S&W Conversion to .44 SSpecial - Is it Feasible?

[PBSmith]

I'd like to own an S&W revolver in caliber .44 Special. As some of you may know, such lust is expensive these days.

Would it be feasible (for a talented pistolsmith, not me!!) to convert a .357 Mag Model 28 HIghway Patrolman to .44 Special?

If so, what might such a conversion cost, and what are some names of pistolsmiths you would consider for the job?

I strongly suspect it might be less costly to buy a factory original Smith .44, but I"ve been wrong many times.

[johnsonian09]

That sounds dangerous to me. Even if you got a barrel and cylinder to fit I wouldn't trust the frame.

I push my little 44 pietta into low .357mag territory energy wise.

Wheel guns can take a beating but I think that's a bit too much

Sent from my SM-J337VPP using Tapatalk

[RichardB]

entirely doable, I have a couple so converted. 44 Spec operates at lower pressures than the 357 so no danger involved. Acquiring a suitable barrel is probaly the hardest part. The cylinder conversion is something any decent machinist or gunsmith can do.

[Murphy]

Converting a S&W Model 28 to .44 Special has been going on for decades. Do your research highly recommended pistol smith, call and speak to them about it. I've seen numerous photos over the decades of converted Model 28's using the same cylinder and barrel. What I can't say, is if one can 'push the envelope' when it comes to loading for it. It should by all means handle standard, factory loads. Anything past that, I'd be leery of.

Murphy

[downzero]

Not economically feasible. And to go from .357 to .429? No justification or reason. 357 Magnum was the most powerful handgun invented when it was introduced. You might learn to love it.

[762sultan]

Yes it's possible as I have one right on my desk as I type. I bought the barrel from an ad in the old newspaper called the Shotgun News and used a new model 28 S&W as a donor frame and had it put together in a gun shop in Kennellworth ,NJ. If I remember that gunsmith was a 45acp specialist. I want to say it was called the "Custom Gunshop." I have only shot several hundred rounds down the barrel with reloads. But it handles wonderfully...I wish that S&W would make them again. I also have a 624 6". Both are more comfortable than a 44 Mag.

[Nueces]

I had such a pair made up in the 70s, by Bob Sconce, of the old Miniature Machine Co, in Deming, NM. The 6 1/2" was done on a 5 screw M28 and used an original Smith 1950 target barrel. The 28 lacks the sight and barrel top longitudinal striations of the other big bore target Smiths, so we added them. The frame had to be drilled and tapped for a new N frame rear sight, as the 28 hole differs in location. That left the short bit of the frame in front of the sight. Bob and crew just didn't want to get into that, as they were winding down their operation, so I took the frame and did it by making a cutter from a 1-10 tap, holding the frame with a short 'false barrel' in the vise of a milling attachment on a South Bend Heavy Ten lathe. I finished with a riffler file and Bob complimented the work. I recall the striations as being 20 to the inch. After hand polishing and bluing, the revolver looked factory original, except for the embedded case heads. OK with me. I wanted the piece to look like a dream gun ordered in 1952 by Elmer Keith.

Because the cylinder of the 28 had been heat treated for 357 pressures, it easily holds up to Elmer's heavy 44 Special loads. The 4 inch version started as a 5 screw M27, so Bob and crew made a milling cutter and milled the barrel top rib in a checkered pattern to match that on the frame and sight. Now, this is a fine looking revolver!

[dswancutt]

The one thing that you are over looking is that S&W Model 28 prices have rapidly escalated in the past few years. They are no longer "cheap" N frames widely available for conversion. Cutting up a good Model 28 to make a franken gun just doesn't make economic sense now. Just go and buy a Model 29 or 629 and shoot 44 spl out of it. I have a pre Model 24, a 624, a 29 and a 629 and the 24's don't shoot orare handle any different from the 29's. Yes the 24's have better lines than the 29's with there thinner barrels, but that is about it.

[smithnframe]

My dad used to convert 28-2’s to 44 spl. back in the mid to late 70’s. I still have the first one he converted in my safe. My wife used it last year for her concealed carry license and shot a perfect score. Also, she was the only person using a revolver!

[sharps4590]

Based purely from the prices I see, gathering the bits and paying for the labor, one could spend his money more wisely for the same result.

[Cosmic_Charlie]

I picked up a 24 about a year ago. Very nice shape, made in 1984. Came from a pawn shop in Bend Oregon. About $1,000 total. Gets a diet of conventionally lubed 250K boolits over 7 grains of Unique. Keep your eyes open, you might luck out.

[gunther]

Like Charlie said in post #11. A 44 S&W mountain gun might be an option, as well. . Keep your mad money with you, neither of these options will be there tomorrow after you sleep on it

[square butte]

I think the factor that will be the most limiting now ( Baring lack of the cash to do it ) will be finding a good smith that can and will do the job. Jim Stroh has retired and Hamilton Bowen is no longer doing this type of conversion on Smiths to my knowledge. There might be someone in Nevada, but can't remember his name. This type of caliber conversion was not uncommon in the 70's and 80's, with rebore of cylinders and barrels being a standard approach. I would like to hear if anyone knows of other smiths doing this job. Not a project for anyone faint of wallet.

