Kirst Konverter - 1851 & 1861 .36 Pietta to .22 LR Rear-loading Conversion Assembly

Below is a summary of our experience with this extraordinary Konverter:

• The development of the new Kirst .22 conversion cylinder for the 1851, 1861, & 1860 Colt is a stroke of genius.  With absolutely no modifications to the revolver, we can load shoot and eject .22 cartridges without removing the cylinder. With a slight push of the “Latch Pin” the cylinder is disengaged from the K-ring; when the last cartridge is loaded, it automatically reengages with the ring.  This is one of the most amazing designs in firearm technology and engineering I have seen in many years.

• The accuracy of the 2 ¼” barrel was very impressive. At thirty feet, using a bench rest, we were able to fill a circle the size of a quarter.  The first three shots were low and to the left of the circle by ½”, after compensating an equal amount in the opposite direction, we were on target with every shot.  The long barrel on the Colt provides a nice site plain and may contribute to its accuracy; the end result is a great shooting .22 cal. firearm that’s economical and fun to shoot. Best of all, it is “Made in the USA”, meeting the high quality control and safety requirements of the Kirst design and engineering team.