My New .22LR is a N Frame

[younggun22]

Yes you have read that right!

What started life as a WWI 2nd Model in .455 had at some point in its life been converted to .22LR.

The barrel was sleeved as was cylinder but what I think the coolest part about the whole conversion is that they left the gun as original as possible - all the numbers match, the lanyard ring is still there, and it’s the original finish.

This would have been a great 2nd Model if original but the fact that it’s a .22LR really puts it over the top for me. While no inherent “collector” value since it’s been modified I’m just a sucker for .22’s!

I did some research on the forum and found a handful of N Frames being converted to .22 but all of them were additionally modified in one way or another after the conversion.

I was drawn to this one as it presents as its original configuration (for the most part)

 

[CH4]

That’s very cool!
Thanks for sharing

 

[BAM-BAM]

COOoooooool!!

 

[cruiserdan]

Very cool.

I bet it's quite hefty as well. I'm curious what it tips the scales at.

 

[DWalt]

Someone had a lot of time on their hands.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun, shorter front sight for .22 recoil.

My impression is these were converted overseas, in the vain hope that the authorities would tolerate their citizens owning .22 rimfire handguns. And it was true until they didn’t.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

As others have mentioned, VERY COOL.
Could you also post a pic with the hammer cocked back? Interested to see how it looks.

Also, have you shot it yet? How’s the point of impact vs point of aim?

It makes a K frame 22 look like a lightweight!

 

[younggun22]

As others have mentioned, VERY COOL.
Could you also post a pic with the hammer cocked back? Interested to see how it looks.

Also, have you shot it yet? How’s the point of impact vs point of aim?

It makes a K frame 22 look like a lightweight!

As requested! I ran 50 rounds through it and I had a big ole grin on my face the entire time!

It shot very well and to POA.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

As requested! I ran 50 rounds through it and I had a big ole grin on my face the entire time!

It shot very well and to POA.

Wow never thought a 22 rimfire existed with hammer nose firing pin! Very cool!
Looks like the top side plate screw needed to be modified. Maybe for internal mods?
Glad it shoots POA.

 

[younggun22]

Wow never thought a 22 rimfire existed with hammer nose firing pin! Very cool!
Looks like the top side plate screw needed to be modified. Maybe for internal mods?
Glad it shoots POA.

That’s a great catch and I have no idea. I’m a little afraid to open this one up incase I can’t get it back together

 

[cmansguns]

Horrified and worried to death about safety from overpressure rounds

I can't believe that anyone would consider shooting modern, high performance 22LR ammo out of that old converted fossil.

I mean just look at the skimpy, lousy little amount of "meat" between chambers in that cylinder.

OP better be glad that he didn't run 22 + P through it.

Seriously, that is a pretty cool gun in my opinion and I just know I could wear out a 100 Manson Finishing Cylinder Reamers without even straining those cylinder walls.

 

[Casual Smith Nut]

That’s a great catch and I have no idea. I’m a little afraid to open this one up incase I can’t get it back together

I hear ya. Let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Unfortunately that never stopped Bubba.

Curiosity would get the better of me. I’d HAVE to look

 

[glowe]

No mods to be done up there since the screw goes nowhere, so just the wrong screw was used instead of a S&W screw. You should get one to replace that one. Brownell's sells sets of sideplate screws.

 

[cruiserdan]

I hear ya. Let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Unfortunately that never stopped Bubba.

Curiosity would get the better of me. I’d HAVE to look

Put the old gal on the scales. I'm dying to know how hefty she is. I'll bet it didn't wiggle a bit from recoil.

 

[mikerjf]

Awesomely cool! Only thing I would have done different is leave the muzzle 45-bore for the last half inch.

 

[younggun22]

I hear ya. Let sleeping dogs lie. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Unfortunately that never stopped Bubba.

Curiosity would get the better of me. I’d HAVE to look

Well curiosity did get the better of me and I figured it was safe enough since that screw couldn’t possibly be used for anything of importance. Turns out I was right and they just used the wrong screw… I believe I have a proper one somewhere.

 

[Krogen]

Nice! Good find. I'd have been all over that like fouling on a flintlock.

 

[SteveA]

I love it! I picked up a Martini-Henry a couple of years ago converted to .22. A huge rifle for a .22 but so accurate and the fun factor is incredible.

 

[T44spl]

I remember years ago seeing a Colt New Service done up like this gun. A large frame revolver sleeved to a 22lr, like this gun very well done. Old time craftsmanship. Gun must weigh at least 3 1/2 to 4 lbs unloaded. But the cool factor is off the scale. I'm sure we'd all like to see a range report.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Yes you have read that right!

What started life as a WWI 2nd Model in .455 had at some point in its life been converted to .22LR.

The barrel was sleeved as was cylinder but what I think the coolest part about the whole conversion is that they left the gun as original as possible -

I was once offered a Colt Single Action Army 1876 production that was converted to .22 LR in 1940. It was sleeved just like your .455.

Nice find and thank you for sharing.