38/44 Conversion to 44 Spl

[delta-419]

44 conversions

I really appreciate the discussion. Everything 44 has become my passion. I think I have a good idea on where I want to go after seeing all those fine examples of artfully done conversions. A custom 44 spl is in my future, something unique just for ME! Maybe engraved, to boot. Thanks guys!

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

thanks for all the good info

 

[bamabiker]

I really appreciate the discussion. Everything 44 has become my passion. I think I have a good idea on where I want to go after seeing all those fine examples of artfully done conversions. A custom 44 spl is in my future, something unique just for ME! Maybe engraved, to boot. Thanks guys!

Sounds like someone is getting ready for a REAL BBQ gun.
Go for it.

 

[crofoot629]

This Bowen conversion was done in 2005. It took about two months and cost $1400..Originally a 5" pre-27 coverted to .44 special. It is the most accurate gun I own.

I fear the wait time and cost have both increased considerably.
And I'm sure for good reason. Ham Bowen does great work from what I can see and have heard.

Emory

 

[STCM(SW)]

Now you guys have done it.
Another one looking for S&W .44 Specials......

I need more and don't need the competition! LOL!

 

[Twogunnes]

I have been toying with the idea of converting a shooter grade prewar 38/44 into a 44 Special. Has anyone done a like conversion. Hamilton Bowen seems to be the "go to" guys for this type project. Do you guys have any idea what their timeline for such a project would be? I figure cost would be in the $1100-1400 price range. Anybody had recent experience with a similar project? Your thoughts!

He has a 4 inch 38-44 transitional that he is converting for me.

Should be ready this fall, $1,400.00

It will be a really nice piece.

Everyone whines on this conversion, but you see a lot more 38-44 than 44.

Just buy one and do it.

But, do not tell Aspenhill.

 

[feralmerril]

Here is fuel for the fire. My seven .44 specials.

 

[keith44spl]

Jest a few in the remuda of .44 Special revolvers that have either been converted

to that chambering, or customized in some way to suit the end user some-where's along the way.



Although I own and use other caliber revolvers and pistols....

After a near half century of dallying with the .44 Special, I have found....She's really all I ever needed.


Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[bubbajoe45]

I had David Clements in Virginia convert a scratched up 3.5" 27-2 to .44 Special. I think he only does single action work now (?). His cost was about half of HB. Took a year.

I pondered it for a long while. The salient points to me were raised above as well: S&W never made a 3.5" .44 Spl, the 'cost effectiveness' would never be an issue because I'll never sell it, it serves my purposes, shoots well and pleases me. I had my initials engraved on it, and will leave it as a lasting legacy to my son.

I felt it married the best configuration with the best caliber - my PPP (perfect packin pistol)

 

[A10]

I'm kinda likin' that scratched up 3 1/2" there Dave

 

[rhmc24]

I envy folks getting beautiful conversion work done but I'm pretty much stuck with DIY if I want something. So I offer 'show & tell' of this DIY project making a gun from parts. Frame is a 1917, cylinder is 1909 .45 Colt, barrel is from a 1880s SAA with RAC mark, grips ebony & ivory from material I got in Africa, working there in 1950s, décor mine & nickel plate outsourced.

 

[ddixie884]

Thank you all for sharing...........

 

[Nframecollector]

I say its your gun.......do what you want with it!

 

[keithherrington]

Some of my Bowen projects: cost and modifications

The following are a few of the Bowen guns I've had built over the years and the costs associated with each. They all took between 6 and 12 months to build. I've also shown what they sold for so you can get an idea of what the return on investment was.

1. S&W Model 58 (Bowen), S3276XX (1968), 4" barrel, 45 Colt. Originally purchased in August 2010 for $1000. Spegel checkered extended boot grips $150. Model 25 barrel ($125) shortened to 4" and remarked, pinned front sight, barrel rib contoured, and gun finished in satin blue. Bowen invoice #3893: $2040. Total $3350. Unfired since built. Traded in September 2012 for five new rifles.

2. Custom S&W Model 58 (Bowen), N2732XX, 45 Colt. Model 27 cylinder, 1955 barrel shortened to 4", pinned front sight, action job, barrel rib recontoured, and gun refinished to satin blue. Original cost $500. Model 1955 barrel $145. Spegel checkered extended boot grips $100. Bowen invoice #2223: $1800. Total $2545. With original box, paperwork and cleaning rod/brush. Sold for $2400 in December 2009.

3. S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty (Bowen), S734XX, 4" barrel. Roy Jinks letter says it left the factory on 3 May 1949. Converted to 44 Special, refinished and action job by Hamilton Bowen. Invoice # 7790. Spegel grips $85. Original cost $780. Custom work $1145. Total $2010. Sold in September 2006 for $2400.

4. S&W 38/44 Heavy Duty (Bowen), S1562XX, 4" barrel. Roy Jinks letter says it left the factory on 18 August 1958. Has Bowen action job and conversion to 38-40. Purchased in July 2005 for $1030. Magna grips $85. Bowen's work $1411. Total $2526. Traded in December 2006 for Miltech M1 and Browning Citori 425 Sporting Clays shotgun.

