Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army

Published on February 13, 2016
Duration: 10:46

This guide details the process of loading and preparing the Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army for firing, a significant step in the evolution of revolvers from percussion to metallic cartridges. It highlights the use of the loading gate and the frame-mounted firing pin. The information is presented with the authority of Ian McCollum, an expert in historical firearms.

Quick Summary

The Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army was a crucial transitional firearm, adapting percussion revolvers to fire metallic cartridges after the Rollin White patent expired in 1871. It utilized existing 1860 Army parts, adding a bored-through cylinder, loading gate, and ejector rod, chambering the .44 Colt cartridge.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Richards Conversion
  2. 00:35Historical Context and Patents
  3. 01:39Colt's Interim Solution
  4. 02:35Design and Parts Repurposing
  5. 04:31Technical Modifications
  6. 06:13Firing Mechanism and Sights
  7. 07:18Caliber and Ballistics
  8. 08:30Performance Comparison
  9. 09:29Patent Markings and Rarity

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army?

The Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army was a modification of the percussion 1860 Army revolver to fire metallic cartridges. It utilized existing parts like the frame and barrel, adding a new cylinder, loading gate, and ejector rod to adapt it for modern ammunition use.

Why did Colt develop cartridge conversions like the Richards Conversion?

Colt needed an interim product after the Rollin White patent for bored-through cylinders expired in 1871. Conversions allowed them to use existing 1860 Army inventory while offering cartridge capability before the full production of the 1873 Single Action Army.

What caliber did the Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army use?

The Colt Richards Conversion 1860 Army typically chambered the .44 Colt cartridge. This cartridge featured a heeled bullet design and produced a muzzle velocity around 650 feet per second.

How many Colt Richards Conversion revolvers were made?

It is estimated that between 8,000 and 9,000 Colt Richards Conversion revolvers were produced. These were manufactured over a relatively short period, indicated by the patent dates stamped on the frame from 1871 and 1872.

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