I assume the right forum. Have a Pietta Navy arms 1860 Colt. Does the R&D conversion cylinder really just "drop in"? Or do you need to ahve a gunsmith fit it first? Want to get one soon, don't want to blow up my hand, its become attached to me.

"I'm no expert, but..."
I've learned to put this in most of my posts since I'm wrong more often than I like.
I have an 1849 Pocket Colt in .31 caliber. Ordered an R&D conversion cylinder from Midway. The machined grooves in the cylinder were roughly made & the cylinder didn't line up with the barrel on 3 of the 6. I returned it, got my money back & ordered a Kirst Konversion cylinder which is beautifully made, dropped right in & works great.
"I'm no expert, but..."

"I'm no expert, but..."
I've learned to put this in most of my posts since I'm wrong more often than I like.
I have an 1849 Pocket Colt in .31 caliber. Ordered an R&D conversion cylinder from Midway. The machined grooves in the cylinder were roughly made & the cylinder didn't line up with the barrel on 3 of the 6. I returned it, got my money back & ordered a Kirst Konversion cylinder which is beautifully made, dropped right in & works great.
"I'm no expert, but..."

Did three conversions...two R&D and one Kirst (two Navy 36's and one Pocket .31). None of them would "drop in" and run right as recieved, but the Kirst was closest.

Did three conversions...two R&D and one Kirst (two Navy 36's and one Pocket .31). None of them would "drop in" and run right as recieved, but the Kirst was closest.
Thanks. But Kirst doe not make one for an 1860 Army? I noticed 1851 and 1861, but not my model. ALso, I did find out that R&D will fit it for you if you send them your gun. May be an option for a non-tech like me.

Thanks. But Kirst doe not make one for an 1860 Army? I noticed 1851 and 1861, but not my model. ALso, I did find out that R&D will fit it for you if you send them your gun. May be an option for a non-tech like me.


Might be a good idea.

I treated them like the originals, firing only BP cartridges and lighter pressue BP loadings at that (used FFg rather than the traditional FFFG). Considering the whole thing is held together by that center cylinder pin, I stayed on the cautious side.