Pietta 1851 BP Revolver Conversion Question

[jetscrazy44]

I posted this elsewhere but didn't get a proper response: I was just wondering about the legality of modifying a black powder revolver to shoot cartridges (via a Kirst gated conversion cylinder) and if removing metal from the recoil shield to make room for loading is legal in New Jersey? Thanks for your help.

 

[cliffhangernlv]

Just a thought. As the BP probably lacks a serial number, mine has none, converting it would make it illegal in NJ. But then, I think owning a squirt gun is illegal in NJ.

 

[Dixie Gunsmithing]

The problem you will run into is safety, over the type of steel used for the cylinder and barrel. Black powder creates much lower pressures than do smokeless, so a gun that will handle black powder, may end up with a ruptured cylinder, or burst barrel, when using smokeless. Unless you use BP cartridges. On top of that, is the legality with a registration and serial number.

 

[James K]

That kind of question is rarely mentioned in legal summaries and really should be asked of a NJ attorney (not a police officer or your drinking buddies).

Jim

 

[jetscrazy44]

Well it has a serial number, transferred through an FFL with permit to purchase, FID, DL, etc. All bases covered, treated it like a handgun. Safety isn't a concern, hollow base cowboy action loads are to be used. Just wondering if it is legal, pretty sure it is because it would be converting it to a handgun, and its already registered.

 

[Poodleshooter]

This is more of a legal question. You'd probably be best served by querying a local cowboy action group, or in an NJ specific handgun owners forum. Or ask the retailer. If they're not legal, odds are they won't ship it.