28-2 in 44 Special, w/ Range Report

[Muley Gil]

Alan Harton did a M28 to .44 Special conversion for me, as well as two Old Model .357 Ruger Blackhawks. The 1st BH was a 4 5/8", using a Super Blackhawk barrel. Alan had to turn down the diameter of the barrel to fit the frame. This in turn removed the Ruger "billboard".

The 2nd BH was built using a 5 1/2" Colt New Frontier barrel. I later sold this one, but I still have the shorter one.

 

[Retired W4]

Well, I got it to the range yesterday and I was amazed. This is the most accurate big bore S&W I own now. My tremors don't help with accuracy but my friend who is a very good handgun shot was nailing it. What a great revolver.

Added: I was shooting Appalachian Ammunition Boot Hill Express-CAS 200 gr. LRNFP and their Emancipator 180 gr. XTP-HP.

 

[DGNY]

Thank you for that truly superb follow up memo.

And congratulations on its function following form so admirably. Tip of the hat to you, and also to the skilled craftsman who made that possible

 

[bgrafsr]

My custom .44Special

I took a Model 24 and customized it myself. I didn't like the thin, original 24 barrel, so I obtained a 6" Model 29 barrel, installed it on the 24 frame, re-cut the end of the barrel to set B/C gap, and then cut the forcing cone. As the 29 barrel was blue, I sent the gun off Accurate Plating & Weaponry, and had him hard chrome the gun and put a red ramp on the front sight.
I also installed a case hardened target hammer and a smooth case hardened combat trigger, although in the photo it still has the original hammer & trigger.

Shoots very well.

 

[SAFireman]

Here is a trio done by David Keith....pretty neat little 44 specials

 

[S&W Fan]

I found this 28-2 conversion a few years ago purchased from a friend that bought it second hand. No idea who did the conversion, had the ball detent in the crane/yoke and I eventually sold it here after it had some minor work to correct a couple of small flaws. I only shot it minimally but it sure was fun.

 

[Retired W4]

That is REALLY nice. Jovono'ish.

 

[S&W Fan]

It was pretty cool, never could find any markings on it to figure who did the work but it was very well done. I can't find my older posts about it or my "for sale" thread but maybe whoever bought it will see this and chime in.

 

[Marksman]

I've owned several .44 conversions over the years, first was a police HD that a friend converted with a barrel from J & G. Next was a M/28 6" by an unknown 'smith and finally a couple of M/27 5". The first was a 27-2 converted by Jim Stoh of Alpha Precision and the next was a pre 27 that I commissioned Hamilton Bowen to do that included every option that he offered.

 

[Truckman]

I saw one today at the gun show...A 28-2 with a recessed .44 Magnum cylinder and a reamed and re-rifled Highway Patrolman barrel shortened to 3 1/2" now .44 sized...The maker was unknown to the seller, and I questioned the wisdom of shooting full power .44 Magnum cartridges through the barrel which had that much steel removed leaving a thin shell...

I made an offer on it based on what I had paid for other conversions which had included barrel changes that I knew would be rejected because of the insane price on it...It would have made a neat carry gun for me using lower powered .44 Special ammo...If it's still there next time, I'll try again......Ben

 

[A10]

Here is a trio done by David Keith....pretty neat little 44 specials

That shiney one....

 

[Truckman]

That shiney one....

They all shine in my eyes......Ben

 

[StrawHat]

…
and I questioned the wisdom of shooting full power .44 Magnum cartridges through the barrel which had that much steel removed leaving a thin shell...Ben

Ben,

The Model 28-2 that I posted about used the HP barrel bored and rifled to .451. Still plenty of metal.

I should compare measurements with my ACP Mountain Gun.

Kevin

 

[Truckman]

Ben,

The Model 28-2 that I posted about used the HP barrel bored and rifled to .451. Still plenty of metal.

I should compare measurements with my ACP Mountain Gun.

Kevin

My observation was based on conjecture rather than engineering principles, Kevin...It's probably safe, but the thought crossed between my ears briefly...Idle mind, Devil's workshop, you know the rest...It would be interesting to hear the results of the comparison though......Ben

 

[StrawHat]

My observation was based on conjecture rather than engineering principles, Kevin...It's probably safe, but the thought crossed between my ears briefly...Idle mind, Devil's workshop, you know the rest...It would be interesting to hear the results of the comparison though......Ben

Ben,

I did not drag out those two revolvers to measure them yet. I did grab some barrels from my parts drawer and measured them.

All measurements were taken at the shoulder where the barrel meets the frame and 4” from the breech end of the barrel.

Model 1917, .802 breech, .621 muzzle.

Model 1950, .797 breech, .622 muzzle.

Model 1950, .810 breech, .631 muzzle.

Model 28-2, .798 breech, .617 muzzle.

So, nothing definitive but, perhaps, interesting. They are all, nominally, .8 at the shoulder and .62 at the muzzle. (The one Model 1950 I will remeasure, just to see if it is indeed large.)

I will also get the two revolvers and other ACP revolvers out and measure them.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

I checked the numbers on the barrels and they are correct.

Loose barrels, not in frames, not as easy to measure as it sounds.

Kevin

 

[Truckman]

We appreciate your research, Kevin...Be sure to bill us for your time and expenses......Ben

 

[StrawHat]

We appreciate your research, Kevin...Be sure to bill us for your time and expenses......Ben

It would be cheaper to buy me some new revolvers! Looking for a Model 1955!

Kevin