make a .44 spec from M27?
- Thread starter JoeS
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keith44spl
Member
M27 as a .44Special
I am personal fond of the 'N' frame platform for conversions...And the 27 is one of my top picks for a personal sidearm. Having used both the .357 and the .44Spl for 40 years, I prefer the .44Spl for most of my handgun chores. Below is a couple of 27s, one is my all time favorite...A .44Spl
Su Amigo,
Dave
I am personal fond of the 'N' frame platform for conversions...And the 27 is one of my top picks for a personal sidearm. Having used both the .357 and the .44Spl for 40 years, I prefer the .44Spl for most of my handgun chores. Below is a couple of 27s, one is my all time favorite...A .44Spl
Su Amigo,
Dave
Interesting responses.
Part of why I considered doing this is I would like to have something that is to my specifications, in this case ending up with a 5" .44 special.
I have 629s, four of them to be precise. For that matter I have a nice model 25-5.
To my knowledge the only way you're getting a 5" .44 out of S&W is to buy an older one, probably at a pretty hefty premium. I'm not necessarily adverse to the cost but think its going to be hard to come by. That leaves the have one built method.
I have no intention of building one myself, it would have to be Bowen or similar.
I agree about it being money you never get back. thats always the way with custom anything in my experience. The value is in having what you want. Of course if you're really smart you wait for someone who is selling what you want and make their loss your gain. I don't ever seem to be that smart.
I guess i see it as not much different than having a custom 1911 done up, or a Browning HP, both of which I've fallen prey too. I'm undecided but I appreciate the feedback and look forward to more.
Part of why I considered doing this is I would like to have something that is to my specifications, in this case ending up with a 5" .44 special.
I have 629s, four of them to be precise. For that matter I have a nice model 25-5.
To my knowledge the only way you're getting a 5" .44 out of S&W is to buy an older one, probably at a pretty hefty premium. I'm not necessarily adverse to the cost but think its going to be hard to come by. That leaves the have one built method.
I have no intention of building one myself, it would have to be Bowen or similar.
I agree about it being money you never get back. thats always the way with custom anything in my experience. The value is in having what you want. Of course if you're really smart you wait for someone who is selling what you want and make their loss your gain. I don't ever seem to be that smart.
I guess i see it as not much different than having a custom 1911 done up, or a Browning HP, both of which I've fallen prey too. I'm undecided but I appreciate the feedback and look forward to more.
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
In that case here is my .44 special conversion from a heavy duty. I found a 21 .44 special barrel about 30 years ago, then found a cheap HD, had the clyinder bored, the barrel screwed on, didnt even have it reblued. Probley have $250 in the gun and conversion. I know it would have to be a lot more now. But it is a 5"-----
keith44spl
Member
Joe,
Five inch .44Spl...
Conv'd 27
Factory 5" 1950 .44Spl.
Both are sure nuff shooters,
Su Amigo,
Dave
Five inch .44Spl...
Conv'd 27
Factory 5" 1950 .44Spl.
Both are sure nuff shooters,
Su Amigo,
Dave
sigp220.45
US Veteran
Sounds like a good idea to me. You already have the Model 27, so why not? Judging by the examples pictured above you would wind up with a great shooter.
66TAS
Member
Personally, I would convert it and have the barrel cut to 5 inches with a pinned gold bead front sight. If I could afford it I would probably have some engraving done on it, similar to Keith44special's, and have Keith brown make me a set of coke style or Roper style stocks for it.
Then I would shoot the daylights out of it!!
Then I would shoot the daylights out of it!!
Marshal Tom
Member
I have owned several expensive custom built 1911's and an Andy Horvath converted .357 Ruger Flattop, converted to .44 special. I think that a converted pre-model 27 in 5" would be just the ticket. As several have already said, if you can afford it and want it, do it. It's only money!
T
T
RABULL
Member
I'm keeping my eye open for a used Model 27 5" now to convert it to a .44 special. I really like the look of the Model 27 and my favorite caliber is .44 special so it sounds like a good idea to me.....
buckeyeshooter1
Member
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I would just buy a 624/24. Keep the 27
keithherrington
Member
Go for it!
I have a 5" Model 27 with Bowen right now for conversion to 44 Special. I've decided to have Bowen rebore the barrel and cylinder rather than switch out with 44 Spl. parts even though there is a 44 Spl. cylinder and barrel on Gunbroker.com as we speak. The reasons are: I want to retain the checkering on the barrel rib, the cost of shortening a 6" 44 Spl. barrel to 5", and getting exactly the right dimensions in both bore and throat to guarantee a good shooter.
As many of you guys/gals know I have no problem with customizing S&W revolvers, as long as I use guns with no real collector's value. The final product is exactly suited to my needs and reflects my individual taste. Also, being 57 I clearly remember a time when customizing guns was the norm and not the exception. We have a long and distinguished history of custom gun makers in this country and sometimes I feel that some of us would not mind at all to see this become a thing of the past. That's too bad. I believe custom guns are something we should do everything in our power to foster and promote. I think enough of us might agree with that sentiment; how else would you explain the popularity of what the Performance Center turns out or the limited runs that some jobbers have S&W build for them. Exclusivity is its own reward.
Keith
I have a 5" Model 27 with Bowen right now for conversion to 44 Special. I've decided to have Bowen rebore the barrel and cylinder rather than switch out with 44 Spl. parts even though there is a 44 Spl. cylinder and barrel on Gunbroker.com as we speak. The reasons are: I want to retain the checkering on the barrel rib, the cost of shortening a 6" 44 Spl. barrel to 5", and getting exactly the right dimensions in both bore and throat to guarantee a good shooter.
