Keep It or Cut It?

[Scott E White]

Finally picked up a replacement for the 25-5 I sold many years ago. I ended up with a slightly used (and even less-cleaned) 625-7 Mountain Gun. Box, papers, fired case, cards, etc. I bought it for shooting, not a collectible. Cleaned up real well, and I'm quite satisfied with the deal.
However, I recognize the fact that someday, someone along the family lines may choose to sell it. Although I have learned my lesson, my "heirs" may feel differently when my time is gone.
Now to my quandry: I'd like to have the option of shooting the ACP in the MG, just for the heck of it. Would it be alright to have the cylinder cut for moon clips, or should I have a spare cylinder assembly fitted & cut? Any ideas who I should look to for the work?

 

[Muley Gil]

I buy and modify my guns for me, not my heirs.

I've heard good things about Pinnacle:

Pinnacle-Guns.com: Pinnacle High Performance Custom Gunsmithing

Go down about 1/3 of the way on the page.

 

[Smee78]

I had my 625MG cut for moon clips by Mark at Pinnacle and I could not be happier with it. Just remember to sight it in for around the same weight of bullet if you want to swap back and forth, I've had good luck with thr 45LC 250gn & 45acp 230gn.

 

[TAROMAN]

A good friend owns our LGS. I have lost count of the times a young person brings in a "INSERT FAVORITE CLASSIC HERE".
First words out of his mouth:
"I just inherited this, how much can you give me for it?"

Its your gun. Draw your own conclusion..

 

[Penmon]

I have had this conversion done, you can fire the 45LC with or with out the moon clip,when using the 45ACP you need to use the moon clips.
I used TK Custom, their work was quick and of the highest quality, I highly recommend TK stainless moon clips, a little pricey but of extremely high quality. I got 5 in 45LC and 5 in 45ACP the total price was around $160.00. You will also need a tool to unload the moon clip, TW sells one for $20.The loading tool is useful but not total necessary.Welcome to TK Custom.com & Moonclips.com

One thing I need to warn you about,when I first attempted to load some 45LC cowboy ammo into the moon clips it would not fit, the tolerances of the clips were so tight I bent the moon clip.
After closer examination I realized that the grove in the brass that the clips fits into was very rough and full of raised and noticeably imperfections.
I purchased some higher quality ammo and no more problems.
This time I checked first to make sure the groves were clean and smooth I quickly learned not all our.








One more thought, I was original considering using Pinnacle-Guns.com: Pinnacle High Performance Custom Gunsmithing to do the conversion.
His web site gives the price of the conversion as $80.00 and refers you to TK customs for tools and moon clips.
He may be great as he was originally recommended by a trusted forum member.However after several unanswered phone calls and emails I gave up.I am glad I did you will too.

 

[Scott E White]

Great info on both Pinnacle and TK Custom. Where can I get a "used" cylinder? Can an extractor, fitted to another revolver, be re-fitted to my MG?
Thanks for the help.

 

[pacecars]

I sent my 25-5 cylinder to Pinnacle and it should be back any day. I called a couple of times to ask a question before sending it in and Mark answered the phone personally everytime. He only does the conversions once a month so give him a call to find out when he is doing it.

 

[pacecars]

I think if I was going to have a new cylinder fit and cut for clips I would try to find a .41 or .44 cylinder and have it rebored to .45 so it would have tight chambers and throats

 

[boatboy]

To each his own

When I was a younger Ladd I bought guns no to shoot because they would be worth....

Modify, Oh MY......

Today I really dont have much use for a non shooter
I agree the things that we convet, polish and protect the next owner really doesnt if the did they would have bought one themselves

I met a custom gun maker who was raffling a beautiful rifle for the Custom Gun Makers of America at Jays Sporting good Clare MI I said thats too beautiful to use

He responded Have you ever seen a really beautiful woman? of course I said yes
He said if given the chance would you not want to

This made sense to me because I would want to

Hank

 

[Scott E White]

The whole idea is to use the conversion as a "shooter". Since I took delivery of the 625 on Tuesday, I've already put 550 rounds through it. Not a lot, by most standards, but it's all the .45 Colt I had left on the shelf. Now, back to the loading bench!

I'm interested in the conversion so that I can just piddle around with another caliber, in the same revolver. I want it, so that's enough justification for me. My only uncertainty is weather it would be more prudent to simply change-out the cylinder with a retro-fitted spare when I want to fire the ACP rounds. I really like the idea of having a .44 cylinder bored out for .45 ACP, as it could then headspace on the case mouth as well as the clips, maybe reducing some of the chamber fouling. One cylinder would be used solely for Colt loads, the other just for ACP. I guess it looks as if I'm talking myself into the extra cylinder, as I already see that I'm trying to justify it.

If I find a used cylinder from a 629, can the ratchet be cut/fitted to my revolver?

 

[boatboy]

You have a different situation than I but I must say I bought a 625 recently I think its really the coolest gun I have bought in a long time Its just great

The clipped 45acp is just plain fun I am so glad I bought it

Hank

 

[cbvanb]

I've been considering the conversion on the 25-5 I recently purchased, but I have two concerns. The first is case life. With a large part of the circumference of the 45lc case now unsupported at the rim does that affect case life? Also, the 45acp has quite a jump to get through that long 45lc cylinder, how is the accuracy?