38-44

[calsite]

Just picked up and pre-WWII 38-44, good shape for her age, my intent was to have it converted to either .44 special or .45 Colt, Some say "No" leave her original......... I say if she's not something really special, i.e. very low serial #, ect. Why not? I would like to hear what your opinions are. Also are there any other vendors besides Bowen that specialize in conversions like this?

[longhorn]

I'd be inclined to see how much I could get for the 38-44, and spend the proceeds on a Model 24 in .44 or a Model 25-5 in .45. Neither will be a pre-war gun, of course, but I've owned both that were great shooters--at less cost than a 38-44 plus conversion. Now, if you have a fixed sight gun, and want same, isn't S&W currently making some? I'd either shoot the Heavy Duty or Outdoorsman you have, and take care of it, or pass it on to a collector......not convert.

[StrawHat]

Your gun, your choice.

I converted a S&W M 28-2 a long time ago. Made it into a gun S&W was no longer producing, a M26 w/ 4" barrel. Now S&W makes a Mountain revolver and maybe a couple of other variations.

It cost about 1/2 again what I wanted to spend and I did much of the work. It also took a bunch of time.

But, I had the gun I wanted.

Would I do it again? Since S&W is making the gun I want, no.

There are no more 38-44s being made.

Your gun, your choice.

[S.R.Custom]

Drill it! Tap it! Shoot it! That, after all, is what they're made for. :-D

[nicholst55]

There are several other smiths besides Hamilton Bowen who do this type of conversion. Dave Clements is one, Andy Horvath is another. I do know that Dave Clements is extremely backlogged, and is currently no longer accepting jobs under $250, though your conversion should cost well over that.

[calsite]

Thanks for all of your thoughts