Model 27 converted to .44 special

[petehm]

Has anyone converted a model 27 with 3 1/2" barrel to a .44 special?

I think that would be one wicked looking and fun shooting revolver! (I know the model 24 comes with a 3" barrel, but I think it looks too short.)

 

[murphydog]

A much shorter (pardon the pun) route would be a 4" model 24-3 (or 624), subtract 1/2" barrel length, relocate front sight/ramp, stir and enjoy. Same for the 6 1/2" versions of same but the barrel stampings would look more off-center, I think.

 

[rck281]

Isn't the front sight ramp base part of the barrel? How would you relocate it?

 

[woreout]

Back before S&W brought the .44 Special back some of us would bore out Model 28 cylinders to .44 Spec. But you could get proper barrels from S&W. I'm not even sure the current 27 barrel is thick enough to rebore and you could probably buy two or three guns for what that would cost.

 

[Snapping Twig]

The 27 is such a nice gun, it'd be a shame IMO to convert one.

That's what the 28 is for.

Lots of folks used to do it, but these days donor gun prices are sky high and there's a few 44 models out there if you look.

Ruger makes a nice single action version and the 696 or 24/624 are sweet shooters too.

 

[Joe Kent]

Search keith44spec 's recent posts, he has the very conversion you are talking about pictured.

 

[cowboy85306]

Howdy- I know gunsmith Gary Reeder, in Flagstaff, AZ offers this conversion

 

[Leonard]

I had this 27-2 converted by Andy Horvath to 44 special.

 

[murphydog]

Isn't the front sight ramp base part of the barrel? How would you relocate it?

I'm not a gun restrorer (or play one on TV), but my theory would be to remove the front sight ramp base first, shorten the barrel and the end of the rib by 1/2", reinstall the base and blend the sight rib to hide the seam. If this is not possible, one of the gunsmiths here can comment when they pick themselves off the floor after the laughing stops .

 

[all357mag]

Why would you ruin a M27?

 

[Joe Kent]

AS a fan of Model 27's and bigger calibers, I do not think that converting a shooter grade 27 to either 44 or 45 is "ruining" one. It is a fact ,however, that you most likely will not get your money out of it if you desire at a later date to sell or dispose of it. Also , I am no stranger to spending money on custom, caliber changes, and build-ups on everything from J-frames to 50 cal. longrange rifles. You make those decisions on what you and only you want to have. My thought , if you want a 3 1/2 in Model 27 in 44 special, GO FOR IT! I personally think it is one of the neatest conversions out there. Blending a super-cool N-frame with a very practical caliber. Again search David Keith's recent posts in the thread on best combat revolvers{within the last 3 or 4 weeks} and see the conversions we are discussing and then tell me you don't think they are some of the neatest revolvers you have ever seen. Joe.

 

[sodacan]

conversion

Why would you ruin a M27?

Good question. Why not ruin a model 28? LOL

 

[sodacan]

conversion?

AS a fan of Model 27's and bigger calibers, I do not think that converting a shooter grade 27 to either 44 or 45 is "ruining" one. It is a fact ,however, that you most likely will not get your money out of it if you desire at a later date to sell or dispose of it. Also , I am no stranger to spending money on custom, caliber changes, and build-ups on everything from J-frames to 50 cal. long range rifles. You make those decisions on what you and only you want to have. My thought , if you want a 3 1/2 in Model 27 in 44 special, GO FOR IT! I personally think it is one of the neatest conversions out there. Blending a super-cool N-frame with a very practical caliber. Again search David Keith's recent posts in the thread on best combat revolvers{within the last 3 or 4 weeks} and see the conversions we are discussing and then tell me you don't think they are some of the neatest revolvers you have ever seen. Joe.

Could we see a photo of the "J" frame converted to a .50 caliber long range rifle? If it's your gun and your money, go for it. Just don't pry my gun out of my cold dead hands and convert it.

 

[Twogunnes]

Has anyone converted a model 27 with 3 1/2" barrel to a .44 special?

