New Addition to my BP collection...

[Paul R Zartman]

Was always intrigued by the original Richards conversion, not so much with the Richard Mason design but I like it too.
Couldn't justify affording the real deal, so I kept my hopes up(AND EYES OPEN) for a ASM version.
As Luck would have it...


Needs a little work but a fine specimen to load up some BP in the 44 colt cases, now I gotta find another for a matching pair.
Paul

 

[StrawHat]

I like mine.



44 Colt, with a .43 bore so the common 44 caliber bullets work quite well. I load a 200 grain lead RNFP bullet over as much black as I can fit in the case.

Kevin

 

[Navy Six 2]

Hope that ASM works out for you. Hope you also find another as guns look better in pairs.

 

[Paul R Zartman]

I like mine.

View attachment 1146987

44 Colt, with a .43 bore so the common 44 caliber bullets work quite well. I load a 200 grain lead RNFP bullet over as much black as I can fit in the case.

Kevin

Nice, original or ASM, you had any work done to them? Thinking about a action stop and having the Arbor addressed professionally...

 

[StrawHat]

Nice, original or ASM, you had any work done to them? Thinking about a action stop and having the Arbor addressed professionally...

ASM made my pair. That is why the 43 caliber bore. Originals are 45 caliber bore (original 1860 barrels) and used heeled bullets in the same cartridge case. I have considered fitting a 3” 1860 barrel to one of mine but would need to ream the chambers to .452 or so. That would make it irreversible so I have resisted.

When I got my first one, someone erroneously advised me that ASM used soft internals. So, I rebuilt all the internals and hardened what I could or what I thought needed it. Turns out, ASM did have problems at one point BUT it was with c&b revolvers. Good thing I kept the original parts. I swapped them back in. I did nothing to the arbor. Not sure it is needed. I am not using them for action shooting, just plinking around the property.

Lots of fun. I hope you enjoy yours!

Kevin

 

[45 Dragoon]

Nice looking revolvers both of you!
Just a word about those revolvers. I've had a pair of those ( built by a renowned craftsman) in the shop for a while. They are beautiful to look at but a mechanical nightmare. Glad yall's seem to work well!! The worst part about these is that the frame itself is cut through where the conversion ring locates. That means the sides of the frame is the "strength" of the setup. I'd recommend the arbor length be addressed which would add substantial support. In any case, mild loads would be the best diet for them.

Mike

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Be sure you slug the bore before you load up any ammo. As previously stated, the original Richards Conversions had a groove diameter of about .452 or so, but the original 44 Colt ammo used a heeled bullet of the same outside diameter as the brass.

From what I have heard, the modern version of the 44 Colt cartridge uses a non-heeled bullet same diameter as 44 Russian, 44 Special, or 44 Magnum, around .429 if memory serves.

Here is my original Richards Conversion with some original 44 Colt ammunition loaded with heeled bullets.





I bought some 'modern' 44 Colt brass from Starline a few years ago to use with heeled bullets in my Richards Conversion. As I recall, the modern 44 Colt brass that Starline sells is a tad shorter than 44 Special brass. You might want to see if your Richards Conversion chambers will accept 44 Special brass, which will be easier to locate than modern 44 Colt brass.

 

[hawg]

I don't know about the ASM's but the Uberti's come in .44 special and .45 Colt.

 

[Paul R Zartman]

My ASM won't chamber the 44 special, rim to large(won't slide by cylinder teeth)...unknown if chamber is long enough, but have located enough 44 colt brass from a good fellow here on THR to get me by, and was sent a box and 3/4 of Black Hills 44 Colt smokeless I can repourpose for BP loads...im good for now I think. It is the modern 44 bullet, not heeled 452 but the modern 429.
Bubba has been into the guts so I need to change the bolt and adjust the hand for better timing. I am VERY happy I found this ASM Richards...nice gun
Paul

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

My original Richards Conversion will also chamber 44 Russian brass.

