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Special Interests - Groups & Societies => STORM => Topic started by: Grapeshot on April 12, 2008, 02:06:24 PM

Title: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Grapeshot on April 12, 2008, 02:06:24 PM: Anyone ever see or hear of anyone making a .45 Colt conversion for the Colt Dragoon series other than R&D?

I wanted a Richards-Mason type full blown conversion done to my Uberti, 1st Model Dragoons, complete with loading gate and ejector assembly.
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: St. George on April 12, 2008, 02:30:05 PM: In McDowell's 'A Study of Colt Conversions and Other Percussion Revolvers' - he states that no 'factory' conversions took place.

'Private' conversions were done - but on a very limited scale - probably because there were so many Model 1860's and Model 1851's being converted, and thus readily available.

The Dragoon was never a belt revolver - usually being carried in pommel holsters, with the horse bearing their weight - so the demand was probably pretty light during the era - and likely today, as well.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Tabaquero on April 13, 2008, 07:48:29 AM: At the last SASS convention, Walt Kirst had a prototype Walker conversion on display. He said to look for it sometime in early '08. He didn't mention a Dragoon conversion but I would guess one probably isn't far behind.

Regards

Tabaquero
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Pomona Pete on April 13, 2008, 08:46:58 PM: Hey Grapeshot:

Was this what you had in mind?
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Tommy tornado on April 13, 2008, 08:50:15 PM: Cool pistolas Pete! Did you make them yourself, have some one do it, or are they original?
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Grapeshot on April 14, 2008, 05:35:38 AM: Quote from: Pomona Pete on April 13, 2008, 08:46:58 PM
Hey Grapeshot:

Was this what you had in mind?

Yep! Those are exactly what I envisoned. Who does them and what do they cost?
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Deadeye Don on April 14, 2008, 06:52:58 AM: Those look darn close to the conversion Tuco used in the "Good, the Bad and the Ugly".
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Pomona Pete on April 14, 2008, 08:56:21 AM: hey Grapeshot:

I actually converted them myself last winter. I am a machinist and decided that I needed something to do for awhile. I shortened the barrels to 6 inches. The conversion plate is attached by 2 screws to the revolver frame. I made the gates and plate on a cnc milling machine. If I can help in any way please let me know. I can furnish better pictures if you would them.
Actually, converting these revolvers is very easy (if you have the equipment).
Pete
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Deadeye Dick on April 14, 2008, 10:32:06 AM: I'd like to see pictures of them. I have a 2nd generation Colt 1861 Navy that I would like to have converted sometime, if I can find some one interested in doing the conversion. Did you sleeve the barrel on the 61 Navy?
Nice looking conversions. Good job!
Deadeye Dick
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Grapeshot on April 14, 2008, 09:56:12 PM: Quote from: Pomona Pete on April 14, 2008, 08:56:21 AM
hey Grapeshot:

I actually converted them myself last winter. I am a machinist and decided that I needed something to do for awhile. I shortened the barrels to 6 inches. The conversion plate is attached by 2 screws to the revolver frame. I made the gates and plate on a cnc milling machine. If I can help in any way please let me know. I can furnish better pictures if you would them.
Actually, converting these revolvers is very easy (if you have the equipment).

Pete

es. Please send pictures to: canoneer74@hotmail.com
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Crow Scout on May 22, 2008, 08:37:20 AM: Here are more pictures of Pomona Pete's 3rd Model Dragoon conversions.
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Crow Scout on May 22, 2008, 08:53:37 AM: ........ just a few more.

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2602/dragoonchamberhq5.th.jpg) (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dragoonchamberhq5.jpg)

(http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/9025/dragoontop2dz2.th.jpg) (http://img291.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dragoontop2dz2.jpg)

(http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/9720/dragoonfrontqu4.th.jpg) (http://img260.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dragoonfrontqu4.jpg)
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Ten Wolves Fiveshooter on May 22, 2008, 01:55:25 PM: ;D ;D ;D nICE gUNS , tHANKS FOR SHARING ;) :D ;D :o 8)

tEN wOLVES ;) :D ;D
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: will52100 on June 07, 2008, 11:26:53 AM: Just out of curiosity, did you remachine the ratchet teeth or? Just wondering how well the cut down ratchet teeth will hold up to use.
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Pomona Pete on June 07, 2008, 07:04:56 PM: will52100

I didn't remachine the ratchet at all. The cylinders on the dragoons and walkers have plenty of tooth left after you cut for the cartridge rim. I have shot both of mine a lot and there seems to be no noticable wear at all.

Pete
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: will52100 on June 07, 2008, 08:20:04 PM: Thanks, I'm planning on sending a dragoon to Walt Kirst to be converted, he's going to use the original cylinder also.
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: claude on August 17, 2008, 01:38:16 AM: I just bought a Kirst Conversion with loading gate from River Junction. Looks great. also made from choice steel. I have stock for my dragoon and will hang it on my shoulder with a leather strap under my duster. That should roll some eyes. I can't wait to see how it prints at 50yards. Jim at River junction has a gunsmith on staff that will mill the loading port down for you. AT 40 I would have done the job myself but at 60 let someone else do it. Less aggravation.

The cost was 349.00

Claude
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Alabama on August 17, 2008, 03:35:29 PM: Hey Pamona ,
those are beautiful guns , you shoudl be proud of yourself , a little at least, nice work, very handsome arms indeed ;D

Alabama
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Pomona Pete on August 17, 2008, 07:06:17 PM: Alabama:

Thanks for the compliment. I really enjoy doing these conversions. I have access to the CNC machines and that is a big plus for this type of work. My plans are to start building two "60 Army "Long Cylinder" conversions here in a few days. Being a teacher, and school ;D starting this week will definately cut into my gun building time.
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Russ McCrae on April 06, 2009, 05:27:42 PM: MAN Those Dragoons are the hottest thing in town :o :o :o ;D ;D ;D

What load are you shooting from them Pomona????
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Pomona Pete on April 07, 2009, 08:21:53 AM: Tricky:

I have shot about everything in them. They do shoot best with the standard Winchester Cowboy loads. The accuracy varies a lot with the bullet weight. It seems to be much better with the 250.

Pete
Title: Re: Dragoon Conversion
Post by: Russ McCrae on April 07, 2009, 01:14:49 PM: Thanks amigo I sent you a PM thanks for all the help again ;D