Flint to drum conversion

[rebelyell]

Gentlemen (& Ladies!)

I am considering converting a 3rd model Bess to percussion (Making it a "Model 1839"). Does anyone know who sells threaded drums and/or hammers?

Thanks!

 

[gacitizen]

Both Track and Dixie sell threaded drums. I'm not sure about the hammer but I think Track would be a good starting place to look.

 

[CoyoteJoe]

For a percussion conversion you don't absolutely need a new hammer. You can replace the top jaw with a block of 3/8" square key stock held by the original top jaw screw, or even just retain the top jaw and set the block of steel in place of the flint. Drill a recess into the nose of the block and you're good to go. Retaining the flint hammer makes a cool looking conversion, real "backwoodsy". :grin:

 

[FPDoc]

That is slick! Ive got a pair of locks, one Perc. ond Flint. I may have to do that to see how it works/looks. Neat idea.

 

[rebelyell]

If I retain the origional hammer, would I need to replace the main spring? (I was thinking strongly about doing so anyway...) The floint hammer would strike the nipple hard, and I'm not completely sure how strong the drum would be...