Frank wesson models

[jonk]

Thinking of picking one up, but know that some are good for the N-SSA, some not so much. What to look for?

As a secondary question, who has had a CF conversion done? What caliber did you go with?

[Jim Wimbish, 10395]

Both of mine are military carbines with Kittredge markings. One is Id'ed to a Civil Engineer who worked for the Military Rail Road during the War. It has swivels and two sets of rear sights and is in the original 44 RF. The other is a military carbine with swivels on the barrel and butt stock. It was already converted to centerfire and I had it to have it relined due to a totally botched chambering in 44 Marlin. I had it relined to 44 Magnum, but you could just as easily go with 44/40. Because it is a cast iron receiver, I have elected to use 2fg powder to reduce the chamber pressure. So far this decision has looked good. I use a SWC 240 grain bullet and 26.5 grains of Goex 2f. With a good lube, I have not had fouling issues. Fun gun to shoot.

[jonk]

Thanks Jim. The one I'm looking at has a little play in the action, much like a lot of Smith carbines do. With BP I don't think it would be an issue, and could possibly be tightened up with a little peening here, a little brazing there. How's yours in that area?

Also, who did your CF conversion, if you know?

The one I'm looking at is also still in .44 rimfire, I believe a first model- though it is online so I can't handle it in person. Would need relined I'm sure.

[Jim Wimbish, 10395]

I don't know who did the conversion. As for the action, mine needed work and I had someone go over it. If you can't have an expert check it over first, proceed with caution.

Jim

[Bruce Cobb 1723V]

We have identified 3 different Kittridge marked carbines. All have sling swivels and all have a barrel link on the right side. 1st has a round plate hammer cover ( the earliest ), the 2nd has a square looking hammer cover, the third has a square cover and a extractor on the left ( this variation is not suppose to exist ). I have owned all three of these and shown them to our Small Arms Committee.
If you have a bad bore and are going to reline it, think of doing it in the 44 Special or 44 Russian. A short length case so it needs no fillers and see how good a round ball does!