Is it as straightforward as replacing the cylinder to convert a 25-3 Colt 45 to a 45ACP? Yes..I know it's usually cheaper/better to sell the gun you want and buy the one you need..however, the 25-3 happens to be a 125th Anniversary unfired which bring around $1k on a good day (GB) vs a same era model 25 in 45ACP that brings in the $1500 range, so I'm figuring a new 45acp cylinder can be found on ebay etc(around $250) and then fitted.I like the revolver but much prefer 45acp (got lots of ammo) and moon clips. Sound like a viable plan or am I missing something?

It's a good plan with potential for a little minor fitting here and there plus the frame lug cyl retainer will need changing for the shorter ACP cyl rear face.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks Jim. I just bought a new 45acp cylinder on ebay for $150 this morning and I'm pretty sure I can sell the 45 Colt one for at least that amount..so maybe a wash.

I went a different route by purchasing a new 45 C cylinder from Midway, and having it cut for moon clips. (Pinnacle Performance)

I can now use the replacement cylinder for both calibers (and some others) without having to modify the frame, and without having to cut the original cylinder. The new cylinder only required the uncut extractor ratchet to be fit/cut, and some minor tweeking.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

I have zero interest in firing Colt 45 ammo, as I have none...but,I have thousands of rounds of 45acp..plus EZ-moons have made me a BIG believer in 45acp in a revolver. So the ebay cylinder with a bit of fitting should work out. Do I really need to replace the stop?

I believe Jim is referring to the frame lug.

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Ret. LE, FA Instr, S&W Armorer

Yes..the frame lug.Is it necessary? The cylinder is retained by the crane I thought. Guess I know just enough to be dangerous. I do have a local gunsmith..Ill stick to fixin cars..

I have no experience gunsmithing a .45 Colt to .45 ACP. However, I do have a couple of Smith 625's in .45 ACP and that, to me, is a WONDERFUL caliber (if you cast your own bullets and reload) for both Range and in the Field. That is one of my favorite cartridges and I have shot mine a LOT.

I do have a Ruger SS Bisley .45 ACP/.45 Colt Convertible and after reaming both cylinders to .4525" and doing a trigger job, that convertible shoots VERY well with a variety of loads, from mild to wild.

To the O.P. - sounds like a plan. Keep us informed of your progress with your "new" revolver.

Dale53

A little late to this party and I may be mistaken but if not interested in keeping originality of the -3, why couldn't the original colt cylinder been cut for moon clips?

The disadvantage of keeping the .45 Colt frame lug is that when ejecting the rounds, the cylinder will travel backwards a bit and strike the lug. IF you only use this revolver at the range and gently eject, it isn't a big deal. However, if you are doing a bunch of rapid reloads, you will batter your new cylinder.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

I thought about cutting the Colt cylinder for moons but I use the EZ polymer ones and they don’t have enough support for dependable ignition. I learned that trying to use 40 S&W in my 10mm GP100. 75% dependability at best. An acp cylinder that indexes on the case mouth will be much more stable.

The frame lug is just a press fit; drives in and out. By having the proper frame lug to sell with the 45 C cyl, you'll enhance your sale to someone converting a 45 ACP revolver.

Plus you'll eliminate the slop on your ACP cyl with a correct frame lug.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have ran a 45acp cylinder in a 45 colt frame.Muley is correct that the cylinder will move back about .04 on the yoke tube when ejecting. But only hit the lug with what ever force there is when you roll the gun muzzle up or initially press back on the rod. I guess if you opened the cylinder and shook it the cylinder would move back and forth that .04 and work on the cylinder and lug a bit. Another thing that can happen is the back of the center pin might hang a touch on the edge of the recoil shield if it is a bit long and the cylinder is all the way back against the lug when closing. But loading the rounds with muzzle down and just the tiniest bit of forward pressure as you close the cylinder and this won't happen. You about have to hold the gun muzzle up when closing the cylinder to have the pin hang and as your ammo would try to fall out nobody does that anyway.

So, to me the extra .04 between lug and acp cylinder is a non issue. I have no 45s dual cylinder guns left that way though. I do have 3 with 45 colt cylinders which are cut for acps in full moon clips.

BTW the cylinder will slide right off the yoke and keep going until it hits the grips or something with no lug.