Hello, This was my grandfathers. 1. Anyone seen one before? 2. value? Thanks. Yes it's .22 cal. I don't know why
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Interesting. An N frame 22. Somebody went to a lot of work and was pretty creative to do that. I don't think it would have a lot of value though. I like the innovation, but it would have been worth much more at this point if it was stock.

N frames get converted from time to time. Here are a couple of examples:
Triple Lock sn# 2747 chambered in .22 Long Rifle

http://smith-wessonforum.com/136776722-post39.html

http://smith-wessonforum.com/136789868-post52.html

Welcome to the forum! That's a very interesting an unusual piece to start off with. We like unusual S&Ws. Since I see most of the name Colt I assume it was converted to .45 Colt first then sleeved to .22 LR later. What does it have for a rear sight and is it sighted in well?

Welcome!

Neat conversion and the fact that it belonged to your granddaddy makes it priceless!

Can you show a picture of the firing pin/hammer nose?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Interesting.
Those Brits darn sure love a proof mark, don't they?

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

If you search around, you can find the one I listed that was converted to 38 Special. Same way yours was done, barrel and chambers sleeved. Only exterior sign it was done was the front sight was lowered to change POA/POI.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It has not been shot in many years. I'd like to sell it.
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Thanks, Not much sentimental value for me...
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Nice curiosity.. I've seen several of this type of conversions and wouldn't even mind having one. (Just wouldn't want to spend a whole lot.)

This does beggar the question though..... The gun was made well over 50 years ago and would qualify as a C&R except for the fact it is no longer in "original" configuration. Same question about those .455's that have been converted to .45 ACP, .45 AR and .45 Colt.

I've always treated them as C&R's, but now wonder if I was wrong.......

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

In our state that has not mattered since Dec. 2014 when transfers were required to pass through retail store FFLs. The exception would be if the seller was in your immediate family. Yes, I know compliance is rumored to be less than 100% and there has yet to be a publicized prosecution but that does not change the law.

As I understand the C&R regulations as long as a gun is over 50 years old it is C&R eligible.

And, if military, is in original configuration.
So, should I enter a "converted" Webley or .455 S&W into my C&R bound book or not? They can be restored to original with a replacement cylinder or even using a shim to make up for the missing headspace. Some of the 45 Colt conversions will even still handle the original .455 round, but are no longer in "original configuration".

Or am I just being anal???

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Dean, those are two seperate "rules" and I would be inclined to believe that the age of the firearm is the determining factor. Whether a firearm is military or commercial does not matter if it is over 50 years old. Firearms in original configuration automatically attain curio or relic (C&R) status when they are 50 years old whether they are commercial of military. It is not necessary for such firearms to be listed in ATF’s C&R list. The term "original configuration" is the issue when dealing with a firearm with its original caliber changed. The following is from the BATF C&R Guidelines.

What modifications can be made on C&R firearms without changing their C&R classification?

The definition for curio or relic (“C & R”) firearms found in 27 C.F.R. § 478.11 does not specifically state that a firearm must be in its original condition to be classified as a C&R firearm. However, ATF Ruling 85-10, which discusses the importation of military C&R firearms, notes that they must be in original configuration and adds that a receiver is not a C&R item. Combining this ruling and the definition of C&R firearms, the Firearms Technology Branch (FTB) has concluded that a firearm must be in its original condition to be considered a C&R weapon.

It is also the opinion of FTB, however, that a minor change such as the addition of scope mounts, non-original sights, or sling swivels would not remove a firearm from its original condition. Moreover, we have determined that replacing particular firearms parts with new parts that are made to the original design would also be acceptable—for example, replacing a cracked M1 Grand stock with a new wooden stock of the same design, but replacing the original firearm stock with a plastic stock would change its classification as a C&R item.

This reference is pretty plainly stated, and if followed, a 455 converted to 22 loses its C&R status.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

The caliber conversion work was done by a skilled gunsmith. Placing a Wanted to Sell ad here (if you know what you want for it) would be a good way for it to find a good new home.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Gary,
I agree with this, but my question more concerns does just reaming the cylinder or facing it off to accommodate 45 moon clips or seating 45 Colt also remove them from C&R status.......

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

I guess changing the caliber to 22 is no different than changing it to 45 ACP, so it would be a significant change from "original". Now if only the chambers were recessed to accept 45 Colt, but still chambers and fires the original 455, maybe that would not change the C&R status?? I have one of the latter types entered in my book and purchased it using my C&R FFL.

Bottom line is this is one of those areas where the BATF could probably give a C&R FFL some hassle if they feel like it??

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks for all the input...

Now. Any thoughts as to Value?

I sent you a private message about a week ago with my value estimate. Were you able to see that?

Are you able to share that with the rest of us? Reason: I really have no idea as to value myself, but should one come my way some day, I would like to know what others think is a fair value. Thank you in advance.

Hello all,
The spot value I got was $500 (thank you). A local gun store offered me $450. So maybe $600-$1000 retail. Since I don't have to sell I'd be at $800. How would a sale online work?

Well, if I were you, I would post in the Guns For Sale or Trade section of the forum, and see what happens. I would have "guessed" somewhat around the values you provided, although I would think $800 to be on the high end. I know that a Triple Lock that was originally in .455 Webley, but converted to .45 Colt sells in the $800 to $850 range in very good condition. I have seen several sell for precisely these figures.

This would be a good place to try to sell it.
You will need some more good clear pictures of the whole gun for a prospective buyer to judge the overall condition. (All of the pictures posted so far are of bits and pieces, which are interesting, but not much help in determining overall condition. I did notice that a snippet of the front sight looks like it has been replaced by some kind of a ramp sight?)
I would guess that the more original it looks from the "outside", the more it would bring. (At least it would from me......)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446