|
|
05-08-2012, 06:33 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Coastal NC
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 2,355
Liked 4,677 Times in 1,603 Posts
|
|
Making my 25-5 an ACP gun?
Have decided to stop the years-long lust for a Model of 1955 .45 ACP and consider the feasibility of adding an ACP cylinder to my M25-5 .45 Colt, if possible.
I know the cylinder window is bound to be larger/longer in my 25-5, but I will not be shooting any serious matches or anything with it. It'll be a fun gun.
Is this pretty much do-able without too much cost? Where would you start? Just did a quick surf of MidwayUSA and the only cylinder they have is a SS in .45 Colt.
Thanks all.
__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275
|
05-08-2012, 06:40 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oro Valley, Arizona
Posts: 2,369
Likes: 497
Liked 945 Times in 518 Posts
|
|
I think you could have your current cylinder modified to accept 45ACP rounds with moon clips. This is the concept behind my new M627 Pro, which fires 38s and 357s either with or without moon clips.
Call the factory to discuss.
|
05-08-2012, 06:41 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: MD -PA
Posts: 614
Likes: 120
Liked 299 Times in 142 Posts
|
|
Maybe you should consider this, a dual 45ACP- 45LC conversion, you can fire the 45LC with or with out the moon clip,when using the 45ACP you need to use the moon clips.
I used TK Custom, their work was quick and of the highest quality, I highly recommend TK stainless moon clips, a little pricey but of extremely high quality. I got 5 in 45LC and 5 in 45ACP the total price was around $160.00. You will also need a tool to unload the moon clip, TW sells one for $20.The loading tool is useful but not total necessary.Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com
One thing I need to warn you about,when I first attempted to load some 45LC cowboy ammo into the moon clips it would not fit, the tolerances of the clips were so tight I bent the moon clip.
After closer examination I realized that the grove in the brass that the clips fits into was very rough and full of raised and noticeably imperfections.
I purchased some higher quality ammo and no more problems.
This time I checked first to make sure the groves were clean and smooth .
Last edited by Penmon; 05-08-2012 at 06:44 PM.
|
05-08-2012, 07:31 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 155
Likes: 91
Liked 86 Times in 36 Posts
|
|
I had thought of doing this myself. I was going to have a new cylinder converted, also by TKs, but have since sold my 25-5.
I had contacted S&W last year about a new cylinder (SKU #150256) fitting my 1980 25-5 and they responded with:
Hello,
The cylinder can be fit to the older models, they run $116.00.
Regards,
Paul Gazda
1-800-331-0852 Ext. 2905
Hope this helps.
Last edited by cobretti; 05-08-2012 at 07:34 PM.
|
05-09-2012, 11:55 AM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Coastal NC
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 2,355
Liked 4,677 Times in 1,603 Posts
|
|
Thanks all for the ideas - gives me somewhere to start.
I like the idea of keeping the gun un-modded if I can, so really like cobretti's idea. Thanks guys.
__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275
|
05-09-2012, 02:28 PM
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: mid Missouri
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 9,407
Liked 2,560 Times in 1,010 Posts
|
|
I'd go with S&W doing the work & getting an entire new crane/cylinder assembly fitted in .45ACP that'll take 1/2 moon clips. That way you can go back to using .45Colt easily.............
|
05-09-2012, 04:00 PM
|
|
US Veteran
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: E. Washington State
Posts: 5,530
Likes: 1,341
Liked 10,669 Times in 3,259 Posts
|
|
I had the M28 I had converted to .45 Colt,1955 barrel, then got a .45ACP cylinder and had Austin Behlert do the work to fit everything right.
He then had it all armaloyed.
I like the idea of .45 Colt, 45ACP & 45 Autorim rounds.
HandLoad for all three.
|
05-09-2012, 04:07 PM
|
|
Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Coastal NC
Posts: 2,915
Likes: 2,355
Liked 4,677 Times in 1,603 Posts
|
|
VERY nice STCM!
__________________
Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275
|
05-09-2012, 04:22 PM
|
Banned
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Morehead City NC
Posts: 169
Likes: 6
Liked 12 Times in 12 Posts
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by da gimp
I'd go with S&W doing the work & getting an entire new crane/cylinder assembly fitted in .45ACP that'll take 1/2 moon clips. That way you can go back to using .45Colt easily.............
|
Been looking to do the same... but want interchangability. Called S&W and they said they are forbidden to change calibers on weapons. The ATF has an office at the facility, and they watch everything they do. I said... it's not really a caliber change, but any change is considered a caliber change.
So for those of you wishing to have S&W help... forget about it. Find a competent gunsmith elsewhere, and have them do it... if they are not fobidden as well.
You can actually buy nice 25-2's for about $900 average. And unless your 25-5 is a beater... should be able to come out on top by buying a nice used 45ACP and selling your Long Colt.
One reporters opinion...
[email protected] if you care to interact directly...
|
|
Tags
|
1955, 45acp, behlert, colt, gunsmith, m25, m28, m627, model 25, model 28, smith & wesson, smith and wesson |
Posting Rules
|
|
|
|
|