Frame Difference?

[jaxenro]

What's the difference between the frame of standard LR revolver and the Cap and Ball Companion? Could the standard frame be converted to cap an ball?

[MR_22]

They are the same frame except for the hammer area. The hammer blade on a standard mini goes through to the round, but a black powder hammer is flat. So, they are not convertible between the two. I supposed a really good gunsmith could do the work, but I doubt it would be worth the time and effort spent. For accessories, though, they are compatible (holsters, grips, etc.).

[jaxenro]

So it's really just relieving the frame for the flat hammer?

Wouldn't be worth the effort with the LR frame but the short would be interesting, getting the cylinder shortened by 3/8" wouldn't be hard to do.

[MR_22]

So it's really just relieving the frame for the flat hammer?

Wouldn't be worth the effort with the LR frame but the short would be interesting, getting the cylinder shortened by 3/8" wouldn't be hard to do.

No, it's not that simple. I'll see if I can get some pictures. They are designed to not be compatible. Specifically, it would be bad to be able to easily convert a non-FFL-controlled black powder mini into one that could easily accept standard factory rounds.

[theysayimnotme]

Not so. There are drop in cylinders for many cap & ball revolvers that allow them to use cartridges.
In fact even in Kalifornia you can buy such a pistol & a conversion cylinder without any waiting period.

http://www.kirstkonverter.com/

These types of cylinders have been around for a long time. The first time I saw them was at the first NRA convention that was held in Reno, Nevada.

[MR_22]

Here are some pictures. Note the hammer blade on the standard mini and the flattened hammer on the black-powder Companion mini.

In the second photo (and the first one, too!), note that the hammer blade goes through the frame to indent the .22 primer face, but the black-powder mini actually hits a flat firing pin. The firing pin protrudes from the frame on cylinder side and taps the primer mounted on the nipple. A spring returns the flat firing pin to the unpressed state.

[jaxenro]

So essentially the frame mounted firing pin would need to be installed in the short frame after adding some metal? Quite a bit of work

Converting cartridge to percussion is fine

Converting percussion to cartridge is usually legal as long as you do it for yourself and don't sell it and local laws allow it

[jaxenro]

I am going to look my companion over I wonder if the frame mounted firing pin is needed or a modified hammer would work that would probable be easier to fabricate

[MR_22]

I am going to look my companion over I wonder if the frame mounted firing pin is needed or a modified hammer would work that would probable be easier to fabricate

That would certainly be possible, I would think. I'm not sure why NAA put in that flat firing "pin" in the first place. There must have bee a reason, but I can't tell from my Companions WHY it was used.

[OV-1D]

  Full coverage of the cap which is a must for caps for full forward blow ignition . Otherwise you'll have lots of misfires . Seems your going to ruin a perfectly good weapon and cost more than buying anew . To each their own of course have at it . 

[MR_22]

Actually, I agree. I don't think it's worth converting.

[jaxenro]

Yes but NAA doesn't make a cap and ball on the short frame

[OV-1D]

  Why is it so important , I would guess its something to occupy ones self , need to make loading tools also but again IF you happen to get it done its gonig to be pretty messy and possibly painful to shoot(don't forget blow by by the caps not alone) . You'll have that true one of a kind alright , again good luck............... OUCH !!!! 

[jaxenro]

Not important just an idea I am kicking around. Like you said it would be one of a kind and technically probably the smallest cap and ball revolver (being smaller than a regular Companion)

Practical? Probably not but sometimes this is about fun! When I had my 36 caliber Walker made it wasn't practical as with that long cylinder a chunk of the powder doesn't burn, even with a 9" barrel. Practical? No but it sure is fun to shoot even with the flames coming out the end of the barrel

[MR_22]

Yes but NAA doesn't make a cap and ball on the short frame

What do you mean short frame? You mean the .22LR frame? Sure they do.

[jaxenro]

.22short

[MR_22]

.22short

Ah. Right. There is no .22 short cap & ball.

[jaxenro]

Yet 

[Surculus]

.22short

Ah. Right. There is no .22 short cap & ball.

Because there's not enough room for sufficient powder, methinks. Altho you could always just use it w/ the caps as a parlor-gun... 

[jaxenro]

Or slice the tip off the bullet

I agree not much powder but if you can do it with a 22 short this should work as well

[trotterlg]

Probably be easier to shorten the frame and cylinder on the BP gun.  Larry