Conversion Question, 1858 NMA

[Choctaw Dan]

I'm a writer, in the early stages of crafting a novel that takes place in northeastern New Mexico in the early- to mid-1870's. Here is my question:

Would it have been feasible for a skilled gunsmith of the era to convert an 1858 Remington New Model Army revolver to .44 Colt (not .45 Colt -- it came too late for the story line)? I've reviewed the dimensions of the .44 Colt round and it seems doable, but I'm by no means an expert. Help?

-- Choctaw Dan

[dieNusse1]

As I recall the 44 Colt started life in 1871 and the 44 Rem in 1875. The Colt lasted until about 1940 while the Rem only until 1890. Both were heeled bullets with similar characteristics. I believe either would work in a NMA.

[Choctaw Dan]

Yup, the .44 Colt came out in 1871. Thanks!

[Choctaw Dan]

In another thread on another topic, someone suggested the .44 Smith & Wesson American cartridge, aka .44 American, might be a worthwhile round to consider. It was introduced in 1869, so it would be 'established' in my timeline. The bullet diameter is a little small, but the bullet was heeled.

So, whadda y'all think?

[dieNusse1]

As long as it's for a novel I don't think it really matters. A good smith could chamber and time a NMA for any of the rounds mentioned. Also, have you ruled out rimfire rounds available during this time period?

[Choctaw Dan]

As long as it's for a novel I don't think it really matters. A good smith could chamber and time a NMA for any of the rounds mentioned. Also, have you ruled out rimfire rounds available during this time period?

It really matters, considering the likely readership.

I have considered the rimfire rounds, and am still doing so. As Yogi Berra once said, "It ain't over 'til it's over."

[Choctaw Dan]

Okay, I've done a fair amount of looking and measuring and thinking and...

Since the bore on the Remington NMA is the same as the diameter of the .45 Colt bullet, I'm going with .45 Colt. It was introduced in 1873 while the "conversion" would have happened in 1875 or so. My character will pull a 'John Wayne' and have two calibers on his belt (.44 Henry and .45 Colt) separated by a .45-70 round.

My initial effort was to learn whether the NMA's and a '66 Winchester could be converted to use the same bullet. While it was possible, the effort and expense would have been far too much.

Thanks to all!

[aardq]

The 45 Colt came out in 1873, and the rim diameter made NMA conversions possible only in a 5-shot, which means a new cylinder. The cartridge length might mean that the frame might have to be opened a little, like Rem did when they made that 187 in 45 colt. Stick with the 44 colt. The 45-70 came out in 1873. Keep in mind, the further west because cartridges weren't readily available in many places.

If you carried different cartridges for pistol and rifle, the 45-70 in the belt told you when you were out of ammo. If you carried just one caliber, it told you that half your ammo was gone.

[aardq]

If I was around post CW, I might lean towards a 50-70 rolling block, and two Remington, New Model Belt Revolvers, one on the belt, and one in the saddle bags. light, handy and still very lethal. I might have had a gunsmith cut the barrels to 5 1/2' to make them even handier. In 1871 I would have been very happy to buy a pair of Belt cylinders for the rf38 Colt round, giving me two cartridge guns for just the cost of a cylinder, and when ammo wasn't available the percussion cylinders could be used. The RB 50-70 can't shoot as fast as a lever Henry, but it will drop a moose or elk, and do more damage to a bear than the 44 Herny. About 1875 I might get a Winchester in 44-40, and a S&W No3 in 44-40. Just thinking back in time.

[Choctaw Dan]

He does have a brace of NMA's. He took them from the body of a young Union officer following the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Missouri. One of them usually stays in his gear (in his saddle bags, on a pack horse, or in a wagon).

The 1866 Winchester came from an aggressive but unwise Comanche in the Texas Panhandle (not far from Adobe Walls, btw). It's arguably not the best carbine, but it's the one he has.

I've been going back and forth between the .44 Colt and the .45 Colt, a LOT!

[dieNusse1]

I have a 6 shot conversion cylinder in 45 LC. Unfortunately I can only load three rounds at a time because the rims tend to overlap if I try to load all 6 chambers. Someone really screwed-up back in the day! I also have a 5 round conversion cylinder so all is not lost.