What do I have???

[Calaveras Slim]

I recently came into possession of a N frame. It has marks on the frame in front of the cylinder that I have been told is British. Almost all of the printing on the frame have been buffed out except the proof marks and the S&W logo on the right side of the frame. On the left side of the frame. just above the trigger is something I can't make out, even with a magnifying glass. Letters and maybe numbers. They are that small. Also, there is a lanyard ring on the butt.


Serial number is 252XX.

Now it gets interesting.

Someone has removed the barrel, cylinder and crane then replaced them with a cylinder, barrel and crane from a Model 29, in essence making this a 4" model 29.


I suspect I have a lend lease pistol, send to England during WWII and some one has converted it for some reason or other. I'm not complaining cuz I want a SQ Butt 44 special and now I have it.

Merry Christmas to me.

 

[sourdough44]

That sounds nice. I sure seem to just get buggered up used guns lately. The last came from TX. Then the seller says it's my fault.

 

[glowe]

Is the barrel is bored in .44 caliber? Are the caliber markings original and not altered?

Just curious because years ago, I saw a 455 with British stampings like those below, that had a non-matching 44 cylinder. The owner dropped a 44 bullet down barrel and it fell through to the floor.

Probably would not have been a tack driver!!!!

 

[murphydog]

I think you have the ID corrrect, a .455 Mk II N frame from WW I with model 29 parts attached. We like photos

 

[H Richard]

Question: Would the vintgage frame of evidently a mod. 1917 have any problem handling 44 magnum? Hopefully it has a 44 special cylinder and not a 44 magnum cylinder installed.

 

[glowe]

I don't see many frame failures on revolvers. Most failures seem to be the cylinder or the barrel. My guess would be that most barrel failures are a result of a blocked bore, so it leaves the cylinder as the most likely failure mode in a revolver. If you somehow mounted a magnum cylinder on a vintage N frame, I wonder if you would have to worry about frame stretching if shooting magnums? It would seem that all the lateral pressures generated by the round are contained in the cylinder and barrel.

 

[OFT II]

Does it have a high sight on the barrel and the rear sight is still the grove in the top strap? If so, it will surely shoot very low. I don't think that I would even think of putting any magnum loads through it since the frame is almost a hundred years old.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

here r pix of this "custom" gun. It came wearing Pachmyers, but I put on a set of gorgeous Patrick Grashorn Elk Stag grips.

This is one of my "eye candy" pieces

I suspect that someone took a 455 and converted it. I am shooting 44 specials, mainly cuz I hate mags.

I am going to be talking to a gunsmith to see if a ream job from 44 to 44-40 is a viable alteration. Shud be enuf meat on the cylinder and the overall length is good, so we'll see.

 

[OFT II]

Looks like it should make a great 44 Special, Slim. How's it shoot?

 

[D Crockett]

That sounds nice. I sure seem to just get buggered up used guns lately. The last came from TX. Then the seller says it's my fault.

GOD here we go on another fourn this is thew 3 rd fourm that I have found you on bad mouthing this man don't you ever give up D Crockett

 

[murphydog]

Looks like the frame was Parkerized. As I recall the 1917 Army was heat-treated (cylinder at least) but I don't know about the .455s. I suspect you would not want to subject it to .44 Magnums even with the proper barrel and cylinder.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

Looks like the frame was Parkerized. As I recall the 1917 Army was heat-treated (cylinder at least) but I don't know about the .455s. I suspect you would not want to subject it to .44 Magnums even with the proper barrel and cylinder.

Murphydog, since I value your opinion, please feel free to make additional comments.

Do you really think that is what I have, a M1917? 44 special only, thank you. But what do you think about reaming to 44-40?

 

[murphydog]

Given the British proof marks and the SN, I'd guess a .455. But I don't think any of the frames of this era were heat-treated - see this current thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/222195-heat-treating-hand-ejectors.html

I don't know dimensionally if you can convert a .44 Magnum cylinder to .44/40. If it is possible and you keep the pressures relatively low I don't see why it wouldn't work. Another option is to find a model 544 cylinder, which was the Texas Wagon Train 150th anniversary edition in .44/40.

 

[bananaman]

C Slim, regardless of what it is or isn't, it has a look all of it's own!!! Very interesting to say the least! Not every kid on the block is going to have 1. Wish I did. Thanks for sharing your pics! Bob

 

[OFT II]

Reaming to 44/40 would work. Be sure to use .429" slugs instead of the .427" that is standard for the 44/40. Myself, I would prefer to use the 44 Special since it is easier to load.

 

[A10]

You sure have an interesting piece there! I'd agree with shooting specials out of it and leaving as is, the only thing I'd consider is a refinish so the barrel/cylinder/frame match. Hard chrome or parkerizing would be my choice, but that's just me! And I love those Grashorn's on it!

 

[Calaveras Slim]

I may just keep it as a 44 special. Not sure since I have 3 other DA 44 specials... I just don't have the money to buy a M588 and have offered to trade a M21 Classic for one but not takers. I would love a DA 44-40.

And, yes I consider this a shameless plug for Patrick Grashorn.. His Elk Stags are just super and I feel privileged to own several pair.

 

[perrazi]

this is a neat idea. how does it shoot with specials? is it close to shooting to the sights? one of the robar finishes would look good on it too.

 

[Calaveras Slim]

In the back yard, at about 15-18 yards, it scares the heck out of some cans. Bounced them all over the place.

Can't go to the range just yet cuz of the rain and wind but soon. Then I'll use a rest at 25 yards just to get an idea but so far, just great to shoot.

 

[Sebago Son]

My Lord. A .44 MAGNUM cylinder in a 100-year old .455 HE2nd Frame?

That looks like what my old man used to call an "accident waiting to happen..."

And you talk about ugly... geeez. The rib on the breech end of the 29 barrel hanging out there in space is just gross.

No disrespect intended, but you'd have trouble GIVING me that frankengun. If I owned it, I'd immediately break it up and sell the parts for fear that some uninformed newby would slip a 300 grain "Sledgehammer" load into the chamber and touch it off...

Drew