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.)

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.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

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

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Dick

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.

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.

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

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

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

Attached Images

27- horvath.jpg (89.9 KB, 589 views)

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Len

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 .

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Why would you ruin a M27?

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.

Good question. Why not ruin a model 28? LOL

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.

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!!!

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Twogunnes
John 3:16

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.

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.

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

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Endeavor to persevere

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.

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.

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Len

Yes they are. Product: Model 27

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

I am well aware, and I am sure that Joe is as well, that S&W has made recent runs in its Classic Series of Model 27s and Model 24s. Both are still in the 2013 catalog.

I was, however, talking about the "real classics," the ones that really are not made any longer. Since the original post was about converting a 3 1/2 inch 27, my assumption was that the original question by the OP was about converting one of the old "classics" versus one of the new "classics" since the new classic 27 is not available with a 3 1/2 inch barrel.

Don't get me wrong. S&W is doing a great thing by making these new Classic Series guns, and they are very fine shooters, but those are not the ones I was talking about in my post!

As good as they are, with respect to the new Classic Series, they "just don't make them like they used to."

If the logic in this is hard to follow, I guess it is more of an intangible thing. Perhaps this comparison will help explain what I am trying to say about the old versus new classics:

Britney Spears or Grace Kelly?

Taylor Swift or Catherine Deneuve?

Shawn,
You had me at Catherine Deneue.

Len

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Endeavor to persevere

I've got a 5" model 27-2 at Bowen's right now being converted to 44 special. I hate to tell you guys but it didn't bother me one bit to send it off.
I've been shooting a S-prefix 3.5" 27-2 a lot lately and it shoots like a dream. Last Sunday I sighted it in at 50 yards then shot a 100 yard group on a combat silhouette target to see where it was grouping. 5 rounds were in 4" and the sixth was about a foot out. Phenomenal for such a short barrel.
But I keep thinking how much better gun it would be in .44

Len:

That does somewhat mark us up as "old fogeys."

Shawn

Shawn, aren't you just amazed at some of these young whipper snappers. Seriously, none of us "old Fogey's dispute either the classic "old" Smith's or for that matter the "classic"forms of some real ladies who truly are very "classy" All my best, one old fogey to another, Joe.

Joe:

I am very happy to be in "old fogey-ville" with you. By the way, if you are not busy, I have Grace and Catherine set up for a double date on Saturday. Drive-in movie sounds like a good idea, doesn't it? Do you think anyone else remembers those?

Best regards,

Shawn

Shawn, I'd love to, however my wife of 37 years frowns on me dating, and the real scary thing is, she carrys a classic S&W also. There was a time when my two boys were little and my wife was teaching full time when I told her I was going to get a "hot"Swedish maid and she said if she was willing to do all the cooking ,cleaning , shopping and running the kids it was ok with her and I could do what ever I wanted with her. Needless to say, I had better sense than to test her. Best regards, Joe.

I have an almost new in the box five inch 27 that I bought specifically to convert to 44 special, not sure when it might get done but someday it certainly will. What some are overlooking when suggesting using other guns to satisfy to "need" is that none of them are a "Cadillac" like the 27. Pinned & recessed, checkered top strap, Smith only made one gun like it, the 27. I enjoy both the top of the line 27 and the 44 special cartridge. The 28 regardless of whether you like them or not (and I do) it is/was the utility grade Smith not the top of the line Caddy. I have 24s, 624s and love them but someday I gotta have 44 special Caddy. It only has to make sense to me.

Keith

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kbgrips.com

I bought a new 3" 24 last month. There were others in the display case. I am very happy with this revolver. I have a 629 Power Port for the hot stuff. Keith

Yeah, I knew exactly what you meant, I was just bustin' your chops. After all, the original poster just said "Model 27" - he didn't say what flavor. And while it may be true that they don't make 'em like they used to, when have they ever? There are fellas that turn up their nose at a 27-2 because it's not a pre-27 .357, or a Registered Magnum.

