Brass frames and conversion cylinders

[JQuigley]

I’ve noticed every conversion I’ve seen says is incompatible with brass frame revolvers and I’m just curious as to why that is. I assume it’s probably just a liability legal nonsense thing seeing parts between brass frame and steel frame revolvers are largely interchangeable. Anyone care to chime in?

 

[CaptainKirk]

No. Just....no.
I would expound, but discussing 'unmentionables' here is frowned upon. PM me if you want more info.

 

[nick_1]

Brass frames can't even handle triple 7 and round ball.

 

[JQuigley]

Brass frames can't even handle triple 7 and round ball.

I figured it was a pressure thing. Thanks!

 

[SkylarGalvan]

It does seem like a lot of it might be tied to liability concerns, especially when it comes to the heat and pressure brass can handle compared to steel. I’ve been doing a bit of research myself, and parts like cylinders, even though they seem pretty interchangeable, might not be built to handle the stress in brass-framed guns for higher-caliber rounds. I’ve seen this issue pop up in discussions over at places like Husky Armory too. Some folks mention how brass frames might be fine for self-defense at lower calibers, but once you start pushing them, it gets tricky.

 

[M. De Land]

I’ve noticed every conversion I’ve seen says is incompatible with brass frame revolvers and I’m just curious as to why that is. I assume it’s probably just a liability legal nonsense thing seeing parts between brass frame and steel frame revolvers are largely interchangeable. Anyone care to chime in?

It's because the cylinder flutes cut for the nipple ports will set back into the recoil shield shroud around the ratchet well. Also the added pressure of smokeless from thrust vector will often pull the arbor threads in the recoil shield leaving the arbor loose in the thread seats.

 

[smokedout]

I am assuming from the pics we are looking at the raised 1/4 moon shaped areas being the issue ?
Overpressure causing cylinder to indent into the brass frame
Sorry if I sound uneducated on this as I am

 

[M. De Land]

I am assuming from the pics we are looking at the raised 1/4 moon shaped areas being the issue ?
Overpressure causing cylinder to indent into the brass frame
Sorry if I sound uneducated on this as I am

Correct, we are all in different stages of learning and none of us knows it all !
I've never seen it happen (imprint) in steel frame revolvers so mid range loads are the recommended limit with any brass frame gun. The other problem is the arbor loosing up in the threads through the recoil shield in brass frame guns when full power loads are used. The threads stretch and barrel cylinder gap is increased by the thread stretch and the cylinder setting back into the ratchet well collar.

 

[45D]

I am assuming from the pics we are looking at the raised 1/4 moon shaped areas being the issue ?
Overpressure causing cylinder to indent into the brass frame
Sorry if I sound uneducated on this as I am

More like the cylinder battering the "recoil ring" because of too much clearance. If they are set up with .0025" - .003" endshake, they can handle regular powder charges.
Those marks in the pic are from the cap cylinder.

Mike

 

[Jappo]

I think reason is because someone somewhere that doesn't know is going to use full factory jacket ammo at some point in time.
I've seen a few brass Remingtons converted.

 

[45D]

I think reason is because someone somewhere that doesn't know is going to use full factory jacket ammo at some point in time.
I've seen a few brass Remingtons converted.

Remington revolvers don't have a "recoil ring" . . . I'm pretty sure we're showing Colt platform recoil rings . . .
I shoot jacketed bullets all the time in my '60's and Dragoons with no problems !!!

Mike

 

[Jappo]

Remington revolvers don't have a "recoil ring" . . .
I shoot jacketed bullets all the time in my '60's and Dragoons with no problems !!!

No they don't but they can still get damaged.
I've never had any jacketed ammo. The cost keeps me from getting any. I load my own and have plenty lead bullets.

 

[45D]

No they don't but they can still get damaged.
I've never had any jacketed ammo. The cost keeps me from getting any. I load my own and have plenty lead bullets.

That type damage would only come from a cylinder with a cap that mimicked the cap cylinder. A Kirst cylinder is set up with a recoil "plate" giving full support to the cartridge. That damage won't happen.
I'd still not use a brass frame for any conversion cylinders.

See, no problem whatsoever!!

Mike

 

[nick_1]

my Griswald and Gunnison .36 brasser the arbor got really loose. I don't remember what exactly happened to my navy arms 51 navy .36 but it also **** the bed and I never shot anything other than RB in those rigs. Just say NO to Brassers.