sight, I will have to look that up.






This is as far as I have taken it apart. The screw holding the ejector rod assembly in the barrel is all buggered up and I did not try to remove it.






Currently stalled on the project of shooting it. I have a mold for heeled 44 Colt bullets, but they are dropping from the mold a teeny bit too small. I sent the mold back to have the cavities opened up a hair, but currently the lead level in my blood is too high to try casting any bullets. The bullets are shown with modern 44 Colt brass from Starline. I have a crimping tool that will allow the brass to be crimped onto the heeled bullets.






I discovered that 44 Russian brass fits perfectly into the chambers, so the current plan calls for loading ammo with the 44 Russian brass instead of the 44 Colt brass. There will bee less powder in the Russian brass, and hopefully less stress on the 145 or so year old cylinder. Black Powder only of course.

 

[TheOutlawKid]

Mr.driftwood johnson, i know you dont know me or talk to me much...but as to your comment on not being able to cast because of too high lead content...id be happy to cast some for you. I have pure lead only...not sure if you use a specific alloy but if you send your mold and alloy mix of your choice (unless you use pure lead then id just use mine) ill cast some for you. I dont mind helping out.

 

[StrawHat]

Howdy

I hope you will forgive me if I post a few photos of my Richards Conversion. Those are a few antique 44 Colt cartridges with it.

No problem, I was hoping you would so members would have a chance to see the old with the new.

Not quite sure what you mean about the 'conversion ring lacks the lip that would cover the breech end of the cylinder.'..Is this what you mean?

View attachment 925209

Exactly, that little lip covered the end of the cylinder and also the brass. Cartridges were in their infancy and better to build safe rather than sorry.

The frame mounted firing pin and rear sight were a good innovation, but Colt went back to putting the firing pin on the hammer with the Richards Mason Conversion. Not sure about the rear sight, I will have to look that up.

I believe the rear sight was moved onto the rear of the barrel assembly. Further shortening the sight radius.

This is as far as I have taken it apart. The screw holding the ejector rod assembly in the barrel is all buggered up and I did not try to remove it.

A good place to stop, parts are hard to find.

Currently stalled on the project of shooting it. I have a mold for heeled 44 Colt bullets, but they are dropping from the mold a teeny bit too small. I sent the mold back to have the cavities opened up a hair, but currently the lead level in my blood is too high to try casting any bullets. The bullets are shown with modern 44 Colt brass from Starline. I have a crimping tool that will allow the brass to be crimped onto the heeled bullets.

Wish I had seen this before you shipped it back. A strip of metal duct tape on the face of the mold block would have opened it up.

I discovered that 44 Russian brass fits perfectly into the chambers, so the current plan calls for loading ammo with the 44 Russian brass instead of the 44 Colt brass. There will bee less powder in the Russian brass, and hopefully less stress on the 145 or so year old cylinder. Black Powder only of course.

2fg will give less pressure than 3fg. Also, it does not take much to ignite gunpowder. Use the mildest primer you have.


When I get a chance, I will take the same photos of one of mine that you have posted and show them together.


Thanks for the post!


Kevin