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03-31-2020, 04:16 PM
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38/44 to .41 mag or .45 colt?
I have a decent reblued shooter that I am itching to convert.
Is there anybody who specializes in this? Is it cost-prohibitive?
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03-31-2020, 06:22 PM
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The heat treating was different back then. I am not sure I would recommend a 41 magnum. My GUESS is that you could sell the 38/44 to someone who wanted a shooter and buy one that is what you want for close to what the conversion would cost. (For what my opinion may be worth.)
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03-31-2020, 06:28 PM
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I'd buy a .41 Magnum or a .45 Colt revolver; may be not much more than a first class conversion, and you'll likely lose money on the conversion if you try and sell it down the road.
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03-31-2020, 06:40 PM
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I agree... not .41 Magnum.
Either .45 Colt (if the cyl OAL is long enough), or... I think it would make a dandy .44 Special.
Andy Horvath would be my choice: 440-458-4369
Cost prohibitive? The question is more like is it cost effective? Maybe... depends on whether or not you can sell it "as-is" and then buy what you want.
But if you're wanting to just do a project... I'm think that it's going to be close either way.
A re-blued shooter is not going to get top dollar to completely offset the price of another gun. If you think you're going to sell it after being converted, some people balk at buying a conversion, but if done by a well known gunsmith like Andy Horvath, that become less of an issue.
My two cents, worth only one.
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Last edited by Gunhacker; 03-31-2020 at 06:45 PM.
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03-31-2020, 08:15 PM
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38-44 to 45 Colt conversion
Hamilton Bowen of Bowen Classic Arms has done several of this type of conversions over the years, taking Smith & Wesson 38-44 Heavy Duties and converting them to .45 Colt. I have admired a 4 inch version in the gallery on his web site for a long time.
The web site is: + Bowen Classic Arms + Home
They may be a bit pricy, but they sure are beautiful.
Colt.
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03-31-2020, 08:49 PM
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Mr. Bowen does great work, but he no longer works on S&W products. >44 Spec. or .45 Colt or even .45 ACP are doable. Start watching for barrels and cylinders. If you can do most of the work yourself it will be a rewarding endeavor. If not, buy what you want the way you want it.
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03-31-2020, 08:54 PM
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My intention is to modify something I am going to keep, maybe more of a "fun" gun. You can't really buy fixed sight N frames anymore, and figured maybe have my own version of the Heritage guns from a few years back.
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03-31-2020, 10:04 PM
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This is my Pre 27 .357 to .44 Special conversion, done 5 years ago.
Work was done by Dave Clements, who I understand isn’t doing Smith work any more. He did an excellent job.
Paid $700 for the gun, which already had the barrel cut to 3 1/2” and had been reblued.
Reboring, rebluing and new front sight and ramp came to $900.
Then there was the $100 for shipping to Dave.
I’m 71 now and will leave this to my son who in 30 years MIGHT be able to get out of it what I put in it.
However, it was only money, printed every day.
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03-31-2020, 11:04 PM
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So what exactly do you think that you can do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smith61
I have a decent reblued shooter that I am itching to convert.
Is there anybody who specializes in this? Is it cost-prohibitive?
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With .41 mag, or .45 Colt, that you can not do with the 38/44?
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04-01-2020, 12:53 AM
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Are you asking what he can do with a .41 Magnum or a 45 Colt that he can't do with a .38 Special???
Sometimes it's not about whether or not it's cost prohibitive or even makes sense to convert something like this, it's more about having a unique firearm.
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04-01-2020, 07:43 AM
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If you want to do it just for the sake of doing so, I'd go with 45 Colt - BUT that said, I believe that once you get some prices you will change your mind! It's probably better to simply sell what you don't want and buy what you do want. Then you can get your Magnum and it will hold up over time.
Unless one does his own work, has access to many essential parts and hot bluing tanks, paying for super custom work just doesn't pay - at least form a financial standpoint. IMHO it would only make sense if your donor gun was a sentimental piece or belonged to a relative or good friend.
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04-01-2020, 09:02 AM
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41 Magnum? Noooooooooo. The frame may not live very long.
44 Special, 45 ACP, and 45 Colt would be safe for the frame.
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04-01-2020, 09:23 AM
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The HD chambers can be easily lengthened to accept .357 Mag if you want more power. And that was not an uncommon conversion back in the day. I have a HD which received that treatment, but for the most part I just shoot .38 Special in it.
I understand the urge for conversion to a larger caliber, but personally I would never undertake such a project.
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04-01-2020, 09:24 AM
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.41 Special....
I have a 1952 HD that I have been thinking about converting to .41 Special. The length is perfect for a HD that has a .38 Special length cylinder.
Man to call is Jack Huntington at JRH Advnced Gunsmithing...
JRH Advanced Gunsmithing
He did a Model 53 .22 Jet to .327 conversion and a Uberti Cattleman .357 to .41 Special...both shoot excellent.
Loaded ammo can be had through Reed's Ammo and factory brass through Starline if you reload.
If you want something mundane go .44 Special...but if you want something really Special go .41...
Bob
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