On the other hand, for murphydog's suggestion to get a 24-3 4" and cut it back to 3-1/2, there are plenty of guys who would tar and feather the OP for that just the same as reboring a 27, even though the 24-3s did not sell well when they came out.

I suspect in ten years quite a few of us will be moaning that we should've gotten the current Classics when we had the chance, because "they don't make 'em like that any more"....

I only skimmed a few replys here so forgive me if what I say is redundent.
I have had similar conversions done. However they were like 40 years ago when guns, parts and gunsmiths were far cheaper.
Cost of donner gun, parts and gunsmithing minus what you might sell the project for later, I belive you would be faaar ahead just buying what you want now! Not only that but from what I hear how long the wait is to have some smithing done would decide it for me.
Now if you have a ton of money, dont care about the cost, and just want something different that you dreamed up, disregard everything I said.

NO gun is a reliquary.
If you own it do what you want with it. Folks been doing this for years until someone claimed one to be reliquary.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

Just for giggles here's a Ruger Speed-Six round butt converted to .44 Special (ASP conversation). Bobbed hammer, Tritium sights and Teflon coated. Very nice handgun.



Wrote this article for Combat Handguns when just a youth...

A while back when I was looking for an S@W in 44 spcl., my nephew spotted one at a lgs and called my attention to it. As I looked at it, through the heavy glass case, it appeared to be a 6" barrel model 28. The clerk heard and said no sir, thats a 44 spcl., its been "customized". My jaw dropped as I checked the crane and saw that it was a 57-1 that someone had converted. It had the matte finish of the M-28 and it went home with me. It had a very sweet trigger, but in a fit of stupidity, I traded it off............Dan.
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RichCapeCod, a very neat and cool conversion. As far as a carry /using revolver, one of the neatest. Please correct me if I am wrong, but didn't they stop doing those because of some danger/liability concerns? Never the less ,I always thought that was a neat conversion with a very practical use. Again , I am a revolver guy and also have a number of Rugers{however, we don't often mention that in the polite company of our S&W forum} that are favorites as well. All my best, Joe.

Joe, I don't know why these had a limited run. I suspect the high cost was the primary factor.

Pleased to have mine. They're a rare bird.

Rich

"On the other hand, for murphydog's suggestion to get a 24-3 4" and cut it back to 3-1/2, there are plenty of guys who would tar and feather the OP for that just the same as reboring a 27, even though the 24-3s did not sell well when they came out."

Really? It was my understanding they sold like hot cakes, so much so that S&W brought out the M624s, because they (the factory) had promised to make only a limited amount of M24-3s. I had a 4" one when they first came out. Wish I could have kept it.

In 1976, I took a 3 1/2" M27 and had it converted to a 6 1/2" .44 Special, using an original 1950 barrel. I later had it cut to 5" and reblued. The original finish had some spotting and it was the high gloss blueing, of course. The .44 barrel was more of a satin finish. Now it all matches.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

What about cutting the barrel down on a Classics model 24?

I have a friend that would sell me a Classics model 24 with
6 1/2" barrel. Could S&W cut the barrel down to 3 1/2 or 4 inches? What front sight would you install? The Baughman or Patridge? Hammerdown has that beautiful 3 1/2" Registered Magnum with the Patridge front sight that looks awesome!

S&W does not cut down barrels. You would need to find a good gunsmith to have it done right.

I remember BUYING that issue!
It's what led me to buy a Taurus M441 4".
Basically, a 'sorta K frame', 5 shot .44 Spl. Used it for a woods gun for many years, always loaded with the 'Skeeter load'.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

True, but the front sights just never end up looking right, in my humble opinion.

Not quite. Have you looked at one up close? Wut up wiff that funny so-called "checkering" on the top of the frame and barrel? Gag me. I won't mention the all-too-often mentioned other changes.