5. S&W post-war pre-Model 20 38/44 (Bowen), S1552XX (1955-58), 4" barrel, 45 Colt. Purchased for $2000 in November 2010 including Roy Fishpaw exhibition grade walnut grips. Originally built in 9/8/2004, Bowen receipt #7336: $1895. Sold in July 2011 for $2399. Guns 3 and 4 were of identical configuration to the gun shown below.


6. S&W Model 58 (Bowen), N2737XX (1975-77), 4" barrel, 45 Colt. Originally purchased for $695 in October 2008. Spegel extended boot grips $150. 1955 barrel $125. 1955 barrel shortened to 4" and remarked, cylinder bored to 45 Colt, pinned front sight and barrel rib contoured, and gun finished in satin blue. Bowen invoice #2079: $1581. Total $2551. Sold in May 2013 for $2600.

7. S&W Model 520 (Bowen), N5576XX (1979), 4" barrel, 45 S&W. Originally purchased for $700 in February 2009. Spegel extended boot grips $185. 1955 barrel $150. 1955 barrel shortened to 4" and remarked, pinned front sight, barrel rib contoured, cylinder chambered to 45 S&W and gun finished in satin blue. Bowen invoice #2439: $1435. Total $2470. Sold in July 2013 for $3000, with 1000 rounds of ammo. This configuration (shown in photo) is very similar to the guns described in 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9.



8. S&W Model 520 (Bowen), N5581XX (NYSP, 1979), 4" barrel, 44 Special. S&W Performance Center Master Revolver action job and Performance Enhancement Package. Bowen's work: barrel shortened to 4" and remarked, pinned front sight, barrel rib contoured, and gun finished in satin blue. Originally purchased for $800 in January 2007. Model 29 barrel $125. Spegel Makassar Ebony extended boot grips $90. Total $2500. Bowen invoice #2255: $1494. Sold for $2599 in May 2013.

9. S&W Model 58 (Bowen), N2721XX (1975-77), 4" barrel, 41 Magnum. Roy Jinks letter states it left the factory on 9 May 1978. S&W Performance Center Master Revolver action job and Performance Enhancement Package but with full strength springs. Originally purchased for $995. Spegel checkered extended boot grips $150. Model 57 barrel $125. Model 57 barrel shortened to 4" and remarked, pinned front sight, barrel rib contoured, and gun finished in satin blue. Bowen invoice #2663: $1370. Total $ 2845. Not for sale.

Just sent a Model 14-3 to Hamilton for a simple retiming and throat honing job. Projected turnaround is 6 months. According to him his is VERY busy with "package jobs". See his website for what those are.

Keith

 

[jimmyj]

WOW !
Now I know where all the Model 58s went.

 

[Jim Watson]

Back in the Golden Age (1970s) when used guns were cheap and replacement barrels available, a friend got the DA .45 LC itch before the M25-5 showed up. He found two 1950 .45 Target barrels and fitted them to a M27 and an M28. Bob Snapp rechambered the .357 cylinders. The guns looked good and shot well, although he had to watch .45 LC OAL in a .357 cylinder. He did another with a 1955 barrel which was not as cosmetic because he had no way to remachine the wide rib and fair it in with the topstrap, but it was a great shooter.

He is since deceased. I wish I could find one of the guns as a memento.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

As a 38/44 collector, I just cry when I see all those great 38/44 sacrificed.

Yes they are your guns, but it is still sad for me to see.

 

[keithherrington]

As a 38/44 collector, I just cry when I see all those great 38/44 sacrificed.

Yes they are your guns, but it is still sad for me to see.

You should be happy as a clam. Each one I modified and others modify makes each one you own that much more dear and special. Every collector's dream. Collecting is after all about exclusivity.
Keith

 

[Peter M. Eick]

That is true if you are finished adding to the "pile".

If you are still accumulating, every one lost is a travesty that drives up the demand and increases the scarcity of the really good ones left.

 

[usnrigger]

I normally look at it this way. If i have someone want to do something along the lines of this. Do you know that you will be taking away a lot of the collector value by doing this? A: Yes i fine with that(cool its your gun). I may offer other ways as buying a project gun or non matching donor gun for project.

-This is how i look at it with personal projects. If its a numbers matching nice piece i just do basic non aversive restore: clean, polish refresh. If its a low grade numbers matching and not overly rare/scares i would consider a full on restoration. It also depends on situations. I have a Pre War 38/44 that was my grandfathers duty pistol. Im probably going to restore it down the line as i will never sell it and id like the family and future generations to enjoy it. It has no collector value in the sense it is priceless as far as not selling it. Many times if done right a low grade pistol can be given enough curb appeal as a shooter to offset the low grade after the refinish and custom work. Look at something like a King Super Target, it has not factory collector value, as back in the day it was modified now look what they bring. Having someone like Bowen do work could have same outcome.

-Do what you want man, just do it well and research your options.

Good Luck

USNRigger