Swapping Cylinders

[Capt. Redbeard]

Greetings All,

I am new to cap and ball. (I'm also new to forums so if I do or say anything out of line I apologize.) I recently inherited a Pietta 1858 New Army, which is the most fun I've ever had with a gun. However as I read on here, I've discovered that being a brass frame I should be cautious. It has alot of sentimental value to me, so I wish it no harm and don't want to shoot it often. I'm considering the Uberti !858 they seem to have good reviews. Sorry, I'm babbling. My question is this if I get a cap and ball then get just a R&D conversion cylinder, can I swap back and forth between the two, shoot cartridge one weekend, then load cap and ball the next then back to cartridge later without harming anything. My reason is I like the appeal of both, but to buy two guns is out of my price range. The conversion is around 529 the cap and ball is only 349 and a conversion cylinder another 200, so I can get the cap and ball and cylinder together are the same as a conversion alone, hence two guns for the price of one. Sorry for the rambling any help is appreciated Thanks.

 

[damoc]

ive got a pietta 1858 and the conversion cylindar i have states specifically
not for brass frame revolvers

 

[damoc]

if you get a new cap and ball why not get a pietta steel frame as the cylindar in your brass frame will be interchangeable and then you can use the
conversion cylindar as well.

plus it would make a nice mate for your brass frame

 

[Capt. Redbeard]

Thanks Damoc,

That's a wonderful idea. So I was correct that I can swap back and forth between cap and ball and cartridge depending on my need, or mood?

 

[Pancho]

First of all, your brass frame should do just fine if you stay with target to medium loads.
Secondly, I've got quite a few Uberti revolvers and they cost more but I believe they are worth it. I've dealt with Taylors and they represent their firearms with integrity.

 

[damoc]

just to make it clear i have a pieta steel frame and i can swap between
cap and ball and conversion cylindar in seconds like they were the same thing.

but it states on my conversion cylindar paperwork that the conversion cylindar is not to be used in brass frame revolvers so probably not the best idea to use the conversion cylindar in your brass frame even if it will probably
fit and work just fine.

your brass frame cylindar will fit and work just fine in a new steel frame pietta.

I am beginning to wish i had went uberti only because i want the cattlemans
carbine and pietta does not make it so all the extra cylindars i have will not work in it.

but i have found the quality of the pieta to be excelent and i feel the acuracy
is actually better than my ruger blackhawk

a uberti cylindar will not work in your pietta safely or vice a versa.

 

[BHP FAN]

Don't be so quick to assume you can't use the cylinders. I had the Uberti carbine, and maybe I just got lucky, but my Pietta cylinder from my pistol fit and was even in time.

 

[damoc]

that would be cool if it uberti and pieta were interchangeable but i did check with cabellas and also asked on this board and i think if i remember right
the reply here was that they would fit and function but there was a spaceing problem between the cylindar and the barrel (to much space i think it was) which could cause problems with pressure spikes possibly.

 

[BHP FAN]

probably better off to just get the right part...and I prolly shoulda bought a lottery ticket the day the revolver and carbine matched cylinders.

 

[Capt. Redbeard]

Again, thanks to all for the advice! This is probably the best site for information on the net. I've learned alot here. My mind is made up, I'm getting a second Pietta when I can. After reading up on conversions it looks like Kirst is the winner for the conversion, and they make one that shoots .45 ACP. Appealing to me, because some day I'd like a 1911 for my collection!

 

[BHP FAN]

on that note, keep your eye out for a nice Rock Island Armory G.I.

 

[Capt. Redbeard]

Thanks BHP. btw, I've read alot of posts on here in different threads and I've learned much from your posts. Been a BIG help! Thanks!

 

[BHP FAN]

My pleasure, sir! There sure are a lot of knowledgeable folks on here.

 

[Hoof Hearted]

The Pietta cylinder is longer than the Uberti.
You could (carefully) open up a Uberti to share a Pietta cylinder....