I agree with you about the conversion cylinders, they are great fun. I have 3 Taylor’s and company and 3 Kirst konverters, I really like the Kirst because it allows a greater muzzle velocity up to 1000 fps. Since the COVID hit and ammo got super expensive I have tried to learn all I can about reloading for the 45 colt. It is fantastic to be able to switch back and forth from black. I even splurged on the conversion to shoot 22 LR so I can get 3 guns in one.
Colt and Remington cap and ball conversion cylinders from Taylors and company
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CraigC
Sixgun Nut
FWIW, I got a new Howell conversion cylinder for the Rogers & Spencer. Perfect drop-in. Now I need a taller front sight.
RoyLOak
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I have about 6 of the Howell Conversion cylinders and choose Howell for one simple reason....cost. It just simply costs less for the drop in. Currently, all the Howell drop in cylinders are made by Howell for Taylor's & Co. Once they started making all cylinders for Taylor's & Co, they also were able to make the 6 shot cylinder once again. Ken's shop is only about 45 minutes from me and I talk to Maggie quite often there. In fact, I talked to her just yesterday asking about the Rogers & Spenser conversion cylinders and if they would be making anymore. They have them in the production queue now and they will be ready in a few weeks. In the past, Howell was making just the cylinder for Taylor's and Co. and Taylor's was having back plates made overseas with the ferules. But they eventually had issues with the metal being too soft and now has Howell to make the complete conversion cylinders for them. Howell is currently moving their shop to Janesville, WI and are partnering with Lodgewood Mfg, so there will be some items that will be a little slow in the production process until they get their bluing shop completely moved to Janesville.
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I have heard that Taylor’s was having problems with there Italian supplier that was doing some of these conversion cylinders so they gave Howells the orders that were falling behind. So I guess he’s got the rights to make the 6 round conversion. I am pretty sure I read that here on this site.
45 Dragoon
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Honestly, I didn't know of any Italian suppliers. I'm pretty sure Kenny made cyls for Taylors as well.
Mike
Mike
Just an FYI for those of you that have an 1858 and a conversion cylinder. I just ordered a couple, yeah, probably could have made them also. If I have this right you unscrew the loading lever, replace it with this spring loaded keeper. To swap the cylinder, you squeeze the keeper, pull the cylinder base pin out, roll out the cylinder. Put in the loaded cylinder, slide in the base pin, and release the spring loaded lever. Mine should be here in a few days I will let ya'll know if I got it wrong.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1973292517?pid=883599
According to the Midway ad: To load and reload a conversion cylinder you have to remove the cylinder from the frame each and every time. Save time and eliminate the hassle of the loading lever with the 1858 Remington Cylinder Pin Quick Release. Can be used in any 1858 Pietta or Uberti model frames.
Would also come in handy if you were shortening your barrel to make a snub nose 1858 or what I believe some call a bulldog.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1973292517?pid=883599
According to the Midway ad: To load and reload a conversion cylinder you have to remove the cylinder from the frame each and every time. Save time and eliminate the hassle of the loading lever with the 1858 Remington Cylinder Pin Quick Release. Can be used in any 1858 Pietta or Uberti model frames.
Would also come in handy if you were shortening your barrel to make a snub nose 1858 or what I believe some call a bulldog.
Also, wouldn't this be cool with a conversion cylinder?
https://taylorsfirearms.com/1858-the-ace.html
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https://taylorsfirearms.com/1858-the-ace.html
d
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definitely let us know if it’s easier and faster to swap cylinders using this spring-loaded catch. I’ve never used one but to me it seems like it would be more fiddly since you have to hold the latch down against spring tension while also removing the base pin. So it becomes a 2 handed operation. Whereas the loading lever holds itself down and out of the way under gravity while you make the swap, and you don’t have to move any latch out of the way again to reinsert the cylinder pin.
I have a R&D (Howell) for my ROA which was a perfect fit. While a ROA is not a 1858 the concept of changing it out is similar. I made a very basic video about how to reload with it over a decade ago. There wasn't as much info about them back then and folks had questions. You can see my quick change contraption -- the ClemBert pin....LOL
40 grains 3FFFg with a 250 gr bullet
40 grains 3FFFg with a 250 gr bullet
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@ClemBert soundtrack by zamfir?
MUSIC: "The Lonely Shepherd" featuring Gheorghe Zamfir, playing the pan flute, and recorded with The James Last Orchestra. Most people will recognize it as part of the soundtrack for the movie Kill Bill Vol. 1
Works like a charm. I can pull the release down with my pointer finger and slide the base pin out with thumb and middle. The pin then slide across the latch swap cylinder and press the pin back in. It will latch once it is fully inserted. Spring pressure is enough but not overwhelming.
I’ll get a pic or two up when I can.
D
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