Converting a model 29 to 45LC?

[keithherrington]

I've been doing some research on model 25's and the consensus is that while good guns, they have softer frames that dont tolerate hotter loads well and are subject to excessive endshake if used for such.

Since the model 29 received the better heat treat ( i'll never understand why S&W didn't just give all their steel frames the same heat treat) and is the stronger frame I'm sitting here wondering if its possible to simply swap the barrel and cylinder from a model 25 into a model 29. Would this be possible since they are both N frame guns? If not how about just swapping the barrel and then boring out the 44 mag cylinder or having an aftermarket beefier cylinder fitted?

I'm not looking for something to shoot ruger rocket loads (I have a ruger for that), just something that will have no trouble with a constant diet of the old black powder load (255 @ 950fps) and maybe something a bit hotter for outdoors use now and again.

Thoughts?

EsquireMagnum,
I entirely understand your desire. Have owned and built many in both 44 Mag and 45 Colt and except for some very specific applications prefer the 45 Colt over the 44 Magnum. Here is mine built on a Model 58, where I had Bowen rebore the existing cylinder and then modify and mount a Model 1955 barrel. It has exceeded my every expectation. Don't let them dissuade you. Modifying a 29 to shoot 45 Colt allows you to correct some "deficiencies" and you'll come out with one fine piece...if you have the right person do the work. I suggest Bowen, but then I'm biased.

This is the 45 Colt with the target I shot after getting the sights regulated.

I liked Bowen's work so much I had three others built to the same specification in 45 S&W (Schofield), 44 Special and 41 Magnum.

And this is the 44 Special I had him do on a Model 27-2