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03-25-2020, 02:13 PM
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Rechambering a Model 30?
I have a S&W Model 30 in .32 S&W Long.
What is the feasibility of rechambering it for something like .32 H&R Magnum?
Is this a gunsmith only operation? Will they have to mark up the barrel with the new caliber designation?
Could I just get a chambering reamer and do it by hand or is this something that requires a mill?
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03-25-2020, 02:39 PM
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I believe the conversion you suggest is done with some regularity.
If I wanted to convert a gun of mine, I’d certainly have the work done by a qualified gunsmith. I’d want a qualified ‘smith to evaluate MY gun, not the generic M30, for safety and whether it’s an appropriate conversion for MY gun.
I doubt the barrel needs to be remarked.
I doubt the work is technically difficult, if you know what you’re doing. I don’t, and I suspect the OP doesn’t either.
On another note: I can’t imagine having such a conversion done on a gun of MINE since I don’t imagine I’d end up with anything very useful. My experience suggests that a 148gr SWC 38 special target load is more effective on living targets than a higher velocity 32cal projectile out of a M30. Im pretty unimpressed by muzzle energy numbers out of handguns.
Last edited by Rpg; 03-25-2020 at 02:47 PM.
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03-25-2020, 03:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rpg
I don’t, and I suspect the OP doesn’t either.
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I've never done it but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express.
Quote:
On another note: I can’t imagine having such a conversion done on a gun of MINE since I don’t imagine I’d end up with anything very useful.
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More power is always useful. This is for my daughter who has tiny hands and doesn't like shooting a J-Frame in .38.
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03-25-2020, 03:23 PM
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I would say it depends on your gunsmithing skills, supplies/tools and confidence level. I have minimal amounts of all three and know good local gunsmiths.
If you ever sell it I would inform the new owner if it is converted, but since it will always fire .32 S & W Long safely I doubt it needs to be restamped. Good luck in your decision.
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03-25-2020, 07:24 PM
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First question is do you have a J frame 30-1 or the older model 30 on the I frame? I don’t think this can be done on the I frame due to the shorter cylinder.
It can be a DIY project but the parts, finishing reamer, tap handle and cutting oil, will cost $150 or a bit more. For that amount, you can probably find a gunsmith to do it for you.
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03-25-2020, 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yaworski
I have a S&W Model 30 in .32 S&W Long.
What is the feasibility of rechambering it for something like .32 H&R Magnum?
Is this a gunsmith only operation? Will they have to mark up the barrel with the new caliber designation?
Could I just get a chambering reamer and do it by hand or is this something that requires a mill?
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Bastogne71 is correct, a Model 30 is an I frame which has a cyl that's a tad too short. It can only be done on a J frame, the Model 30-1, .
It is an easy do it yourself conversion that takes about 20 minutes by hand. You can buy or, for less than half the cost at about $40, rent a revolver finish reamer. Very little metal removed and a simple task. I've done several. Re marking the barrel is not needed or advised.
I can provide all the details if you decide to do it.
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03-26-2020, 01:18 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bastogne71
First question is do you have a J frame 30-1 or the older model 30 on the I frame?
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Don't know, I'll have to look.
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03-26-2020, 01:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44
It is an easy do it yourself conversion that takes about 20 minutes by hand. You can buy or, for less than half the cost at about $40, rent a revolver finish reamer.
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Thanks. I didn't know that reamers could be rented.
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03-26-2020, 04:13 PM
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Now go make God proud...
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03-26-2020, 04:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yaworski
Thanks. I didn't know that reamers could be rented.
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Yeah. Just Google.
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Jim
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03-27-2020, 12:17 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bastogne71
First question is do you have a J frame 30-1 or the older model 30 on the I frame?
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I looked, it is the 30-1.
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03-28-2020, 10:10 PM
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I've done it; actually, .32 H&R Magnum to .327 Federal, but it is the same thing. Rented the reamer from 4D. It took very little time and effort.
One hint: rent the reamer handle at the same time. None of my handles fit.
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Last edited by Muley Gil; 03-28-2020 at 10:41 PM.
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