Convert 8 3/8" M25 to .45ACP?

[mjbehan]

AFAIK, S&W never made the Model 25 with an 8 3/8" bbl AND chambered in .45ACP. I want to get a .45ACP cylinder, get the long bbl M25, and have a gunsmith install that cylinder.

Questions for the community:

1) I can't think of a reason why this would NOT be feasible...If someone has a good reason (NOT $$ or worse ballistics or lameness, etc.) to steer clear of this idea, I'd appreciate the advice.

2) If I DO end up getting a 8 3/8" M25, I think I've seen mentioned in these forums that there are years and series to stay away from (misaligned or out-of-spec throats, other manufacturing flaws).
Any recommendations of a good year/series to get for a re-cylindering like this?

Thanks for your advice!
Mike

 

[keith44spl]

The only thing I'll throw out is the 8 3/8" model 25-5 barrel will need the shoulder set back
to mate with the shorter ACP cylinder, if a donor N frame is used.

If I were gonna do a set up like that....

I'd start with a 25-5 8 3/8" and use a later non-recessed 44 or 41
mag cylinder, re-set the headspace and re-chamber that to 45 ACP.

Ending up with a dandy convertible dual cartridge long barreled revolver.


.

 

[series guy]

What he said. It's way easier to convert from ACP to Colt. Now if you used a .44 mag cylinder and fit it to the gun and then reamed it to .45ACP and cut it for moon clips you may have a chance at a convertible. You would just have to make sure the donor cylinder was as long or longer than the Colt cylinder. You could also end up with some .451 throats which should make the gun very accurate.

 

[Pizza Bob]

The simplest solution is to find your .45 Colt and have the cylinder machined to accept moon clips - now, for about $150, you have both in one gun without having to switch anything.

Any model 25-5 should be checked for oversized throats. Internet lore says that if the barrel is NOT pinned you're OK. I say, if it's a 25-5, check it.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[steelslaver]

Pizza Bob is correct. I have 3 S&W that fire either 45 with no cylinder swapping. Sweet