Home >> Collecting >> Gun Collecting

How to Install a Conversion Ring on an 1851 Navy Revolver

The Colt 1851 Navy revolver was a 36 caliber percussion pistol used during the Civil War. The conversion cylinder will enable you to shoot 38 caliber cartridges through your 1851 revolver. The reason 38 caliber bullets are compatible is that they're technically not that wide; the bullets actually measure 357 caliber (which is why 357 magnums can use 38 caliber bullets). The advantage of a conversion cylinder is that it allows you to shoot the revolver both as a modern firearm with self contained cartridges and as a percussion black powder gun. The conversion cylinder consists of two parts: a backing plate, which houses a firing pin and loading door, and the cylinder which holds the bullets.

Things You'll Need

Brass drift

Instructions

- 1
  Check the cylinders of the revolver and make sure the weapon is unloaded.
- 2
  Use a brass drift to press the barrel wedge (located just before the cylinder below the barrel) from the right hand side of the handgun so that it that protrudes from the left hand side. The barrel wedge holds the barrel assembly to the frame of the revolver; with it free, remove the barrel by pulling it straight forward.
- 3
  Remove the black powder cylinder off of the arbor (the large pin that holds the cylinder in place) by pulling it straight off the front end of the revolver.
- 4
  Place the backing plate of the conversion cylinder onto the revolver with the firing pin located on the hammer recess. The conversion cylinder has its own firing pin which works in conjunction with the revolver's hammer.
- 5
  Slide the conversion cylinder into position on the arbor, put the barrel back onto the frame and reinstall the barrel wedge. Your cylinder has now been replaced.

Gun Collecting