3rd Model Dragoon cartridge conversion

[CraigC]

I believe I was asked to post pics of this project when it reached completion. So here it is!

My wonderful bride bought me this Uberti 3rd Model Dragoon last Christmas, our first as a married couple. I soon after sent it to our own Hoof Hearted for a Kirst gated .45Colt conversion, some tuning and a dovetail front sight. I've had it back for a while but the front sight was so tall, I really couldn't see taking any pics with the ungainly front sight. I've finally been able to get it close to regulated and snapped some pics. It shoots well with a Hunters Supply 200gr RNFP/HP. Not quite as well with a 255gr SWC. Still need to finalize the POI and round off all the corners but it's at least a little more photogenic now. Probably get it fitted with some elk antler too. Need to get started on a holster for it. Hunting season is almost here! Yes, I'm gonna tote this big sucker.

[bobwright]

That thing is BEAUTIFUL!

Bob Wright

[rightwinger]

Very nice. Do you plan handloading for this gun. If so what pressures can this conversion handle?

[stevemb]

My favorite percussion six-gun ! Was re-reading that part of Taffin's book just last night at work ! Timing is amazing, as I was wondering if a conversion was available for the Dragoons. Thanks. stevemb

[CraigC]

Thank you kind sirs!

I am handloading for this sixgun. It should be able to handle any standard pressure load. Due to the slower twist, I was going to use cast bullets no heavier than 200gr. Though it does not do too bad with 255's. Testing was done with the Hunter's Supply 200gr RNFP/HP and a Mid-Kansas (now defunct) 255gr SWC over 8.0gr Unique.

[bobwright]

The photo of the two guns together against the weathered wood is a beautiful photograph of two beautiful revolvers! Just short of breathtaking!

Bob Wright

[CraigC]

Thanks again Bob!

[buckstone]

I love my Kirst Conversion. Thanks to Whitworth there are pictures of my Ruger Old Army with the undated conversion under my post "What A Difference". Kirst conversions have unbelievable fit and finish. I may have to get a 2nd Generation Colt Dragoon and set up the conversion after seeing your beautiful sidearms. Nice!

[humphrey]

So any plans to ream to 45 BPM?

[CraigC]

Don't know, never heard of it until now. Will have to do some research. Sounds pretty cool but I hadn't really planned on using much blackpowder in it. Believe it or not.

[stevemb]

Other than Cabela's where might 3rd Model Dragoons be found ? With BP, what kinda charges can it use ? Am curious as to cost of conversion cylinder too. Go the Pm route if ya like. Thanks. stevemb

[CraigC]

My wife ordered mine from MidwayUSA. You can also get them from Dixie Gun Works and just about any other blackpowder outlet. Using the percussion cylinder, I believe the max load is 50gr and I shot it very close to that. Which is a lot of fun and makes a lot of noise but recoil is almost nothing.

The conversion cylinder was $300, installation $100, action job $100 and $80 to install the Skinner front sight.

www.cartridgeconversion.com/

[stevemb]

Thank You much, Craig ! I used to have a '51 .36 that was fun and very accurate. A friend had a '60 Army. Still get the itch. Don't know how many times I fondled Walker's and Dragoon's down to the Log Cabin Shop in Lodi Ohio yrs ago. stevemb

[2 Dogs]

Good Grief thats a giant sixgun! I'll bet its some serious fun to shoot tho!

[CraigC]

You get used to the 4lb monstrosity, after playing with it for a few months, I almost slung a Ruger Bisley right out the window! How Josey Wales managed a pair of Walkers I'll never know.