I have a new to me New Model Army .44 Rem. Unfamiliar with it other than it seems to function perfectly, and info from the interweb. Has anyone here altered brass to work in one. I've trimmed back .44 spl brass and even though the round fits, the rim won't clear the back plate not allowing the cylinder to spin. The cap and ball cylinders appear to be hard to find and I may need to find a different hammer as well. Any thoughts on my dilemma? Also, if someone can put a date on the manufacture and if it was a civil war relic, that would be much appreciated.
First a couple of suggestions on taking photos of guns, especially pistols. First use a plain, uncluttered background.
Next start with photos of both sides of the complete pistol. Without both sides, we may miss something. Next you can take detail photos such as you have done.
I have to get to a prior appointment, but I'll answer in more detail in a few hours. Please post at least a photo of the right side.
Thanks,
Daniel
Cap and ball parts for your '58 are available at Dixie Gun Works. Some limited original parts are available. However parts for reproductions are available such as hammers and cylinders. Whether they will fit is a question. They might take some fitting to restore your '58.
As an aside, the S/N on the frame, barrel and trigger guard all match which is a bit unusual for a military pistol as trigger guards were often were interchanged when cleaning/servicing etc.
Hello Auntie,
As already pointed out, your revolver, with all matching serial numbers was accepted for the Army by presence of the inspector's cartouche. The chart in Don Ware's book estimates SN 436xx was delivered in November, 1863...however, it would have been percussion originally. Your serial number appears on a list that it was associated with the 5th Illinois Cavalry Regiment in 1865...possibly as being turned in when that unit mustered out in Oct. 1865.
Yours is converted to centerfire cartridge with a new 6-shot cylinder, probably 1868 or later. Remington started converting New Model Army revolvers to 5-shot, 46 RF. The six-shot is likely 44 Rem CF/44 Colt CF. A quick check is that a 44-40 Win cartridge will only insert about 2/3 of the way into a 44RemCF chamber. I believe the frame mark to the left of the mainspring matches the cylinder face, "35". That assembly number was needed to mate the new cylinder to this frame after bluing. Don't know how many conversion cylinders and centerfire hammers were dipped in a "batch."
