28-2 conversion

[butch27tee]

Hi I'm a new member and this is my first post. I have several S&W pieces in my gun safe: model 61 in excellent shape 22 LR, S&W M&P 45 cal new gun love it, S&W 28-2 converted to 44, used to carry and shoot this as a back up when hunting, it has a 61/2" barrel stamped "44 S&W special ctg" gun was reported to have been built and used as a silhouette competition gun. I have only shot 44 special thru it because of the 44 special on the barrel, wonderful gun to shoot. However I have come to realise that it will chamber 44 magnum rounds, question? is it safe to put 44 magnums through this gun? I have had this gun for probably 30 years and dont want to mess it (me) up. Thanks in advance Butch

 

[310Pilot]

The barrel is not a problem, and conversions of Model 28s to .44 Special, while not prolific, are not uncommon. It sounds like a .44 Magnum cylinder was used for the conversion; however, it is probably not a good idea to shoot .44 Magnums in that gun, as the frame, although heat treated at the factory, was to .357 Magnum specifications, not to .44 Magnum specifications (lots more power from the .44 Mag for the frame to deal with). My recommendation is to keep using .44 Specials in the gun, if you want to shoot .44 Magnums, find a nice Model 29.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[butch27tee]

Thanks for reply, I have no need for another 44 magnum ( I also have one of the infamous Charter Arms Bull dog, miserable gun) I was just curious, Butch