Hey There Hi There Ho There
Actually, the title should be "Conversions Everyone??" I've been know to be infected with Conversionitis. I just plain like conversions of 19th Century Cap Guns, Colt Pattern. I've not been able to find a cure.
Of late, I have been playing with a pair of Pietta 1860s, which I converted to Suppository Shooters, with Kirst Konverter goodies. I actually started with this pair of guns way last year. Utilizing Kirst Konverter conversion goodies. Consists of a Recoil Plate with Loading Gate and a 45 Colt Cylinder. This conversion is almost a "Drop In." A loading channel must be cut in the OEM Recoil Shield for loading and unloading. VORSICHT!! Once you have cut the loading channel, you have manufactured a firearm per BATFE. Perfectly legal to do so for yourself. Perfectly illegal to do so for someone else. Disposal can be problematic.
The conversions have done very well in CAS match play. I'm really happy with the result. Recently however, there has been a really nifty development from Walt Kirst. Kirst Konverter has released a new Cylinder, chambered in 45 ACP. Absolutely the BIZ. I've been playing with both the .45 ACP cartridges and Cowboy 45 Special in this nifty new cylinder. It gives us some really outstanding versatility. Lots more loading/reloading options. The 45 ACP cartridge is legal CAS tender for all categories except Classique Cowperson. Classique requires a rimmed cartridge. Cowboy 45 Special anyone?? Perfect application.
The short chamber with long throat eliminates the "jump" between the case mouth and the throat for both 45 ACP and C45S rounds. Improves accuracy and reduces leading.
Right along with this new cylinder, Kirst has also introduce a new Two Step hand. The new hand eliminates the the conversion not quite locking into battery when slow cycling the action. Almost "Drop In" and takes just a tiny bit of fiddling although most will actually drop in. A really Trix wire Hand Spring on the two stepper will also be "bullet proof." Also quite easily changed to Coil Spring and Plunger.
When assembled, it is important to pay close attention to Barrel to Cylinder Gap. With cartridges in the gun, Barrel to Cylinder gap should be held to .003 or .004 to insure positive engagement of Hand To Star.
Dearly Beloved, Let Us Play!!!
PS: Tuolumne Lawman has posted some excellent Tin Types of his Kirst conversions and there are some of mine somewhere too (I just don't remember where)