Colt Revolver Barrel Interchangeability

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OrangePwrx9

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Thinking of buying a brass framed 1851 Colt and cutting down the barrel to make a snubby/belly gun/avenging angel/whatever as I've seen some here do. If I manage to do this without screwing it up and create something accurate and/or useful, will I be able to transfer the cut-down barrel (and cylinder, if needed) to a steel frame 1851 Colt of the same caliber and manufacturer?

Both revolvers would be .44 Cal. Both would be Piettas unless Ubertis are better for this. The steel framed model might be purchased a year later than the brasser.

My only experience with BP revolvers is with 1858 Remingtons, so my knowledge of the 1851 Colt is close to zero.
 
Likely that some tweaking for "perfect" fit will be needed, such as arbor length or alignment pin location.

Pietta is the only recent maker of 1851 frame and grip with .44 barrel & cyl. Is it the octagon barrel & dragoon-style rammer that you want, or just .44? You could put 1851 grip frame on Uberti 1860, which is .44. (Same for any maker 1860). You could find ASM, ASP, or (IIRC) very early Uberti 1851/.44 revolvers, but you add other variables and maintenance issues.

Over the years, manufacturers altered their design to meet various needs. There is no all encompassing list of changes, or when they occurred.

Same maker, same year of manufacture, logically it would work as you want. Otherwise, a donor brass from early 1990's likely will have problems fitting a CNC machined steel frame from 2017, for example.
 
I figure the octagon barrel would be easier to work with. 44 is what I've got and it's more powerful, not interested in adding .36. I expect the rammer would have to be eliminated for a snubbie.

Thanks for responding, randys.
Bob
 
Thinking of buying a brass framed 1851 Colt and cutting down the barrel to make a snubby/belly gun/avenging angel/whatever as I've seen some here do. If I manage to do this without screwing it up and create something accurate and/or useful, will I be able to transfer the cut-down barrel (and cylinder, if needed) to a steel frame 1851 Colt of the same caliber and manufacturer?

Both revolvers would be .44 Cal. Both would be Piettas unless Ubertis are better for this. The steel framed model might be purchased a year later than the brasser.

My only experience with BP revolvers is with 1858 Remingtons, so my knowledge of the 1851 Colt is close to zero.


Why wouldn’t you just start with a steel frame instead of needing one later? If it doesn’t turn out you can buy another barrel assembly or sell the parts, and you’d get more buyers for steel be brass.
 
I’ve tried, I really have but I just don’t get guys and their brass frame .44’s. Even if one is numb to the historical aspect of these guns (a shame in itself) why would a person limit themselves to pip-squeak loads on an Italian commercial fantasy?

The various brass frame Confederate facsimiles in .36 are extremely cool, on the other hand, laying out good money on a brass .44 is just plain sad.
 
I’ve tried, I really have but I just don’t get guys and their brass frame .44’s. Even if one is numb to the historical aspect of these guns (a shame in itself) why would a person limit themselves to pip-squeak loads on an Italian commercial fantasy?

The various brass frame Confederate facsimiles in .36 are extremely cool, on the other hand, laying out good money on a brass .44 is just plain sad.

They are just fun to shoot. And they’re quite accurate.
 
Pietta makes an 1851 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose model with Thunderer grips right from the factory. --->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/265...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

revolver-pietta-navy-yank-snubnose-1851-cal-44-crosse-arrondie-quadrillee-canon-3-.jpg

Pietta also makes an 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with full grips, which was also previously made with Thunderer grips.--->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/120...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

revolver-pietta-army-sheriffs-snubnose-1860-cal-44-canon-3-.jpg

Here's the Pietta 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with Thunderer grips: --->>> https://thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1860-snub-with-bird-head-grip.294765/page-2#post-3745274

20_09_10.jpg



Although I only saw these available new in France, perhaps the Thunderer grips can be special ordered from EMF, Pietta, VTI or from the French seller.
 
Pietta makes an 1851 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose model with Thunderer grips right from the factory. --->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/265...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

View attachment 903245

Pietta also makes an 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with full grips, which was also previously made with Thunderer grips.--->>> https://www.fusil-calais.com/fr/120...on-3-.html?search_query=pietta+.44&results=39

View attachment 903246

Here's the Pietta 1860 Sheriff 3 inch snubnose with Thunderer grips: --->>> https://thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/1860-snub-with-bird-head-grip.294765/page-2#post-3745274

View attachment 903249



Although I only saw these available new in France, perhaps the Thunderer grips can be special ordered from EMF, Pietta, VTI or from the French seller.
VTI has them for the Uberti single action...
 
Sticking with your question, the prospect of having stress-free interchangeability is about the same as finding a coupon for a Vegas bordello. It can happen, it might happen, and it has happened but will it happen for you. Do you feel lucky? I've compiled interesting stories about mixing and matching Colt clones. BTW: Shortening the barrel is easy, the hard part is a good crown. If the crown isn't right you won't be able to his a bedroom wall from inside the room. I found some interesting clips on YouTube about snubby C&B pistols for self defense and concealed carry. Good luck with your project -
 
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