Has anyone converted a M28 to .45 acp?

[woods-walker]

I am contemplating the idea of converting a Model 28 from .357 to .45acp. I like the looks and the mechanics of these revolvers and prefer them over some of the newer configurations which are hard to get.
Interested in hearing opinions and seeing pictures of any conversions that might help me decide what I should consider in a build list.

 

[toroflow1]

The one thing that I thought that might be a problem is the bolt stop. Or do they call it a cyl stop? The little protruding stud on the left side of the frame at the bottom of the cyl window. It is different for recessed cylinders versus non-recessed cylinders versus .45 ACP cylinders (as they have thicker rims for use of moon clips or 45 auto rim brass). If a true 45 ACP cyl from a model 25-2 were put into a 28-2 frame, the cyl would rock back and forth about .090" on centerline when in its fully opened position, as the cyl stop stud on the frame has more clearance (since it was intended for a 28-2 cyl that is recessed). I abandoned my idea of converting a 28-2 to 45 ACP for this reason.

 

[NKJ nut]

The one thing that I thought that might be a problem is the bolt stop. Or do they call it a cyl stop? The little protruding stud on the left side of the frame at the bottom of the cyl window. It is different for recessed cylinders versus non-recessed cylinders versus .45 ACP cylinders (as they have thicker rims for use of moon clips or 45 auto rim brass). If a true 45 ACP cyl from a model 25-2 were put into a 28-2 frame, the cyl would rock back and forth about .090" on centerline when in its fully opened position, as the cyl stop stud on the frame has more clearance (since it was intended for a 28-2 cyl that is recessed). I abandoned my idea of converting a 28-2 to 45 ACP for this reason.

I had Hamilton Bowen convert one to .44 Spl. The .38-40 conversion is in the works. He doesn't want to do a .45 ACP version because as he pointed out, that would leave the extractor very thin where steel was removed at the back of the cylinder to accommodate moon clips or the thick rims of .45 AR brass.

 

[woods-walker]

Thanks for the input. There must be a way to engineer a solution that would address this as I have seen pictures of functioning conversions. I have added your observation to my build plans to ensure that I understand all of the associated issues and the cost implications of attempting a .45acp caliber conversion.
The capability to use moon clips is one of my requirements.

 

[woods-walker]

toroflow1 & NKJ nut,

I have had Mr. Bowen do some work on more than a few Rugers and actually was trying to get prepared to call him and discuss this job. He know's these revolvers and this confirms the initial comments by toroflow 1.
I am now wondering if what I thought was a M28 conversion was actually a M25 with a barrel shortened to 4 inches.

Gentlemen,

I appreciate the information.

 

[tommy F]

I have a M28 that is converted to 45ACP. It ha s a 45 ACP cylinder and 6.5" 1950 barrel. The cylinder/stop is an issue as explained above, however I think the stop can be replaced with a 625 or 25-2 stop. I like 28s, but i like 45s more.

 

[Andy Taylor]

I havn't done it but I would look into converting it to .45 Colt and having the cylinder cut to allow the use of .45 ACP with moonclips. This is commonly done with factory .45 Colt guns. Since youare going to the trouble and expense of a conversion, might as well get more versatility out of it.

 

[El Biblioitecario]

I had this conversion done in the '70s on a new M28. I was never happy with the result because, among other things, of the cylinder stop issue. The experience convinced me that such conversions are not cost effective.

 

[Dave T]

My $.02 worth is that you would be better off finding a M25-2 and cutting down or re-barreling to what you want. I say this because I've done it several times and it always produced a fine, workable revolver.

Here's a 1955 cut to 5"...

and a M25-2 with a 1950 barrel installed and shortened to 4".

These 45 ACP N-frames are one of the delights of revolver shooting and getting one is worth the effort and expense. However, I do think there are more efficient ways to do it than converting a M28.

Dave

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have had several Model 28s converted to larger calibers. (.44mag & .45acp)
My conversations consisted of using the barrels and cylinders from Model 25s and Model 29s.
Negative problems.
Jimmy

 

[Patrick L]

I did see an article once concerning a convertible .45ACP/45 Colt project. The way they got around the cylinder stop issue was to start with a base gun in ACP (I believe it was a 1917) which has the correct stop for the ACP cylinder already in place. A M28 cylinder was rebored for the 45 Colt cartridge, which of course needed to be loaded to very limiting OAL in order to work in the short cylinder. The gunsmith then machined a step around the back of the cylinder that would engage the existing cylinder stop bit at the same time allow the rear face of the cylinder to set in the proper place as would be appropriate for the Colt round, which obviously needs much less head clearance. So in other words the back edge of the cylinder was slightly rebated.

