Caliber conversion question

[mod34]

I've just posted my 28-2 on the Guns for Sale part of the forum. If it doesn't sell, I plan to send it off to Hamilton Bowen for a caliber conversion and other Hamilton goodies. My question is, convert it to .44spl or .45 Colt? I thought of perhaps 10mm, but don't want to fool with moon clips.
So the question: if you were sending an N-frame off for a caliber conversion, what would you convert to?

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Original Model 28 revolvers in serviceable condition (much less pristine examples) are in very high demand and bring substantial prices. Before I would consider a caliber conversion (destroying all collector value) I would think about cashing in on current market value and purchasing a new N-frame revolver in any of the calibers you have been thinking about.

Best regards.

 

[Twogunnes]

Bowen has a 38-44 converting to 44 Special. He talked me out of 45 acp.

I have a 625 Springfield Anniversary model. I really like. The moon clips are not a problem.

The cylinder on your 28 is a little short, in 45 Colt you will have to watch your oal of cartridge.

I would choose 44 Special. Although I have always wanted a 41 Special. Maybe in a L frame.

 

[mod34]

Original Model 28 revolvers in serviceable condition (much less pristine examples) are in very high demand and bring substantial prices. Before I would consider a caliber conversion (destroying all collector value) I would think about cashing in on current market value and purchasing a new N-frame revolver in any of the calibers you have been thinking about.

Best regards.

We'll see. As indicated, I currently have it listed so we'll see what happens.

 

[mod34]

Bowen has a 38-44 converting to 44 Special. He talked me out of 45 acp.

I have a 625 Springfield Anniversary model. I really like. The moon clips are not a problem.

The cylinder on your 28 is a little short, in 45 Colt you will have to watch your oal of cartridge.

I would choose 44 Special. Although I have always wanted a 41 Special. Maybe in a L frame.

Think it could handle the .50 spl?

 

[Twogunnes]

No, 50 Special. Rechambering a 28 to 45 Colt sometimes resulted in holes thru the locking notches in the cylinder.

 

[Doug M.]

I've seen the for sale posting, and I can't believe this has not been snapped up. I have some other needs for the $ that I have to prioritize and can't justify that, but this is a smoking deal.

 

[mod34]

I've seen the for sale posting, and I can't believe this has not been snapped up. I have some other needs for the $ that I have to prioritize and can't justify that, but this is a smoking deal.

Doug,
Was thinking the same thing. This is a really nice 28 for bargain money. Will most likely pull this one down and get it off to Hamilton.

 

[keith44spl]

I've just posted my 28-2 on the Guns for Sale part of the forum. If it doesn't sell, I plan to send it off to Hamilton Bowen for a caliber conversion and other Hamilton goodies. My question is, convert it to .44spl or .45 Colt? I thought of perhaps 10mm, but don't want to fool with moon clips.
So the question: if you were sending an N-frame off for a caliber conversion, what would you convert to?

Sir,

I would seriously consider the 44 Special cartridge for your new chambering.
Have used the 44 Spl. for the last four decades with success
in all endeavors and am well pleased with the decision of
converting several of my .357 to the larger bore.

And I've never looked back.

As I believe it was Ol Shelton that said when comparing
the .44 Special to the .357 Magnum as, 'A good big man
beating hell out of a good little man.'

A couple of my converted N frames to .44 Special;

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Back in "The Day" (1970-1980 era) I had a number of Model 28s converted to .45acp and .44mag by S&W Repair Central in Tampa, Florida. This conversion consisted of changing barrels and cylinders.

 

[arizonarotors]

Forgive me if I'm hijacking this thread, but I had a disturbing conversation with Nelson Ford in Phoenix today.

I was at his shop picking up my wife's 60-15 and my 625-3. Nelson had smoothed out the action very nicely for me.

While at his shop I asked about some more work I would like done.

I have collected a NOS 25-2 cylinder and a 6.5 inch tapered, Model of 1950, 45 caliber barrel. I asked Nelson to take one of my old Model 28s and build me a 45ACP revolver.

He said he could not because of the liability involved. I was flabbergasted!

I don't want to send it off to be converted. I don't want a straight barrel 25-2. I want to build up a revolver, in 45ACP, from my components.

Unless I can find someone competent with a 100 miles or so I guess I'll buy/build the tools necessary and try to do it myself.

I certainly sympathize with Nelson vis-a-vis "liability;" it just caught me by surprise.

Jim

 

[mod34]

Forgive me if I'm hijacking this thread, but I had a disturbing conversation with Nelson Ford in Phoenix today.

I was at his shop picking up my wife's 60-15 and my 625-3. Nelson had smoothed out the action very nicely for me.

While at his shop I asked about some more work I would like done.

I have collected a NOS 25-2 cylinder and a 6.5 inch tapered, Model of 1950, 45 caliber barrel. I asked Nelson to take one of my old Model 28s and build me a 45ACP revolver.

He said he could not because of the liability involved. I was flabbergasted!

I don't want to send it off to be converted. I don't want a straight barrel 25-2. I want to build up a revolver, in 45ACP, from my components.

Unless I can find someone competent with a 100 miles or so I guess I'll buy/build the tools necessary and try to do it myself.

I certainly sympathize with Nelson vis-a-vis "liability;" it just caught me by surprise.

Jim

Jim,
My experience with Hamilton Bowen has, in each instance, well exceded my every expectation. I would toss him a note and see what he can do. The man is world renowned yet well grounded. His responses to emails is near-immediate and informative.

 

[mod34]

Sir,

I would seriously consider the 44 Special cartridge for your new chambering.
Have used the 44 Spl. for the last four decades with success
in all endeavors and am well pleased with the decision of
converting several of my .357 to the larger bore.

And I've never looked back.

As I believe it was Ol Shelton that said when comparing
the .44 Special to the .357 Magnum as, 'A good big man
beating hell out of a good little man.'

A couple of my converted N frames to .44 Special;

Su Amigo,
Dave

Will probably go the .44 route. Have tossed him one more question about the feasability of .41mag. Once that is answered, I'll go from there.

 

[Boxhead]

Alan Harton out of Houston recently did this one for me.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have had a M28 and a M27 converted to .44 Special. I have also had two Old Model Ruger .357s converted to .44 Special.

The M28 and the Rugers were all done by Alan Harton. He does excellent work.

 

[AEM]

Remember when gas stations had signs saying their insurance company did not allow them to loan tools? Did you ever wonder why an insurance company would worry about a two dollar Crescent wrench? They didn't- the signs were just cover for the owner who didn't want to loan his tools out.

It is the same today with "liability concerns." Why would a carefully done conversion expose the gunsmith to any more liability than a carefully done trigger job? It wouldn't. Anyone who doesn't want to offer a service today just invokes the liability BoogeyMan as an excuse to avoid it.

Try to find one gunsmith who has been sued for working on a firearm. Liability only lies if you act unreasonably and as a result someone is injured. Any gunsmith, or any other expert, who says he is afraid to practice his profession is saying that he is afraid his work is unreasonably dangerous. Don't believe that **** about frivolous lawsuits. Personal injury attorneys only get paid if they win, so there is a natural incentive not to take frivolous cases. No jury would enter a verdict against a gunsmith unless he was demonstrably careless. Any gunsmith who is afraid of liability is admitting he is a hack.

I understand Hamilton Bowen has a law degree. He understands the law and doesn't seem reluctant to undertake sensible custom conversions. Ask him.