converting a 25-5 to .45ACP

[one eye joe]

Cylinder & Slide would do that work, I believe. I have a 625 Mountain Gun in .45 Colt, and a 4" 625-3, Model of 1989 in .45 ACP. They are both very fine revolvers. The 1989 will chamber and shoot .45 ACP w/o the use of moonclips. Extraction is easy with a fingernail, but slow. I would suggest, that you save your "mad money" and purchase a .45 ACP Model of 1989. They are NOT cheap, but they are worth every dime. Mine shoots one ragged hole groups @ 50ft off the bench. Recoil is moderate, VERY comfortable to shoot. I wouldn't alter your revolver, nor would I sell it.........

 

[cobretti]

So has anyone here actually had a conversion done? Any problems?

I emailed S&W asking about the compatability of the new LC cylinders to the 25-5. I should probably email the gunsmiths at these other companies as I can predict what S&W will respond with...

 

[ElToro]

i have a beater 6 inch 28 donor gun. i got it checap with this project in mind. i want to cut to 4 or 5 inches, rebored to .45 and have either 1 cylinder that shoots 45 LC, 45 ACP and 45 AR, or 2 cylinders that shoot all 3. then action tuned and bright blue polished refinish. shoudl i bite teh bullet an dgho to bowen or price out these other smiths

 

[ol' geeser]

Having carried a 4 inch 25-5 daily for right at 30 years and a 1911 the rest of the time I can roll several stories into one...i started out as a small town cop in Texas, the area was and is covered in meth labs. In the first 2 years I had to draw the 25-5 four times. Three of those times the objects of my attention urinated on themselves and the fourth defecated in his pants(made for a really long 17 mile ride to the jail)....My partner named the gun "ol' neverfail".....'nuff said...

 

[keith44spl]

The only reasonable way to do that would be to have the cylinder cut for moon clips which would allow use of 45acp ammo in the clips or 45 Colt without.

From the lips of the babe...





Right Here Ya Go.

Don't ask...I will not make one for you.


Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Thanks. I'm posting from work where the term I'm most often called isn't nearly so nice.
Cool conversion pics, thanks.
I don't recall seeing one so well from that view before.

 

[surveyor_nm]

For Dave (keith44spl)

Dave, could you take a look at my post on the previous page and give me your thoughts on if you think my idea will work?

Thanks in advance.
Bill Mahnke SWCA #1915

 

[CO_Kid]

It's not worth it. The forcing cone on the 45 ACP sticks farther into the frame window than the one on the 45 Colt. I read Alex Hamilton's answer to the exact same question a few years ago in a gun rag, and he plainly stated that the cost of transforming the 45 Colt gun to be able to swap cylinders to 45 ACP would cost more than a good used 45 ACP gun.

Just go out and get the 45 ACP gun in the same configuration as your 45 Colt gun. Or, follow the advice of those saying to conver the cylinder to accept moon clips if you are dead set about having the same gun shoot both rounds.

 

[keith44spl]

Dave, could you take a look at my post on the previous page and give me your thoughts on if you think my idea will work?

Thanks in advance.
Bill Mahnke SWCA #1915

Sir,

I have re-read your post on the previous page, and I believe using a 29-2 cylinder is not a workable idea...As I also looked at using the same type of cyl. as well.

This was my findings; When starting off with a recessed (c'bored) cylinder and cut it for ACP moon clips I always wind up with a extractor star much to thin for practical use.

Your results may vary

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[surveyor_nm]

Dave: Thanks for your insight...that's EXACTLY the type of information I was was looking for.

CO Kid: The forcing cone is not the problem...the 29-2 cylinder will work (size wise). And as I said, I already have a 625-4 and a 22-4. Was just looking to make something a little different with what I have.

Bill Mahnke SWCA #1915

 

[cobretti]

I received an answer from Paul Gazda at S&W regarding a new Model 25 Classic cylinder to fit my 1980 25-5:

"Hello, the cylinder can be fit to the older models, they run $116.00."

Regards, Paul

1-800-331-0852 Ext. 2905

So, with the $80.00 to machine the cylinder for moon clips, it would add another $200.00 to the cost of the gun. That's not too bad for having something unique that can be kept original and still save money on ammo, and besides, that's what money's for...right?