I think that would be one wicked looking and fun shooting revolver! (I know the model 24 comes with a 3" barrel, but I think it looks too short.)

I agree with you, the 3 inch 44, should have been a 3 1/2 inch. IMO.

I purchased a 28-2 that was converted to 44 Special, as well as hard chromed. The 4 inch barrel remarked. Looks really good. An excellent shooter.

But I paid $500.00 for it. So you might keep that in mind, if you go thru with conversion.

Bowen currently has a 4 inch transition 38-44 of mine that he is converting to 44 Special. (Don't tell Aspenhill!!!)

I have always wanted a 5 inch model 10 in 25-20. Would be a neat conversion.

If you go thru with conversion, just remember that, they are spendy in the end.

But I am sure you will enjoy it!!!

 

[shawn mccarver]

Has anyone converted a model 27 with 3 1/2" barrel to a .44 special?

I think that would be one wicked looking and fun shooting revolver! (I know the model 24 comes with a 3" barrel, but I think it looks too short.)

Butchering a fine Model 27* in that fashion is unthinkable, especially in light of the fact that 4 inch 24s are readily available from the "Skelton Skelton revival run" they did in the 80s, I think. Just get a four inch 24.

Better yet, get a 44 Magnum Mountain Gun, which has the tapered barrel of the 24 and the 27, but also fires 44 Magnum ammo. That is the best of all worlds.

*My apologies to Joe Kent, whom I respect, and who is an all around decent guy. My remarks come from my background - the 27 is one of my favorites and as there is a finite supply, I just don't like the idea of changing one - even a shooter grade.

 

[bgrafsr]

I'm not a gun restrorer (or play one on TV), but my theory would be to remove the front sight ramp base first, shorten the barrel and the end of the rib by 1/2", reinstall the base and blend the sight rib to hide the seam. If this is not possible, one of the gunsmiths here can comment when they pick themselves off the floor after the laughing stops .

Well I'm not a true gunsmith either, but I do work on my guns if I feel I can perform the work. That being said, I had Dave Chicoine take a 6" Model 28 barrel and shorten it to 5". I asked him if he could use the original front sight and ramp, and he said no problem. I believe he did what you suggested Alan because the front sight/ramp looks like it was always there.

 

[Lenny_D]

It's your gun do what you want with it. I understand the purists but one would have to try to convince me that one of Keith44's conversions isn't beautiful. Ain't gonna happen.

Len

 

[Joe Kent]

I appreciate my friend Shawn's remarks about the desireability of the Model 27's and I do agree with him about no more being made and quite frankly while I do think it would be a really neat conversion , I can tell you that I will not be converting any of my 27's. While I have converted several HD's to other calibers in years gone by I won't be doing any more of those either. As an aside I have during my using days cut several K frames for one of my very most favorite stock patterns, those made by Fuzzy Farrant, to be able to fit my hand , I also no longer do that. I still say it is a personal choice, and they duplicate the revolver that many of us wished S&W would have made, but they didn't. Shawn , as usual , gave very sound advice about using the very excellent Models that are available in the calibers that you are interested in and I fully agree with him that you most certainly would be "money ahead" to do that. Point of fact, I am fortunate to have those Models and as I said above do and follow that advice myself. All my best from one dedicated S&W man to another, Joe.

 

[Leonard]

I have no problem with someone altering or customizing their gun the 27 I had modified was not a collectors grade gun as it had major bluing issues. When I plan on modifying a gun I try and find a non collectable if for no other reason than the cost.

I like customized guns to have to justify this would be like a purist explaining his passion for collecting to a someone who dislikes or has no interest in guns.

 

[Tom K]

I appreciate my friend Shawn's remarks about the desireability of the Model 27's and I do agree with him about no more being made and quite frankly while I do think it would be a really neat conversion , I can tell you that I will not be converting any of my 27's. .... Joe.

Yes they are. Product: Model 27

Until recently they were also making Model 24s, although only with a 6-1/2" barrel.