Picked up a neat version of the Frank Wesson carbine last weekend. Wanted to ask some questions about the history and chambering. 

First off it is a Kittredge marked carbine, most likely sold to Kansas or Missouri in the late 1860s. First model 24 inch octagon barrel in 44 centerfire. Have read what I could find about the Kittredge company from Cincinnati Ohio selling these guns for Frank Wesson. Wondered if anyone had a more complete telling of the tale.

Also wanted to point out it is a centerfire 44 caliber. Most descriptions I find list only rimfires for the first model. Bore slugs at .424 muzzle end. Could be a .44 Henry centerfire? My old Cartridges of the world lists the 44 Henry at .423 bullet diameter. Closest I can find. Bad thing is the back of the chamber appears to be cleaning rod worn. Extreme taper from .45 to .48+ in the last 1/4 inch of the breech. Case length is about right for the Henry cartridge. Any other ideas? Anyone else have one of these in centerfire?

The carbine appears to be an original centerfire. Firing pin is one piece with the hammer. Passes through a slot in the rear of the breech face. Can not post a picture cause they are too big. Do not remember how to crop them.

Thanks

The round should look like this.

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The kitteridge carbines come in a bunch of bore sizes.   What looks like .44 can be .41 or .42 as you have found.   A chamber cast is necessary also.   Should be straight but length can vary.  

The CW versions are all finger extraction.  If yours is convertered to centerfire and perhaps has the side lever extractor, it is a post CW modification.

I've shot my CW version, making rim fire cartridges out of brass tubing with silver sodered rims primed with a .22 short with the bullet and powder removed.   Had to make my own bullet mold.    To be honest, as a CW trooper, the carbine may have been light, but its more like a small game gun then a man stopper.  A number of unit histories mention jaming and even having to use the  carbine as a club.  The finger extraction method failed a lot as the cases were copper instead of brass.

The Kitterage rifles were sold to states and Civilians.   Very popular with some of those immigrating west.   Many descriptions of having a "brace of colt Revolvers on the belt and a Frank Wesson Carbine".

Been meaning to get back to experimenting with mine.  Just havn't done it. 

Merle