This won't help you since your base gun is not already a .45 ACP. I just pass it along FWIW as information.

 

[toroflow1]

All these conversions are expensive if you can't do the work yourself. I was contemplating having a 28 converted to .45 but then realized why not just buy a standard issue S&W in .45? While not the exact barrel profile of a 28, a 625-3 in .45 auto can be had in 3, 4 or 5".

And here's a Bowen converted pre-20 "heavy duty" in .44 special:

Cost of the Bowen work was $1300. Then comes the cost of the original gun itself (minimum $400). As you can see, the cost of custom guns adds up in a HURRY!

 

[captainjohnsofd]

I worked for Austin Behlert in Union, NJ in the 70's and 80's. He was famous for cutdown N frames with round butts and snubbed barrels. I remember one M28 project that became very expensive because the cylinder had to be replaced by a .45 ACP one from an M25. I also think the cylinder lock window ended up being machined out to fit a larger unit. The job cost as much as a new gun. But it worked and the customer was very happy.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I hurt inside everytime I see another chopped up Highway Patrolman. I would think the money spent on this would be close to the same amount you could find a 25 or 625. I found a 625-3 not terribly long ago for well under $500. I don't mean to be a thread kill, I just really like the HP's.

 

[jimmyj]

I hurt inside everytime I see another chopped up Highway Patrolman. I would think the money spent on this would be close to the same amount you could find a 25 or 625. I found a 625-3 not terribly long ago for well under $500. I don't mean to be a thread kill, I just really like the HP's.

Hi:
I agree.
However in the 1970s and early 1980s Model 29s were impossible to find and the ones available were very EXPENSIVE due to "Dirty Harry".
Also Model 25-2 were very scarce.
Model 28s were plentiful and inexpensive.
In "The Day" no one ever thought that Model 28s would be "Collectable"/Scarce.

 

[locodriver]

My 28-2

Hello All

I am in the process of converting my 28-2 to the 44 magnum as we speak.
We found a buy on a cart full of 28 at a great price.
From a local police trade in . They forgot about them?
They were in a storage locker for many years after the AUTO craze.
I found a 5 inch new barrel and cylinder from a 29 and hope to make this a nice hunting 44 mag for in the river bottoms here in Colorado.
I will let you know how it turns out.
Loco

 

[M1Lover]

I'm with MaximumBob regarding nice HP's, but I built this fairly beat-up 28-2 into a .45ACP shooter. If it had been in good shape I wouldn't have done it. That said, a skilled machinist buddy of mine and I did the conversion in an evening after work. He machined the .357 cylinder using a 625 I have for reference. I cut and crowned the barrel to 4" and remounted the front sight. I would have gone shorter but didn't want the barrel to read "th & Wesson". I did the round-butt conversion at the same time. Extractor is thin, but not too thin. Took it to Nelson Ford in Glendale, AZ for his butter smooth action job and trigger stop. I shoot the heck out of it. Kind of ugly but runs just fine. H.

 

[woods-walker]

I have found this information and experience to be very helpful. Your pictures of personal revolvers sure whet one's appetite for a fine handgun tailored for a specific purpose.

Several years ago I missed out on one of the Mountain Gun Series in .45 acp. I walked into a favorite gun emporium and stated looking at the wrong end of the used gun display case. The fellow looking at the other end of the case saw it and bought it on the spot. I started this thread with the thought to convert a M28 to .45 acp and end up with a blued version of the Mountain Gun, with probably a few extra touches.

I am now rethinking the various options that have been discussed here. No matter what route I go, I want to make sure I end up with a keeper.

 

[Win]

I own 2 625s in 45 acp...a 3 in and a 5 in, both model of 1989. Both used but like new and both were $500 ea. The 3 in shoots good, the 5 in shoots the most accurate of all my revolvers. I'd look long and hard for a 625 before spending the cash to convert a 28. A good 28 is worth almost $500 these days. Even if the 625s have gone up, the diff can't be as much as all the machine work.

 

[Muley Gil]

If I were you, I'd find a M625 and swap in a Mountain Gun barrel. S&W may have one in stock.