Shaved .455

deadin · #1 07-30-2016, 12:23 PM

How much does that missing .047" of cylinder devalue a .455 MkII (1st and/or 2nd Model)?
Obviously it will be more on a minty example than on a shooter, but roughly how much??

jebstuart · #2 07-30-2016, 01:24 PM

I have several 455's and for me, if the cylinder is shaved for 45 ACP clips/45 AR on an otherwise collector grade - 40% or more. If it's a shooter grade and the chambers are recessed for 45lc and still fires 455 - almost none. It's actually a handy conversation. A shaved cylinder for 45ACP is a bad conversion for the wrong cartridge. That's just me.
Jeb

H Richard · #3 07-30-2016, 03:53 PM

Jeb, if you don't mind, how much would a conversion to 38 Special devalue one (sleeved barrel and chambers) still all original finish at about 95%+? I'm guessing half?

Hondo44 · #4 07-30-2016, 04:53 PM

I agree with Jeb. On an otherwise minty grade gun, shaving either model would take it right down to a shooter grade value. The cyl serial # is gone and it can no longer chamber and shoot the original cartridge.

If the chambers were just recessed for 45 Auto Rim or reamed and recessed for 45 Colt, then the original 455 cartridge can still be fired safely. That would devalue a minty collector grade less, maybe only 1/2 way between a shooter grade value and collectible grade value.

ddixie884 · #5 07-30-2016, 05:33 PM

On a shooter grade gun, it will make it easier to shoot as you can just load .45AR brass to an acceptable pressure......

Hondo44 · #6 07-30-2016, 05:48 PM

True. And unlike 45 ACP, 21000 CUP, factory loaded 45 AR was only loaded to 455 equivalent pressure in the 15000 CUP range.

AR was only loaded for revolvers and didn't require the power to reliably operate the 1911 45 auto slide.

jebstuart · #7 07-30-2016, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

Jeb, if you don't mind, how much would a conversion to 38 Special devalue one (sleeved barrel and chambers) still all original finish at about 95%+? I'm guessing half?

I think your 50% guess is probably pretty close & my reasoning is this; 95% otherwise is just about "collector grade" and the conversion would reduce that revolver to shooter grade. I don't know that I could consider the amount of money someone spent (considerable I'm guessing) on that conversion in determining it's value, for me. Bottom line is, it converted a collector grade 455 to a shooter grade 38 N-Frame.
But I have to add this - I have seen some disgraceful hack jobs on these beautiful 455's, but, I think that 38 conversion is as cool as all get-out. I've seen it, it looked well done, and I have offered to buy it from you in the past, if you recall. You sent me pictures and then shamelessly took it away (horrible behavior). I'm afraid the only face-saving option you have left to you now.....is to leave it to me in your will, uncle H Richard.
Jeb

jebstuart · #8 07-31-2016, 12:01 PM

I just want to add some clarification to my last "flippant" post.

I had a WTS/WTT ad on this fourm some time back and H Richard offered the above mentioned 455/38 as a possible trade option. I declined his trade offer, and offered him cash instead. He declined parting with it for common paper money - rightfully so. H Richard is a Gentleman & Scholar and I just don't want my goofy ramblings to mislead. Hence, this goofy rambling.
Jeb