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Old 03-25-2020, 02:13 PM
Yaworski Yaworski is offline
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Default 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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Old 03-25-2020, 02:39 PM
Rpg Rpg is online now
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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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Old 03-25-2020, 03:18 PM
Yaworski Yaworski is offline
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I don’t, and I suspect the OP doesn’t either.
I've never done it but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express.

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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.
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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Old 03-25-2020, 03:23 PM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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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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Old 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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Old 03-25-2020, 09:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yaworski View Post
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?
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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Old 03-26-2020, 01:18 PM
Yaworski Yaworski is offline
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Originally Posted by Bastogne71 View Post
First question is do you have a J frame 30-1 or the older model 30 on the I frame?
Don't know, I'll have to look.
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Old 03-26-2020, 01:25 PM
Yaworski Yaworski is offline
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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.
Thanks. I didn't know that reamers could be rented.
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Old 03-26-2020, 04:13 PM
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rechambering a .32 long to H&R mag
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Old 03-26-2020, 04:48 PM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
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Thanks. I didn't know that reamers could be rented.
Yeah. Just Google.
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Old 03-27-2020, 12:17 PM
Yaworski Yaworski is offline
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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 looked, it is the 30-1.
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Old 03-28-2020, 10:10 PM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
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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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