So I have been thinking... I'm a big fan of the .45 ACP, I load for it, and shoot it very much. I have a pair of 1911s and a 625-4 and a 25-2 but I don't have a .45 wheelgun suitable for carry. I've been thinking that the 28 is usually the cheapest N frame one can get their hands on and what I would like to do is rebarrel to 3 inches in .45 ACP. Also probably a round butt conversion for ease of carry.

Yes I have thought about getting a 325 NG or even a newer 625 but I just can't get past the hole and MIM parts etc.

Finding a Smith capable of doing the work is not a problem, I call mine Dad. I'm just wondering what everyone is thinking about the undertaking of this project gun.

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Son of a Gun...Smith

One problem I see is finding a 45 caliber barrel for an N-frame. They aren't lying around in many places. The other consideration is the Magnum cylinder is recessed. To make room for the moon clipped rims of the ACP you dad is going to have to mill a lot off the back of that 357 cylinder.

I think it would be more cost effective to find a shooter 25-2 and have dad just cut/crown the barrel and re-attach the ramp and front sight.

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Have you ever looked at the chopped down 1917s? They come up on the auction sites every couple months or so.

Dave,

What I was thinking was using a new cylinder for a 25 then if I can't find a barrel maybe even just make one. I've seen the cylinders around for about $100.

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Son of a Gun...Smith

Just ordered a 3", nickel .45 barrel, (new) from Numrich and Midway has .45 cylinders in stock (ss)........

gunsmith's have been converting 28's to 45acp or 44 special. Here is a 5 ", 45acp gun done by Hamilton Bowen of Bowen Classic Arms. It started life as a 28-2. I bought it a few months back & have since added a 45lc cylinder myself, with outstanding results.


My pitiful attempt at shooting 45acp at 20 yards on a 3" shoot n see

a 45lc group at 15 yards, top 4 can be covered with a quarter, all 5 with a silver dollar


Ned

Nedroe, that is exactly what I'm talking about only I want to set mine up as a carry gun. 3 inch barrel and RB. The only problem I can think of is that I might have to make the barrel if I can't find one available. If so, they're cheap to buy a blank and as I've stated before I know a good smith.

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Son of a Gun...Smith

Converting to 45 ,, what a great idea .




Model of 1950 Target, 45 Colt, 'Mountain Revolver' My Best yet.





A 28-2 converted to 45 Colt ctg. by John Gallagher.




The Heavy Duty project; pictures are back 10 21 11, nearing completion


Definitely do able. Just keep the thought in your head and search for parts and possibilities.

Good luck
Allen Frame

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NRA cert.instructor&R.S.O.

search pistol parts/barrels/ S&W
1955 heavy barrels are fairly common, 1950 models not so much. Bowen can re-bore & rifle your 28 barrel to 44 or 45. Your dad probably can too, but Bowen does it everyday. Search him out on google, Bowen Classic Arms.

This was a fun project also. My model 17-2, 22LR, round butt, 2-1/2 barrel. It started out like this.

and turned out like this

Some say I shouldn't be allowed around fine firearms, to which I reply

TOO LATE NOW!!!!!!


Ned

Talked with the old man this evening, he said that conversion would be no problem as long as I can find the parts, even if I had to buy a blank and cut it down to how I want.

I'm thinking when all is said and done: 3-3.5" Barrel, Round Butt conversion, Hi-Viz front sight, maybe parkerize or duracoat the whole thing, and of course smoothing out the action.

I can do all the work in house so all I need to do is find the gun and the parts. I'm thinking around $700-$800 all said and done.

I've seen people pay much much more for a custom carry piece. I don't think you can even walk into a new 325 NG for that.

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Son of a Gun...Smith