Converting a 45 Colt to 45ACP EDIT: Went Another Way

[Lou_NC]

You have a very desirable gun there. If you're set on replacing it with a 625 in .45 ACP, though, why not simply post a WTT in the classifieds and tell folks exactly what you're looking for in a 625 in .45 ACP? I haven't checked actual selling prices lately for both calibers, but I'd be willing to bet you may have around $100 more in value in your gun than the same gun in .45 ACP, which should cover your shipping cost and FFL fees, and leave some cash for buying moon clips!

I have 625's in both calibers and would NEVER sell either one. I'm a handloader and really enjoy experimenting with the .45 Colt, I find it to be an extremely interesting and versatile caliber. Conversely, I also appreciate the fast reloads of the .45 ACP with moon clips. So, I'm not about to give up either one!

Good luck,
Lou

 

[GCF]

You have a very desirable gun there...

...I'm a handloader and really enjoy experimenting with the .45 Colt, I find it to be an extremely interesting and versatile caliber....

Good luck,
Lou

Ditto the desirable gun thing. The .45 Colt MG is a hot property! Sadly, I end up selling a lot of guns to pay bills - when business gets slow. That said, I have managed to hang on to mine through some tough times. Had a heck of a time finding it in the first place, & am sure it would be hard to replace.

I'd like to have a 629-4 MG as well, at some point - just for grins.

At one time, I'd considered having a second cylinder (from a 657) re-chambered for the 625-6, in .45 Schofield. It would be a handloader proposition (Starline makes the brass) for sure, but thought it would be interesting. Nixed the idea, due to the perceived, non-recoverable cost issue.

 

[steelslaver]

Many of the cylinders in N frames are shorter than a model 25 45LC cylinder. You would probably need a 41 or 44 cylinder to make a 45ACP cylinder. If you started with an under bored cylinder and reeamed itt correctly you would also get rid of the ACP's bullets jump through the extra length of a 45LC chamber and have the correct bore through a long throat. I know the 28 cylinders are the same length as 45acp cylinders in 1955s and 1917 and they are shorter than the cylinder in my 25 in 45 LC. Believe you would find model 27 cylinders the same. My 629 has the same length cylinder as my model 25 45LC. Did I mention I am a big bore N frame fan.

I have 2 45acp LC convertibles, (1955 and 1917) but, both have 2 of the short cylinders.

I am looking into doing the same thing to get a K frame 9mm cylinder.

 

[Mike Grasso]

I have both a MG in 45 Colt and a Colt Anaconda in 45 Colt.
Both of them have converted cylinders from TK Custom (about $125 now).
Both of them shoot ACP very well.
Did I change the value of the gun, It really doesn't matter to me, I buy them to shoot.

Mike

 

[WCCPHD]

At the same time I started this thread I e-mailed S&W Customer Service and asked this related question:

"I have a Model 625-6 Mountain Gun in 45 Colt. Is it possible to purchase a spare/replacement cylinder in 45ACP for this N frame revolver?

Thanks,"

This is their reply:

"Dear Customer,

The 45acp cylinder would not work on that model. the 2 cylinders are different sizes. You would not be able to maintain the 4 to 10 thousands gap between the cylinder and the barrel.

If further assistance is required please reply accordingly.

Sincerely,"

Based on the replies, both forum and S&W, I am going to look for a dedicated .45 ACP revolver and either keep or sell the MG.

Bill

 

[spearcrow]

I'm pretty lucky to have a gunsmith for an uncle! He made me up a 45colt/acp. It started life as a pre model 27, but like most N frames... it dreamed of of being a big bore. So it got a nice 3" 45acp barrel, and I've got two different cylinders that I swap out between them, one for acp and the other for colt.

It can be done, not too big of a deal either. It's just getting harder to find competent smith's to do things like this. Sorry for not having pics handy...I'm starting my shift at work.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I'll agree with those who say consider selling or trading the gun to get what you want.

There are a lot of us who would LOVE to get our grubby mitts on a 45 Colt Mountain Gun. It's a very sought after gun.

I passed on one three years ago at what was then a top end price--right now it'd be considered a right good deal for that amount. I've regretted it since.

 

[Old Corp]

Bill, I was in the same boat as you a couple years back. Had (and still have) a 25-5 4" in .45 Colt. Great gun, and enjoy loading the .45 Colt cartridge - but - wanted an ACP.
Posted on here, looking for options on modifying the 25-5. Decided against it.
Located a great 25-2 6.5" here on SWF and have really enjoyed it. Shoots like a laser, which I'm not sure would have been the case with a modified 25-5.
Enjoy the hunt - it's fun!

 

[keith44spl]

Boys,
I've built several dual cylinder revolvers over the years......

If, I were gonna build myself one as the OP describes, I'd save the original 45 Colt cylinder and pick-up a 629 cylinder,
just fit it up and re-chamber it with the correct throat diameter and length,
i.e. to headspace correctly on the mouth of the rimless cartridge case of the 45 ACP.

As for counter boring for full moon or half moon clips, attention to the correct depth is of most importance,
as not to thin the ejector star too awful much....

When cutting 45 Colt cylinder(s) to accept moon clips,
I have found the existing free bore to be of excessive
diameter, allowing the base of the bullet to divert off it's axis, before the projectile engages the throat....

Resulting in less than satisfactory accuracy.


This has been my findings on the subject at hand....Your mileage may vary.


.

 

[WCCPHD]

Went another way

Taking the sage advice of those who posted above I decided not to do anything with my 625 MG. I decided to take your advice and buy another gun.

I looked at several 45 ACP revolvers, but nothing that was a good enough of a deal to buy. Yesterday I found a 610-3 about an hour away for $900. Unfortunately, when I finally contacted the seller it was gone. Today I found another 610-3 (see below). It was in better condition than the one yesterday and was a much better price, so I made the one hour drive and met the seller, who by the way was a prince of a gentleman.

I realize that I changed from 45acp to 10MM/40, but as I carried a .40 for years I think this will be as good for me as the 45, and I will probably keep the 45MG. (I posted another thread asking for grip recommendations as the grip that came on it is too big).

Bill

 

[GCF]

I realize that I changed from 45acp to 10MM/40, but as I carried a .40 for years I think this will be as good for me as the 45, and I will probably keep the 45MG. (I posted another thread asking for grip recommendations as the grip that came on it is too big).

Bill

Well, if you listen carefully, you will hear multiple groans of disappointment from the membership here - that your 625-6 will not be coming on to the market.

That said, I suspect you will be glad you kept it, in the long run. If not, you should find no shortage of takers.

Be willing to bet lunch, that you enjoy the heck out of your "new to you" 610-3, as well. 10mm is a great round, & that action should be sweet.

If you like combat style finger groove stocks, I might suggest Badger Custom Grips. They will take a couple of measurements from you over the phone, & cut you a set of grips that fit your hand amazingly. I've used their N square, N round conversion, their K/L square, & been quite pleased w/ the results. Plan to order a set of their K/L round boot grips for either my 3" 64-3, or 65-3, when I get a couple of extra bucks together...

Hope to see a range report - in the near future!

 

[DR505]

So now you have a 625-6 .45 Colt and a 610-3 10mm? You must be living right.

 

[spad124]

Enjoy the 610-3! Frankly, I'm glad you are keeping your MG. In the future you may like to try the .45Colt again. And not feeling a pressure to trade helps you make a better trade if you decide that's what you want to do.