Hey guys, I have a model 544 (mint). I would like to convert this to .44mag/.44spl. A couple of questions - Is the frame on the model 544 strong enough? I will be loading my own ammo and do not plan on running max loads down it. Also who do you know that can do a good job on the conversion to .44mag? Thanks in advance! Oh yea and here is a pic to enjoy

Attached Images

DSC00771.jpg (121.6 KB, 75 views)

I'd find an N frame .44 mag cylinder and have it fitted. Betcha Danforth in Riverside could handle the job. Easy.

Sell it or trade it off. There are a lot more 29's out there than 544's. The cost difference is against you. ie. new barrel, cylinder and labor will make the cost of the 544 more than you will ever get when you sell it. the 544 is unique in that it is in .44 WCF. Check the barrel to see if .44 mag/spl bullets will work. I remember the size is different but by how much I don't remember.
Bottom line is it's yours and you can do as you wish with it.

The 44 WCF (44-40) uses a .427" bullet as opposed to the 44 Mag/Special's .429" projectiles. And nominally speaking, cast projectiles are typically .001" over the jacketed bullet specs.

And as for frame strength, I am not sure. I know that heat treating frames is expensive, and I figure Smith would not do any more than is required to hold the projectile the revolver is chambered for. Personally, I wouldn't risk it, and any conversion will kill any collector value if you ever decided to sell it.

If you are a handloader, why not buy a couple of hundred Starline cases, as set of dies, and load for the round? The projectiles are out there for purchase; I think you will find that you are able to easily duplicate 44 Special ballistics, and your outlay will be much less than barrel and cylinder change.

It is a nice piece, and Smith didn't make just a whole bunch of them, if memory serves.

Cdsmann

What are you going to do?
Have you reloaded ammo for the .44wcf? I believe 900 to 1000 fps are very doable in that round. How much more do you need?

don't need to change bbls. unless you don't like the length. just load the right diameter bullets. I have had three of these that I have shot. I wanted .429 and two wanted .428 diameter bullets for best accuracy. 44wcf. are a little different to load than 44 mag but still effective.

The question has come up before, and (aside from the cost) a highly placed factory source strongly recommended against a .44 Magnum conversion. You could do a .44 Special conversion, but as others pointed out in that case you might as well stick to reloading .44-40.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

As others, I'd advise against any irreversible mods to the gun. Find a .44 Spl cylinder and have it fitted. Model 24s, while not common, are still more common than the 544. Have you checked cyl. length? A .357 might possibly be fitted and rechambered to .44 Spl. If you want a magnum, find a 29.

Larry

My opinion, and as others have stated, if you want a 44 mag, get one but I wouldn't try to make one out of your 544.
If you're wanting a 44 special, ballistically I think you can load for that.
If you're wanting something chambered in 44 special, I'd go the same route as for 44 mag unless you have lotsa money you want to spend with little chance of ever getting it back.