That is a great find.
1950 Model 45 Target - Found in Tucson
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handejector
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Good eye.
You are correct.
It is a never used 1917 extractor (never had a serial number).
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45Wheelgun
Member
Actually it is the original numbered to the gun extractor that has been modified. It appears to me that they removed the ratchet from the star, and then added (silver solder?) a second star. The first star, fitting flush with the cylinder and the second star for holding the rim of the 45Colt. Then they put the ratchet on the top. All fits amazingly well. Note how well the replacement (1917) star fits the cylinder.
I agree. It was a pleasure to get to examine it in person at Tucson. My eyesight isn't all that great. That's where I noticed the 1917 extractor.
The piece of an extractor (the star) that was silver soldered to the original extractor came out of a magnum. If you look at the ratchet pads, they are of the shorter height like the kind you see on a recessed cylinder. It's my personal opinion that the gun had the conversion done post 1956. I think that is the extractor star out of a .44 magnum that was used. I think that because the dimensions are close enought o a .45 Colt to make the project "viable".
millerj7
Member
Very good, Lee. Wonder how many of the younger members have listened to Marty Robbins.Time to spring my trap-
Put $200 in small bills in a paper sack, and drop it in the alley behind Rose's cantina in El Paso, or you'll never see the gun again.
Better yet, bring it inside- I'm in the last corner booth (they got Wifi now) waitng for Felina to dance.
NEAT old gun.
Great photography on this interesting revolver, too!
Ed Fowler
Member
Thanks for digging this thread up from times past. Very interesting!
As a huge fan of 45acp revolvers, I am really impressed (and slightly envious) with your find. I've never had any desire to own a revolver chambered in 45 Colt, but I could easily make an exception for that one. My 1950 is one of my favorite guns. Enjoy yours.
Wow, I missed this thread back in 2010, that is one serious score. I'm glad you gave Lee the credit for the pics, because as I looked through them, I wondered if you had been doing all of Lee's photography.
Like Wayne, I missed this thread the first time around. What a marvelous engineering job. Has anyone else had this done since this was revealed to us?
Bob
Bob
I too, missed this the first time. I am glad you brought it back, so I could see it. thanx
Very interesting convertible.
Many 45 ACP cylinders of 1917s have been modified similarly for the longer Colt cartridge over the years just by reaming the chambers with rounded shoulders of precise placement for the Colt case to stick out far enough for proper headspace. The modified extractor star is icing on the cake.
Many 45 ACP cylinders of 1917s have been modified similarly for the longer Colt cartridge over the years just by reaming the chambers with rounded shoulders of precise placement for the Colt case to stick out far enough for proper headspace. The modified extractor star is icing on the cake.
I am glad this thread was brought back to life as I had never seen this thread or conversion. I have done several dual caliber conversion by milling a recess in 45 colt cylinders. This also leaves a portion of the colt base exposed, but has never cause a problem for me even with stiff colt loads.
I don't think the above method of conversion would be that difficult especially with the new no pin extractors. A 45acp cylinder with chambers reamed to depth and a fitted colt extractor should do it.
A simple solution I had never thought of. I like it. I do like my cylinders with the full moon recesses though, because, I don't have to change anything, just load it with which ever.
I don't think the above method of conversion would be that difficult especially with the new no pin extractors. A 45acp cylinder with chambers reamed to depth and a fitted colt extractor should do it.
A simple solution I had never thought of. I like it. I do like my cylinders with the full moon recesses though, because, I don't have to change anything, just load it with which ever.
MichaelZWilliamson
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Or he can shoot .45 Auto Rim.
It's neat, and I have a 1917, but I'm not looting the extractor from that for my Triple Lock.
But I would love to have one to go with them.
Is that a reasonable modification? I have been watching a model 25-2 marked Model of 1955, in 45 ACP at a LGS, I'd really like to have one in 45 Colt. This one is in excellent shape, but I would consider such a mod if reasonable.
Really sweet piece you have there.
Really sweet piece you have there.
Qmark
Member
Don't know how I missed this thread first time around. Glad it re-appeared.
Born in 1950, not only listened to him but met him several times at a very young age. So young in fact I don't recall it. Marty was a childhood friend of my neighbor and he often visited them. This before Marty was a celebrity outside of the few bars he sang at in the Glendale area. My father told me Marty was always smiling, friendly to everybody, kids especially. Dad said, Marty loved to tell and hear dirty jokes when the women weren't around.
Haven't been there in quite some time. Like J&G in Prescott another place I try and avoid with credit cards in my wallet.
Born in 1950, not only listened to him but met him several times at a very young age. So young in fact I don't recall it. Marty was a childhood friend of my neighbor and he often visited them. This before Marty was a celebrity outside of the few bars he sang at in the Glendale area. My father told me Marty was always smiling, friendly to everybody, kids especially. Dad said, Marty loved to tell and hear dirty jokes when the women weren't around.
Haven't been there in quite some time. Like J&G in Prescott another place I try and avoid with credit cards in my wallet.
It would be possible. But, there are a couple problems. Finding and fitting another extractor star. One for a 45/colt would be hard to find. One from a 357-44 could be reworked. The pins for alignment are often a little bit off from one cylinder/extractor are little off and something might have to be done to make both extractors fit right. Model 28 cylinders are not that hard to find. A good Smith can ream one and fit it. Then you just remove yoke and replace cylinder assembly.
Another thought I had was to just ream the 45 acp cylinder to the colt depth, then redo a couple full moon clips so the 45/colt cases slid though them. They would become spacers to hold the correct headspace for the colt rounds.
Any of it is possible. I have 3 S&W 45s that fire either round, but I use cylinders that are set up by making a 45/colt cylinder then Milling a relief in them for the full moon clips holding 45/acps.
What makes the op's gun great is it was an interesting method done at the factory.
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Skeetr57
Member
A few months back, I bought a .45 Colt cylinder from a poster here. It appears to be a factory conversion cylinder. It is marked on the cylinder under the ejector star "W<> D 6-77 .45 Colt". It is the correct length for a M25 frame. It had a very shallow rebate on the rear of the cylinder to clear the frame lug. I tried it in my M25 and it wasn't quite right, but when I tried it in my 1950 .45 target it was very close, only requiring a slight deepening of the rebate at the rear of the cylinder. Everything else is perfect - carry up, lockup, B-C gap and end shake.
roaddog28
Member
Congrats on your purchase. I have not ever seen a revolver like yours ever out here in California I just don't see revolvers like this. Just a beautiful revolver.
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