Author Topic: Dragoon Conversion  (Read 16170 times)

Offline Grapeshot

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Dragoon Conversion
« 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.
Listen!  Do you hear that?  The roar of Cannons and the screams of the dying.  Ahh!  Music to my ears.

Offline St. George

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #1 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,

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Offline Tabaquero

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #2 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.

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #3 on: Today at 12:39:52 PM »

Offline Pomona Pete

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2008, 08:46:58 PM »
Hey Grapeshot:

      Was this what you had in mind?
Make sure to shoot low every few rounds just in case they're crawling.

Offline Tommy tornado

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #4 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?
Keep your pants and your powder dry!
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Offline Grapeshot

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2008, 05:35:38 AM »
Hey Grapeshot:

      Was this what you had in mind?

Yep!  Those are exactly what I envisoned.  Who does them and what do they cost?
Listen!  Do you hear that?  The roar of Cannons and the screams of the dying.  Ahh!  Music to my ears.

Offline Deadeye Don

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #6 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". 
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Offline Pomona Pete

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #7 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
                                                                                                                 
Make sure to shoot low every few rounds just in case they're crawling.

Offline Deadeye Dick

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #8 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
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Offline Grapeshot

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2008, 09:56:12 PM »
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
Listen!  Do you hear that?  The roar of Cannons and the screams of the dying.  Ahh!  Music to my ears.

Offline Crow Scout

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #10 on: May 22, 2008, 08:37:20 AM »
Here are more pictures of Pomona Pete's 3rd Model Dragoon conversions. 


Offline Crow Scout

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #11 on: May 22, 2008, 08:53:37 AM »
........ just a few more.






Offline Ten Wolves Fiveshooter

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #12 on: May 22, 2008, 01:55:25 PM »




                                 ;D ;D ;D nICE gUNS , tHANKS FOR SHARING  ;) :D ;D :o 8)


                                                       tEN wOLVES  ;) :D ;D
NRA, SASS# 69595, NCOWS#3123 Leather Shop, RATTS# 369, SCORRS, BROW, ROWSS #40   Shoot Straight, Have Fun, That's What It's All About

Offline will52100

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #13 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.

Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms

Offline Pomona Pete

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #14 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
Make sure to shoot low every few rounds just in case they're crawling.

Offline will52100

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #15 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.
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms

Offline claude

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #16 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

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #17 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

Offline Pomona Pete

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #18 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. 
Make sure to shoot low every few rounds just in case they're crawling.

Offline Russ McCrae

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Re: Dragoon Conversion
« Reply #19 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????
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