Howell Arms Conversion kit

[Reno-Kid]

I recently saw a western 1858 ball and cap revolver, the LGS said it can be converted to 45lc or 38 special. Anyone venture into conversions?

[rivraton]

I have a 1858 Pietta Army .(44 Cal.) I bought a R&D conversion cylinder (45 Colt) works great, stick to loads that are 1000 FPS or lower for safety... I would have liked to go with a Kris conversion to get the loading gate but just don't shoot it enough to justify the cost...Also with the Kris, you lose a round of capacity, the R&D stays at 6...

[Spyder]

You'll want a steel frame, not brass. I've been meaning to do just that for years and keep forgetting. Maybe I will order one now.

[SkyHawk]

I have a Taylor & Co conversion cylinder that I use sometimes in my Pietta 1858 Sheriff. I hand load 45LC Cowboy rounds for it. But I did run some Ruger only rounds through it once with no problem. You could definitely use some hard hitting rounds in an emergency if you needed to.

[rp55]

I have a Pietta 1860 Army and a Howell conversion kit for it. To take it to the next level I bought 6 "Cowboy 22 Chamber inserts" that look like a 45LC shell but have a rifled chamber and I can shoot 22LR out of my 1860 Army.

[Spyder]

Skyhawk, that's purty.

[Lead Waster]

I have the Pieta 1858 and I bought the conversion kit with the loading gate. I've never used it (even with black powder) but I did go though the trouble of filing out and cold bluing (Or whatever...bluing in s a bottle) a relief so that I could use the gate. It was a project that I finished then never got to use (yet).

[Darto]

Sportsman warehouse is selling 1858 already with .45LC cylinder (only). They don't do cap and ball, only 45LC. cartridges $510

https://www.sportsmans.com/shooting-gear-gun-supplies/handguns/cimarron-firearms-1858-new-model-army-45-long-colt-8in-blued-revolver-6-rounds-california-compliant/p/1506208

You can fire 38 special in any .36 caliber 1858 Remington, or a .45LC in an .44 1858 Remington (using Howell conversion cylinders). They make cylinders in blue or stainless, with or without fluting. Grooves are .375 in a black powder .36 caliber, so everyone shoots 38 special hollow base wadcutters in the converion cylinders, because the bullet expands to the grooves because of the hollow base.

[warbird]

I have most of my steel frames converted and buy conversion kits and converted pistols when i find them. It is nice to have the option whenever possible but the state seems to have been down on them for a long time.