From the Vault: Colt 1860 Army Revolver Thuer Conversion

This video explores the Colt Thuer cartridge conversion, a workaround developed by Colt to circumvent the Rollin White patent which had granted Smith & Wesson exclusive rights to manufacture modern breach-loading cartridge revolvers. The Thuer conversion, while loading from the front, ingeniously utilized center-fire cartridges to avoid patent infringement, showcasing a fascinating piece of firearm innovation history.

This video details the rare Thuer cartridge conversion for the Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver, patented in 1868. It highlights the conversion's unique design, which bypassed Rollin White's cylinder patent by using a front-loading, rimless cartridge and a specialized backing ring with a firing pin. The conversion allowed for easy reversion to percussion and included a novel safety feature.

This video details the Miller cartridge conversion, a post-Civil War effort to adapt percussion muskets to metallic cartridges. Primarily using the Parker Snow Model 1861, the conversion featured a unique breech block with a self-retracting extractor and used the original hammer to fire a pin. Despite ~2,000 units produced, military testing revealed gas leakage and misfires, leading to its rejection for general service, though some saw limited militia use and surplus sales.

This video, despite lacking a detailed description, focuses on the practice of "pinching percussion caps." The title explicitly states a negative recommendation for this technique, suggesting it will likely delve into why this method is inadvisable. The content will probably cover potential safety issues, firearm malfunction risks, or proper ammunition handling procedures related to percussion caps. Expect explanations and demonstrations of why not to pinch percussion caps.

This video details a bolt action cartridge conversion of a French M1822 rifle, originally a flintlock musket. Expert Ian McCollum demonstrates the rifle's unique features, including its entirely new receiver, original brass furniture, and a flip-up rear sight calibrated for 600 meters. The disassembly of the bolt reveals its simple extractor and striker system, highlighting the quality of the likely 1860s-1870s conversion.

This video demonstrates advanced reloading techniques for creating ammunition for obsolete cartridges. It covers modifying existing brass, such as converting .32-20 to 7.63mm Mannlicher and .30-30 to .32 Special, and discusses sourcing specialized dies. The content also touches on more complex conversions like .17 Remington Fireball and highlights essential reference materials and lubricants for these demanding processes.

This video details the installation of a Geissele MK8 Super Modular Rail on an AR-15. Key steps include using a Geissele Reaction Rod for upper receiver stability, proper torquing of the proprietary barrel nut, and secure installation of the gas block and tube. The rail is then slid on and secured with two cross-bolts using a T-handle hex wrench. Final steps involve muzzle device installation and a thorough inspection.

Proper ammunition storage is crucial for maintaining reliability and safety. Avoid storing ammo in cardboard boxes in damp environments, as this leads to moisture absorption and corrosion. Utilize airtight containers like ammo cans and control humidity with desiccants like silica gel packs. Heat accelerates gunpowder and primer degradation, so store ammo at stable room temperatures. Reloading primers are particularly vulnerable to moisture and require strict airtight storage.

This video demonstrates how to upgrade an AR-15's A2 furniture to Magpul components. It details the removal of the A2 grip using a Bondhus hex set and the installation of a Magpul MIAD grip with interchangeable backstraps for improved ergonomics. The process also covers preparing and installing the Magpul PRS stock, highlighting its adjustable features for cheek weld and length of pull.

This video explores the custom Remington 11-87 shotgun used as a prop in 'No Country for Old Men.' The film required a semi-automatic shotgun with a suppressor, a combination not readily available at the time. Prop master Larry Zanoff details how a non-functional, 'homemade' looking suppressor was custom-built for the 11-87, with the iconic silenced sound effect achieved entirely in post-production.