Yes, Pete I have and yes it is. I have a 3" 624 but my issue was more with the round butt than the barrel being too short (I still like the Lew Hortons as well). Nevertheless, as stated above the thought of combining the Cadillac of revolvers with the best revolver cartridge made perfect sense to me also. This 'S' 27-2 had been dropped somewhere along the way before I got it, and needed finish work. I sent it to David Clements in Virginia who turned it into my favorite revolver. I recently received these Spegel stocks after waiting 9 months, which to me made it even better. No, I'll never sell it.

I know Dave Keith was already mentioned, but if you want to see a real work of art on something that other folks could get SHOT for messing with, take a look

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-han...-rm-141-a.html

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Even older, even crankier....

Aloha,

After reading all of the previous, I am convinced that I will try to get something similar done.

I have a pair of M-58 ex police guns that have seen better days.

I have been toying with the idea of having both redone in 45 COLT.

I want them to be a matching pair for possible CCW.

Want to loose the hammer spur and have them DAO.

His n Hers, for me and the Wife.

Yeah, that's one I would like to see also.

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Yogi, tell me when you have this completed. I will get my chiropractic license and move to Hawaii just for you.

Man, that is going to be one heavy and large concealed carry piece. You would be the baddest patootie on the island, but it would be heavy. How do you plan to conceal it with the lightweight clothes most people in the islands wear?

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Hawaiian shirts are DA BOMB for CCW! Put the little ol' Nframe in a nice pancake holster and y'all are ready to rock!

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Even older, even crankier....

Early 629 MG's are also Pre IL and pre MIM,
later IL guns were available in blue ,


If the 3" will scratch that itch there is the 29-3 and 24-3 RB's made up for Lew Horton .

Well,

Let me set the record straight....I've built a passel of em over the years.

The Model 27 is my preferred platform for a 44 or 45 cal. revolver.

First a little background, when I first converted a .357 Magnum to 44 Special was it the mid 70s.
I had been carrying and using the 357 magnum for several years.
Through personal experiences, I decided the 357 cartridge did not meet my needs in a sidearm.

Granted the 357 is an accurate and versatile cartridge.
I believe more suited to small to med size game,
than a serious defense or deer size game cartridge.

Again, by way of personal experiences, I much prefer a cartridge of 40 caliber or greater in diameter,
with a 250 grain bullet kicked out of the muzzle around 900-1000 FPS or better, for the protection on my hide.
And if need be, to kill a game animal of deer size or larger.

As far as barrel length goes....That would be the personal preference of the end user.

However, I do like the 3 1/2 inch length somewhat over the 3" version, as the longer ejector rod and overall balance suits my taste.

As to the cutting off of barrels in the desired caliber to the desired length is not an undertaking for the unskilled.
Sometimes one may have the existing barrel re-bored and re- rifled to the larger caliber and retain the overall configuration as before the operation.

Sight bases, ramps and sight blades are all at the whim of the end user.
Some may prefer the look of the factory ramp & blade, while others might like the old school look of a 'King' style of ramp and blade.

I've never built a custom revolver for re-sale or profit.
Although, I have let a few close personal friends have one or two at my cost.

It's not about the futures' market on deals like these, it's all about personal satisfaction...

Kind like the ol fisherman, when asked why he fished....
His reply, "To please myself !"


I build em to suit myself and to meet my sidearm needs.


.
So, the short answer to the OPs question, Yes!

After living with the .44 Special for the majority of my life....

I do believe when compairing the .357 magmun and the .44 Special that Charles Skelton said it best,
'It like a good big man, beatin hell of a good little man.'



.


The engraved 27-2 converted to the most desirable 44 Special is a dandy and the ol Outdoorsman ain't too bad neither.


Taller sight blade w/ivory bead


Model 27-2 with a 1950 44 Special bobbed back to bout five inches.


Pre-27 357 now a 45 Long Colt w/ modified 'King' base & ivory insert sight blade


1935 357 Magnum now a .44 Special


Keith Ramp & Blade (to suit my eye)




.

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"