As many of you guys/gals know I have no problem with customizing S&W revolvers, as long as I use guns with no real collector's value. The final product is exactly suited to my needs and reflects my individual taste. Also, being 57 I clearly remember a time when customizing guns was the norm and not the exception. We have a long and distinguished history of custom gun makers in this country and sometimes I feel that some of us would not mind at all to see this become a thing of the past. That's too bad. I believe custom guns are something we should do everything in our power to foster and promote. I think enough of us might agree with that sentiment; how else would you explain the popularity of what the Performance Center turns out or the limited runs that some jobbers have S&W build for them. Exclusivity is its own reward.
Keith
feralmerril
Absent Comrade
Personaly, I would get the barrel and clyinder seperatly if available. If ever you do want to sell the gun, you can at least get your money out of the parts you bought and make the 27 right again. But if you want to cut the barrel back that shoots down that idea. However even then, you might find someone who likes that length too.
I imagine everyone who does custom work to a gun are convinced that they are going to keep the gun until they die.
The only thing I would really stress is to know just exactly what you are getting into and the probable results to every choice. And it does sound like that is what you are doing.
There certainly is a different pride of ownership in haveing a gun made just for you with your ideas.
I imagine everyone who does custom work to a gun are convinced that they are going to keep the gun until they die.
The only thing I would really stress is to know just exactly what you are getting into and the probable results to every choice. And it does sound like that is what you are doing.
There certainly is a different pride of ownership in haveing a gun made just for you with your ideas.
A really good craftsman like Bowen will make the conversion to a bit tighter dimensions than the factory guns, but he will have to use the Model 27 parts to do it. (In other words, "no turning back," unless you locate a second set of M27 parts and set the originals aside.)
If that is what you want, there is only one way to get it. Otherwise, you could do as others have said and acquire an original 44 Special by trade, or outright purchase.
Assembling a 44 on your M27 frame using factory parts is neither fish nor fowl. You don't get Bowen's precision work, yet you are dumping a bunch of money into a project that will not end up as good as it could have.
I see nothing wrong with what you propose as long as the gun is not in collector-quality condition and you don't plan to sell it and make money. But, to be worthwhile, the work MUST be top quality. (IMHO)
If that is what you want, there is only one way to get it. Otherwise, you could do as others have said and acquire an original 44 Special by trade, or outright purchase.
Assembling a 44 on your M27 frame using factory parts is neither fish nor fowl. You don't get Bowen's precision work, yet you are dumping a bunch of money into a project that will not end up as good as it could have.
I see nothing wrong with what you propose as long as the gun is not in collector-quality condition and you don't plan to sell it and make money. But, to be worthwhile, the work MUST be top quality. (IMHO)
Keith Brown
Vendor
JoeS, go for it, everybody needs at least one gun modified just the way they want it. I would go with the re-bored barrel and re-chambered cylinder myself, any decent 27 is plenty accurate as is and the re-bore done correctly would equal if not exceed that. You could have that done first and then shoot and handle it awhile before deciding on finish,engraving or grips. The barrel can be remarked at the time of re-finish, the above is probably the most cost effective way to go. What you will gain over a 24/624 with this conversion is the recessed cylinder and checkered top strap. keith44spl, every time I see those guns of yours I sort of stop and stare a bit to long, thanks for showing them. Oddly enough I have what was a 6 1/2 624 downstairs with 1 1/2 inches sawed off...oops. When finished it will also have a checkered top strap, only lacking the recessed cylinder, stainless revolvers were made to be modified.
Keith
Keith
keith44spl
Member
Keith,
I also once picked up a 624 - 6 1/2", trimmed off a inch and a half of ungainly barrel, glass beaded it real soft and black oxided it. Swapped
out the hard chrome hammer & trigger for a pair of case colored ones and waa-laa, one good usin' .44Spl. revolver. My insurance agent got to lustin' after that big Smith to the point he brought around a high grade German rifle in .300Wby to tempt me in a moment of weakness...Been mornin' the 5" .44 Special for quite a spell now.
Su Amigo,
Dave
bobf
US Veteran
Here is a 27-2 with new 44 barrel and cylinder:
It was originally Nickel, but lived on a fishing boat and ended up looking like this when I bought it:
I've got less money in this conversion than a comparable pre-24 would have cost.
I think it is a matter of what you want to do and are willing to spend.
It was originally Nickel, but lived on a fishing boat and ended up looking like this when I bought it:
I've got less money in this conversion than a comparable pre-24 would have cost.
I think it is a matter of what you want to do and are willing to spend.
This 1962 M27 was converted by Walker Arms, Selma, Alabama, in 1976. The recessed cylinder was rechambered to .44 Special and an original 6 1/2" 1950 Target barrel was installed. I carried it was a duty weapon for several years.
In 2005, I had David Clements cut the barrel to 5", install a ramp front sight and reblue it, since the barrel was satin and the frame was bright, with a few freckles. In the right hands, it can print 1" groups @ 25 yards. Don't reckon I'll ever sell this one.
In 2005, I had David Clements cut the barrel to 5", install a ramp front sight and reblue it, since the barrel was satin and the frame was bright, with a few freckles. In the right hands, it can print 1" groups @ 25 yards. Don't reckon I'll ever sell this one.
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