Model 28-2 Converted to 44 Special

I don't believe it was built as a metallic silhouette revolver....

Number One, if it was it would probably have the maximum length barrel of 10 3/4 inches.

Number Two, it would not qualify in the factory class and would be an unlimited gun.
Having to shoot with the bolt / custom handguns.

I'd shoot it as a bowling pin revolver, if it were me.

Just saying. :D

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A metallic silhouette gun would be in 44 Magnum. IIRC the first champion shooter when that started out used a stock Ruger Super Blackhawk.
 
Mod 28 to .44 Spl & others

This two toned is a Model 28 fitted with a 624 barrel and re-chambered cylinder. Put it together about 15 yrs ago.

in the next image the upper piece is a 28 that I did in 1975. Used Skeeter's directions to get a 1950 .44 barrel from J&G sales for $39.95. Re-Chambered cylinder also.

Lower one is a 28 with a 1950 .45 Colt barrel with a Re-Chambered cylinder

Not pictured are two 28 snubs, one in .45 ACP, another in .45 colt. I am all in on the tapered barrels in my favorite caliber, .44 Special.
 

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A metallic silhouette gun would be in 44 Magnum. IIRC the first champion shooter when that started out used a stock Ruger Super Blackhawk.

When I won the state match in '82...Shootin' a production model 29-2 8 3/8".

The next year I shot a Ruger 44 mag SA for the state win with a 10 1/2" barrel.

Used the Sierra 220 gr match bullet over a case neigh near full of 2400. ;) :D

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When I can't find a 44 Special to my liken...I just build myself one or two.
(These two wound up with a close personal friend)

44-Specials-IMG-0645.jpg


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Keith44spl:
Is that a King rib on the lower revolver? Or did you build it yourself? Nice!
 
I traded into this revolver a little while back. I understand that these conversions used to be somewhat common. This is the first that I have handled in person. All the seller could remember about it is that the work was done by a gunsmith in Kansas City.

The flats on the bull barrel have been stippled, along with the upper portion of the backstrap. The combat trigger has been smoothed and polished. This action is really slick.

I put a set of VZ 320 grips on it, but I'm not sure that I'll keep them there. They're a lot slimmer than I thought they'd be.

28-2e2SM.jpg

I saw that gun in Tulsa maybe two years ago at a shop on Sheridan. Then they moved half a mile or so to 41st street 6 months later and they still had it. Most of their stock is black tacticool stuff, this was one of the few revolvers they had. I was short on funds at the time or I might have bought it for the novelty value.

Here is my Model 28 converted to .44 Special. The seldom-seen 8-3/8" .44 Special

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I saw that gun in Tulsa maybe two years ago at a shop on Sheridan. Then they moved half a mile or so to 41st street 6 months later and they still had it. Most of their stock is black tacticool stuff, this was one of the few revolvers they had. I was short on funds at the time or I might have bought it for the novelty value.

Here is my Model 28 converted to .44 Special. The seldom-seen 8-3/8" .44 Special

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That's a sharp looking revolver.

The story I as I heard it was that there were two individual FFL holders associated with that business. One of them decided to withdraw from the establishment and was selling his wares independently. I watched his listings for this gun until he lowered his price substantially, then offered a trade. I had $650 in the item that I traded.
 
Very interesting thread with some fine-looking revolvers. Seems like the 44 Special lost popularity in the late 50s or early 60s due to advent of the 44 Magnum. When the Model 24/1950 Models were no longer readily available, the idea of converting a Model 28 became popular. I think usually the 28 barrels & cylinders were re-bored if original .44 parts could not be fond. The OP revolver looks unusual because there is no lug shrouding the ejector rod as was standard for the N-frame revolvers in all calibers from the factory.

The idea of converting a 28 to chamber 44 Magnum would probably work if the cylinder cutout is long enough to accept a 44 Magnum cylinder. Given that the 28 frame & cylinder are designed for 357 Magnum pressures, I suppose the 28 cylinder could be reamed out if its diameter is large enough. As was noted in a post above, the stop notches in a six-shot cylinder are over the cartridge where cylinder walls are thinnest.

On a five-chamber cylinder, the stop notches are between chambers allowing for very strong cylinder walls, but converting a six-shooter to a five-shooter would require a special ratchet om the rear of the ejector rod which would be a complicated item to machine outside the factory.
 
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... The OP revolver looks unusual because there is no lug shrouding the ejector rod as was standard for the N-frame revolvers in all calibers from the factory...

Actually, neither the Model 1950 Military nor the Second Model Hand Ejector had the reinforced ejector.

Kevin
 

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Since the M-28 is long discontinued, one must think long and hard about converting one.
 

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