need help with conversion

[test drive]

i have an old 1851 navy that has a old conversion cyl. in it that shoots .38s&w. it is not a r&d or kirst but it is well made. it has the cyl. and the fireing-pin ring that screws to the recoil shield. it does not have a loading gate. the gun shoots good but it has a brass frame and the barrel is a little loose. i would like to fined a all steel gun to put the conversion in but i dont know what brand it will fit. the gun is stamped Hawes firearems co. los angeles calif. under the barrel there is a GDG stamp. any idea who the maker is? thanks.

 

[arcticap]

DGG is Armi San Paolo/Euroarms which can be found at the end of this PDF:

http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf

 

[test drive]

wow that was fast. by the proof marks it was made or proofed in 1970. what are the chances it will fit a currently made brand.

 

[arcticap]

The Euroarms Colts can still be found for sale.
Here's a 1973 brass beauty that's currently for sale on Gunbroker.
It must be your lucky day!

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=264727527

 

[test drive]

yes that is the same markings that are on my gun. but i would like to get a steel frame. also, i wounder if the kirst fireing-pin ring with loading gate would work with this cyl. i would like to make a nice full conversion with ejector rod.

 

[ofitg]

Test Drive, it sounds like you're describing the "Legal Defender" conversion kit which was sold in the 1980s.

I had this conversion done on Uberti-made repro '51 Navy. As best as I can recall, there was only one "Legal Defender" kit produced, and it was intended for repro '51 Navies from all manufacturers.

If you want the ejector assembly, you can order that separately from Kirst.....

 

[arcticap]

Perhaps the lose barrel can be fixed on the present gun.
Is the arbor loose?

 

[test drive]

Ofitg thats the idea. in a perfict world i would like to fined a new production steel frame gun that will accept this cyl.and add the kirst ring with loading gate and ejector rod.

 

[ofitg]

Test Drive, I have no idea whether the "Legal Defender" cylinder would be compatible with the Kirst ring (I have my doubts).

The smith who converted my Uberti back in the 1980's cut a slot in the right-hand recoil shield for loading/unloading, and the geometry prevents any cartridges from slipping back through the slot when the cylinder is locked.
Someday I might order an ejector assembly from Kirst, but I can live without the gate. I guess I like the "prototype" look.

 

[arcticap]

It sounds like the question now is about how to proceed.
The old conversion cylinder would need to be carefully evaluated to see if it's compatible with the Kirst ring.
Then a steel frame gun would need to be evaluated to see if it will match up with the old conversion cylinder.
THR member Hoof Hearted is a Kirst affiliated gunsmith. He may or may not be able/or want to help you out. You can send him a personal message by clicking on his name. You can also send him a link to this thread so that he can understand your problem. He may be able to offer an opinion about whether your ideas are worth the effort.
Left click on Hoof Hearted's name in the 1st post of the thread below to send him a PM or to email him:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=582562

Or visit his profile page and click on contact information:

http://www.thehighroad.org/member.php?u=142358