Convert a 686 from .357 Mag to .44 Spl

[kensnra]

I did a search and didn't find anything. What I want to know is it practical & what is involved & gunsmiths that do this kind of work. Any pro's con's or other ideas, options, related information will be appreciated.

I'm not interested in a .44 Mag. Wanting .44 Special for concealed carry as well as a packing gun for outdoor activities.

 

[Mack]

S&W had one for a while, 696, 5 shot .44 Special. To convert a 686 will take a new cylinder and either a new barrel or it might be possible to bore out the existing barrel. Better to try and find a 696 to buy instead of paying for a conversion if you could even find the parts.

m.

 

[sheriffoconee]

I reached the same conclusion, which makes me a proud owner of a 696

 

[W.E.G.]

I hope its not blasphemy to mention Charter Arms .44 carry guns.

e.g. GB auction 160816742

 

[sheriffoconee]

I hope its not blasphemy to mention Charter Arms .44 carry guns.

e.g. GB auction 160816742

I have owned two.....I own one now...
the first one was the Pug version, and while shooting Rem 246 grn standard loads the front sight flew off and I never found it...I gave that one to someone who wanted it worse than I did....
the one I own now, a "target" version, while shooting "Cowboy" loads, I discovered that the thumbpiece no longer opens the cylinder...it will open by pulling on the end of the extractor rod...
so it is loaded as a 5 shot disposable handgun should the need ever arise...I won't sell it, and I don't feel like spending any money to fix it...so it just sits with 5 rounds in it, waiting for the last time I shoot it...

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

Smith has the parts. You need a barrel, cylinder & extractor. The barrels are available, I haven't had a chance to hunt down cylinders, could go Ti cylinder if you wanted also. The parts will need to be put on by a smith, they need adjusting and fitting.

 

[setxn]

My 35 yr old Charter 44 Bulldog has been a great gun.Only problem I've had was some hot reloads[240 LSWC] blocking the cylinder rotation. jacketed bullets with a good crimp won't do this.I am not familiar with the newer Charter Arms revolvers but the old ones are well built ,reliable and affordable.

 

[Sandust]

Can be done, You would end up with this.
If you get the right 686 you will end up with a correct features revolver except for the model engraving on the crane.
I built mine for several reasons one being to get a custom action like a super tight gap and fitting the barrel a special way. I use mine a lot and love it. Extremely accurate.

 

[Sandust]

Try the pictures again.

Can be done, You would end up with this.
If you get the right 686 you will end up with a correct features revolver except for the model engraving on the crane.
I built mine for several reasons one being to get a custom action like a super tight gap and fitting the barrel a special way. I use mine a lot and love it. Extremely accurate.

 

[Sandust]

Try again on the last picture.

 

[Repellere]

Save your money and buy a 696. Considering what 696s are going for on gunbroker, it will still be cheaper in the end.

 

[ddixie884]

Are the barrels available? Where?

 

[500 Magnum Nut]

They are listed on the S&W website.
Click on revolver parts list.

Parts Lists - Smith & Wesson

 

[ladder13]

Midway has 696 cylinders though they are backordered. This price is for dealers or C&R licensees.


Smith & Wesson Cylinder Assembly S&W L-Frame Model 696 - MidwayUSA

 

[v8svo]

kensnra,
You had asked if anyone knew of a pistolsmith that could do such a conversion. Jim Stroh the owner of Alpha Precision (Alpha Precision - Custom gunsmithing at it's finest.) did a similar project for me. Jim does all the work himself and he does an excellent work.
I started with a 681, the titanium cylinder out of a 296 and the barrel from a 686 Mountain Gun. Clearwater Reboring (Delta Gun Shop / Clearwater Reboring) bored the barrel out then Jim fit the pieces together. You will also need a hand from a 696 or 296 to advance the five shot cylinder. I had Jim shorten the barrel to about 3", just past the extractor rod shroud. I owned the 296 that the cylinder was removed from because I could only get a stainless cylinder from Smith and Wesson. The stainless cylinder added weight to the 296, the fellow I sold the 296 was very happy with it and said it shot well, another testament to Jim's work.
When that was done I sent the frame to Roy Fishpaw for a pair of French Walnut grips. This is my one of my most favorite revolvers and I will never part with it.

This certainly is not an inexpensive route but I am sure glad with the pistol.

 

[hastings]

v8svo:

That is a very nice looking revolver. Any chance of you posting more pictures?

thanks

 

[kensnra]

Kevin, that is a beautiful revolver. I'm going to keep the information you provided, but at this time will not be doing a conversion. I found a "new unfired" 696 w/no dash on Gunbroker. I spent more money than I had wanted, but decided I wasn't getting any younger and it was going to cost me whatever I did, so what the heck. I have Sandust to thank for putting me on to Gunbroker as I had never been on the web site before. I appreciate his telling me. I should be getting my 696 tomorrow or Thursday.

I appreciate everyone's comment's and help.

Ken

P.S. I talked to S&W and found that parts for the 696 are obsolete and they don't have any inventory left and don't expect to have any in the future. That is why Brownells, Midway do not have any.