455/45 Colt Triple Lock

[billhilly66]

I've got a 455 Triple Lock SN 12858 that was converted to 45 Colt, had the barrel cut to 5" (measured from the forcing cone), and re blued. The work looks to have been done quite some time ago.

I'd like to have it made into a nice 3 1/2" gun like Bowen does with the Heavy Dutys but I've got a few questions.

Is the bore going to be ok for 45 Colt? The bore is in great shape but I haven't had it slugged and I don't know the bore diameter of a 455 as opposed to 45 Colt.

As it's already chopped up, will I be hurting the gun's value or anybody's feelings by chopping it up the way I want it?

 

[billhilly66]

I've got a 455 Triple Lock SN 12858 that was converted to 45 Colt, had the barrel cut to 5" (measured from the forcing cone), and re blued. The work looks to have been done quite some time ago.

I'd like to have it made into a nice 3 1/2" gun like Bowen does with the Heavy Dutys but I've got a few questions.

Is the bore going to be ok for 45 Colt? The bore is in great shape but I haven't had it slugged and I don't know the bore diameter of a 455 as opposed to 45 Colt.

As it's already chopped up, will I be hurting the gun's value or anybody's feelings by chopping it up the way I want it?

 

[john traveler]

The central question is "how does it shoot now?"

.455 caliber revolvers can have chamber mouths and groove diameters that run as high as 0.462"-0.463" instead of the nominal 0.454" standard on .45 Colt guns. Examples of this are the many .455 Webley MkVI revolvers converted to .45 ACP that don't shoot worth beans. Are your .45 Colt chambers smoothly cut? IO've seen some rechamber jobs that were as rough as a corncob.

Measurements can give some indications of the shooting potential, but it's still easier to shoot a few boxes of .45 Colt ammo and see for yourself.

As for ruining the collector's value, it's already ruined by the conversion, the barrel cutting, and the refinishing. Why not have the gun you want?

 

[billhilly66]

Thanks John. I haven't shot it yet. I'm fixin to load up a bunch of rounds for my Schofield with .452 RN and Unique and I'll try them in it and see. The gun is a bit on the loose side so I don't know how much that will figure in.

The chambers look pretty good actually. Whoever cut it up the first time did a good job.

I guess if it shoots ok, I'll start choppin.

 

[Texas Star]

I think you should leave it as is. Looks good, and the .45 Colt needs some barrel length to get good velocity. You can't handload that old gun too hot, remember.


T-Star

 

[MikeyL]

Nice old TR!

For sure, shoot it first! Just a note on building 45 Colt ammo for your triple-lock....try some different bullet weights as well. I have a 1917 that absolutely does not shoot 230 gr. hardball, but puts the light bullets (117 gr. Augilar, 180 gr. Silvertips) where they belong. Go figger.

MikeyL
SWCA #2010

 

[rburg]

My suggestion to you would be to compromise just a little. Since T/Ls weren't made in 3 1/2", just have it cut to 4" instead.

Usually one of the biggest factors in accuracy is the chamber mouths. Thats one measurement that you need to take and consider in all your loadings. If you don't handload, you're kind of at the mercy of the factories.

As for the grips, they'd look nice on a 1950s N frame. I have no idea where you're going to get a correct vintage set of gold service stocks, but that would greatly improve the looks of your gun. Failing walnut, look for elephant ivory!

 

[billhilly66]

Thanks for the advice. I guess it will all come down to how it shoots as is. I'm going to try it out this weekend. How hot is too hot for an old TR? I'm thinking 7.5gr of Unique and a 250gr LRN bullit.

Are these not as strong as other N frames?

 

[Muley Gil]

The size of the cylinder increased in the next N frame, the 2nd Model. Heat treating started in the 1920s.

7.5 grains of Unique undel a 250 grain bullet should be fine.

Personally, I'd leave it as a 5" gun. That is one of the best balanced combos around.

 

[feralmerril]

Are you sure that the barrel is cut back? It looks pretty good to me! I magnified your pictures and the barrel is stamped .45 colt. How sure are you on the info that the guns remodeling history? I would get a factory letter and see how it shoots as is. If it checks ok and you still want to go farther with it I dont think it would hurt the value. Here is a .44 special I have that was fixed sighted and sent to the factory in 1949 and had the modern target sights added. It is my most accuarate revolver.

 

[billhilly66]

I assumed it had been cut because the stamping on top of the barrel looks to be cut off. It is stamped 45 Colt but it was clearly done over the original 455 stamping which you could see if I was a better photagrapher/had a better camera.

 

[feralmerril]

Okay, from the pictures it looks like a good job in the past. Try her out and go from there. There were only something like 2o made in .45 colt. Thats why we wanted to be extra sure. Sounds like you wont be hurting anything by going with it further. Good luck!

 

[dinguss]

How long is the 455 triple locks Cylinder??

Can someone please measure there Cylinder length and post it for me Please.

 

[Kamerer]

I don't have one in front of me, but the SCSW states it is 1.58"

 

[billhilly66]

Mine measures 1.58"

 

[dinguss]

Thanks thats Shorter than the Colt New service 455 cylinder. there 1.640 long.
I was wondering cause Elmer Keith mentions in his book six guns the S&W cylinder being a tad shorter than most.
i wanted to know how much shorter it was.