1858 New Army Conversion

The Remington 1858 New Army cartridge conversion represents a pivotal bridge between the cap and ball revolvers and the metallic cartridge era. Introduced in the late 1860s, these conversions were primarily a response to the expiration of the Rollin White patent, which had previously given Smith & Wesson a monopoly on bored-through cylinders. Remington sought to modernize their massive inventory of Civil War percussion revolvers to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Production of these official factory conversions began around 1868 and continued through the mid-1870s, with approximately 25,000 units modified to accept metallic ammunition.

Mechanically, the revolver maintains its signature solid-frame design and single-action operation, six-shot capacity and 8-inch octagonal barrel. The original Remington 1858 revolvers were mostly converted to fire the .46 rimfire or .44 Colt centerfire cartridges (obsolete, nowadays). The modern Uberti replica instead is chambered for the popular .38 Special and .45 Colt cartridges.

While the base 1858 model was a staple of the American Civil War, the cartridge versions saw significant frontier service during the Indian Wars, with mounted soldiers and scouts appreciating the Remington over the Colt revolvers because their top-strap design offered superior strength and a better sight picture.

In the modern era, the Uberti replica of this conversion has garnered immense praise for its versatility. One of its most celebrated features is the ease with which a shooter can interchange cylinders in the .45 Colt version: this model allows a single frame to transition seamlessly from a breech-loading .45 Colt cartridge revolver to a traditional .44 caliber cap-and-ball percussion piece and back again. 

Enthusiasts deeply appreciate this "two-in-one" functionality, as it offers the historical charm of black powder alongside the convenience of modern cartridges. Its rugged durability and natural point-ability ensure that it remains a favorite for cowboy action shooters and history buffs alike.