First let me state Doug Turnbull is a good friend of mine. Does that jade my answer, probably but here is my opinion just the same. Recently I fired an 1886 that Doug had converted to 50-110 (50 express). He was using Buffalo Bore factory ammo. It took me exactly two rounds to start hitting the target at 100 yards with the standard buckhorn rear/bead front sights. Functioning was flawless as was his blueing and case coloring. If you want to stay with the standard or medium loaded 50-110 the crescent steel butt plate was ok. If you were to go to a 50 Alaskan or heavy load the 50-110 I would recommend a recoil pad. No that's not traditional but sure is much more comfortable. I have fired an Extra Light Weight 86 in 50 Alaskan that Doug built for Dave Scovill. It also had a steel cresent butt plate that had been color case hardened and was very beautiful, however after several shots I had enough. All I can say is Doug does fantastic work and blends together all aspects of a fine leveraction. I highly recommend him (and no, I don't work for him or afford his work) and can not think of a better person to have such a conversion done IMHO....RW