Colt Thuer Cartridge Conversion

Published on October 25, 2023
Duration: 10:58

This guide details the process of converting a Colt 1851 Navy percussion revolver to a cartridge firearm using a Thuer conversion cylinder and ring. The conversion allows for the use of centerfire cartridges by replacing the percussion cylinder with a modified one and adding a conversion ring that incorporates a firing pin. The process involves removing the barrel and wedge, swapping cylinders, and reassembling the firearm, offering a reversible modification to modernize a classic black powder revolver.

Quick Summary

The Thuer conversion system allowed percussion revolvers like the Colt 1851 Navy to fire cartridges by using a modified cylinder and a conversion ring with a firing pin. This front-loading method avoided patent issues and offered a reversible way to modernize firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Firearms History
  2. 00:37Percussion vs. Cartridge Revolvers
  3. 01:37Roland White Patent and Smith & Wesson
  4. 03:33Colt's Need for Cartridge Revolvers
  5. 03:52The Thuer Conversion Explained
  6. 04:24Colt 1851 Navy Percussion Configuration
  7. 04:29Thuer Conversion Installation Steps
  8. 05:05Reassembly and Cartridge Readiness
  9. 05:20Thuer Conversion Ring Features
  10. 06:07How Thuer Avoided Patent Infringement
  11. 06:13Loading Thuer Cartridges
  12. 06:49Ejecting Thuer Cartridges
  13. 07:33Shooting the Thuer Conversion
  14. 08:26Reproduction vs. Original Thuer
  15. 09:55Conclusion and Reverting to Percussion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Thuer conversion for a Colt revolver?

A Thuer conversion is a system that modifies a percussion revolver, like the Colt 1851 Navy, to fire cartridges. It involves a special cylinder and a conversion ring that attaches to the frame, allowing for front-loading of centerfire cartridges and avoiding patent infringements.

How do you install a Thuer conversion on a Colt 1851 Navy?

Installation involves removing the barrel and wedge, swapping the original percussion cylinder for the Thuer conversion cylinder, attaching the conversion ring, and then reassembling the barrel and wedge. It's a reversible process.

Why were Thuer conversions developed?

Thuer conversions were developed to allow owners of percussion revolvers to modernize their firearms with cartridges. They were also a legal workaround to Roland White's patent, which Colt had licensed, preventing other manufacturers from making bored-through cylinders for breach-loading revolvers.

What kind of cartridges did the Thuer conversion use?

The Thuer conversion used conical, centerfire cartridges. These were loaded from the front of the cylinder and seated by friction fit. The cartridges were designed to be similar in shape and function to paper cartridges used in muzzleloaders.

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