Your new one might too.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Howdy

Be sure you slug the bore before you load up any ammo. As previously stated, the original Richards Conversions had a groove diameter of about .452 or so, but the original 44 Colt ammo used a heeled bullet of the same outside diameter as the brass.

From what I have heard, the modern version of the 44 Colt cartridge uses a non-heeled bullet same diameter as 44 Russian, 44 Special, or 44 Magnum, around .429 if memory serves.

Here is my original Richards Conversion with some original 44 Colt ammunition loaded with heeled bullets.

View attachment 1147259



I bought some 'modern' 44 Colt brass from Starline a few years ago to use with heeled bullets in my Richards Conversion. As I recall, the modern 44 Colt brass that Starline sells is a tad shorter than 44 Special brass. You might want to see if your Richards Conversion chambers will accept 44 Special brass, which will be easier to locate than modern 44 Colt brass.

That DANG picture again!!!

 

[Paul R Zartman]

My original Richards Conversion will also chamber 44 Russian brass.

Your new one might too.

I was told it will, and had that option to get some Russian brass, I passed and got the 44 colt brass. I may try some in the future, now I'm trying to track down the correct bolt for it, Bubba had put a .046 wide bolt and I need a .058 thickness, the type that fits the cylinders that are not smaller around the notches. Ill find it, or make it, right now it has a little too much movement for my liking...

 

[Paul R Zartman]

That DANG picture again!!!

That is a purtty gun...

 

[Ugly Sauce]

That is a purtty gun...

But not just purtty, it OOOZES history, drips mysterious, unknown history, and unknown past...it smells of it, an eminence of aura shines forth from it. A time machine if ever there was one. It TALKS to me! The vibes man, the VIBES!! When I win the lottery, I'll make Drift an offer he can't refuse. And if he refuses...I'll offer him more!

 

[Jackrabbit1957]

I was told it will, and had that option to get some Russian brass, I passed and got the 44 colt brass. I may try some in the future, now I'm trying to track down the correct bolt for it, Bubba had put a .046 wide bolt and I need a .058 thickness, the type that fits the cylinders that are not smaller around the notches. Ill find it, or make it, right now it has a little too much movement for my liking...

How much play does it have? Making and installing a bolt guide may help some of the play. How well does it index on chamber to barrel alignment?

 

[Paul R Zartman]

But not just purtty, it OOOZES history, drips mysterious, unknown history, and unknown past...it smells of it, an eminence of aura shines forth from it. A time machine if ever there was one. It TALKS to me! The vibes man, the VIBES!! When I win the lottery, I'll make Drift an offer he can't refuse. And if he refuses...I'll offer him more!

Tell us how you really feel

 

[Paul R Zartman]

How much play does it have? Making and installing a bolt guide may help some of the play. How well does it index on chamber to barrel alignment?

Its not bad on indexing but has some movement mainly because of the skinny bolt, I'm gonna try and find a bolt then when I get it all close to correct, send off to you for final adjustments, I believe it hasn't been abused, just bad parts. Sure Arbor could use some attention too.

 

[woodnbow]

But not just purtty, it OOOZES history, drips mysterious, unknown history, and unknown past...it smells of it, an eminence of aura shines forth from it. A time machine if ever there was one. It TALKS to me! The vibes man, the VIBES!! When I win the lottery, I'll make Drift an offer he can't refuse. And if he refuses...I'll offer him more!

You should probably go to your bunk now…

 

[Ugly Sauce]

You should probably go to your bunk now…

I'll be better in the morning. But it's Driftwood's fault. As Greta would say: "HOW DARE YOU!!!!"

 

[Acorn Mush]

But not just purtty, it OOOZES history, drips mysterious, unknown history, and unknown past...it smells of it, an eminence of aura shines forth from it. A time machine if ever there was one. It TALKS to me! The vibes man, the VIBES!! When I win the lottery, I'll make Drift an offer he can't refuse. And if he refuses...I'll offer him more!

You have a way with words Mr. Sauce, a real way with words. I love it.

 

[Ephraim Kibbey]

Congratulations! The .44's are really scarce. Each time I see a new one listed or the ASM '72 open-top, its a .38.