barnh961: Quite true. Some cartridge conversions do require removing the cylinder for reloading. The Remington revolver being the exception. Those Colt-type percussion guns modified to use a Kirst conversion cylinder feature a loading gate and ejector rod assembly, similar to the 1873. Fitting one of these conversions is not difficult, for anyone with modest mechanical skills. Have modified a few in the past.
Sort of a one-way street though. As switching back to percussion is a bit more difficult. Can be done, though. The Taylor conversion cylinders, though slower to reload and require removing the barrel, allow more flexibility when switching from one system to the other. At least in my experience. I agree, the Remington conversion cylinder would be the best of both worlds. Easy to swap cylinders. The solid frame makes for a very sturdy and accurate revolver, too.
I agree....for Colt fans, going to an Open Top is an easier solution. The 1851 Richards-Mason is a dandy. Clean lines, well balanced and a pleasure to shoot. For those interested, Hickok45 featured one of these revolvers in one of his you tube episodes. Highly informative. For further videos on cartridge conversion revolvers and range reports, Mike Beliveau(duelist1954) has several episodes devoted to them. Well worth viewing.
A pal of mine owns a pair of Remington 1875 Outlaws like yours, too. He likes them. They are a regular feature on his gun belt, when competing in Cowboy Action.
The 1871/72's were by far(at least in my opinion), the best examples of the conversions. As they were purpose-built for cartridge loading. I am fond of the 1871's, owning a pair. Shoot bp exclusively out of these pistols. .38 Long Colt, being the preferred cartridge...as being close as possible to original chamberings.
Always fun getting different perspectives on these unique and historically important guns.
Al