[deltaenterprizes]

The one thing that you are over looking is that S&W Model 28 prices have rapidly escalated in the past few years. They are no longer "cheap" N frames widely available for conversion. Cutting up a good Model 28 to make a franken gun just doesn't make economic sense now. Just go and buy a Model 29 or 629 and shoot 44 spl out of it. I have a pre Model 24, a 624, a 29 and a 629 and the 24's don't shoot orare handle any different from the 29's. Yes the 24's have better lines than the 29's with there thinner barrels, but that is about it.
And you have the option of using 44 Magnum ammo if you want or need to!

[rintinglen]

Possible?--yes Feasible and practical, not so much.

With a Model 28 running 700 and up, I don't see it as do-able, unless you have an old Highway patrol man sitting in the safe. A barrel would run you at least $175, maybe 250 or more. The cylinder work would be another 150, refinishing and assembly another 200+, that puts you at a minimum of 1200+. Then shipping and so forth. A conversion could easily run up to 1500+.

For that money you can buy a 44 S&W, I've bought two this year, a 24-3 out of a pawn shop for 1,000 cash and a 3 inch 624 for 1250 (Momma hit the roof on the second one Anyone care to buy a used husband--I'm pretty sure she'll sell.). Hit the gun shows and pawn shops--no telling what you'll turn up.

14 years ago, I spent 400 bucks buying and having a spare cylinder cut and fitted to my S&W 544 44-40. That's it in the photo at the bottom.

[nicholst55]

Finding an M24 barrel will be quite a hunt, and it will be extremely expensive. There's a guy on GB that sells barrels and cylinders; he wants $400 each for an M24 or 624 barrel, and another $400 for a cylinder. You could probably buy an S&W M24 or 624 for what you would have invested in just a donor gun and parts, and then you'd still have to pay labor.

And then there's the old adage 'never build what you can buy.'

[memtb]

Years ago, many were “trans’d” into 45LC.....a .44 shouldn’t be an issue! memtb

[30calflash]

I think buying would be better than building unless you have a couple major parts and or the 28 you have has a bad barrel.

No guarantees you would have a good shooter if yours is now. And the folks who did quality work are not around as they had been.

Buy an affordable 24 or 624 and sell the 28, better way, less $$$. JMHO.

[JoeJames]

It sounds as though you want to have a Model 28 converted to 44 Special, but running at 44 Magnum Velocities. If that's the case just get a Model 29 or a Model 629. If I was wishing for another 44 Special it would be converted to 44 Special from a Model 19 or Model 66 K frame; like Taurus has already done. But I prefer a 44 Special running about 890 fps with a 240 grain SWC, that is accurate and has a reasonable recoil.

[Outpost75]

Enjoyed reading this thread, having gone through a similar thought process 25 years ago. After due consideration I kept the Model 28 original and bought a used 4" Model 29 for the packing pistol which I load to Keith .44 Special ballistics with 16 grains of Alliant #2400 in .44 Magnum brass with Saeco #441. Two great guns are better than one. The Model 28 with 146-grain double-end wadcutter at over 1000 fps is no slouch either!


287842287843

[Larry Gibson]

Same here, back in the mid '70s had a 4" M28 converted to 44 SPL. Shot many Lyman 429421s over 16 gr of 2400 through it but mostly the same bullet over 5 gr Bullseye. My hands just don't get along with N-Frames and heavy loads so i traded it off years ago. Sorry, don't remember who did the conversion or the cost.....

[JoeJames]

Same here, back in the mid '70s had a 4" M28 converted to 44 SPL. Shot many Lyman 429421s over 16 gr of 2400 through it but mostly the same bullet over 5 gr Bullseye. My hands just don't get along with N-Frames and heavy loads so i traded it off years ago. Sorry, don't remember who did the conversion or the cost.....Wow, 16 grains of 2400. I reckon it was sure carrying the mail! BTW, the reason some of us have talked about a K frame in 44 Special is because the N frame is just not the most totable revolver. I know an L frame would be a smidge better, I like the K frame.

[El Bibliotecario]

http://www.darkcanyon.net/Converting_357s_to_44Special.htm

As a previous correspondent said, people have been doing this for years. As numerous other correspondents have pointed out, it is not cost effective.

[PBSmith]

Thanks to all for your informative posts. I had no idea this was a popular conversion in the day - or that the .44 Special was as popular among living gunslingers as it appears to be.

Will scrap the conversion idea and follow the advice of those who suggest waiting with $$$ in hand for a decent deal at a gunshow or local shop.

[RJM52]

Looking at the completed auctions on GunBroker, the average selling price for a 6" 24-3 is right at a grand...more for the 4" guns and a LOT more for the 3"....

A few years ago I wanted a .41 Special and found a rusty 5" Model 27-2 that had no further collector value... A local smith pulled the barrel and sent it to JES reboring would would have also done the cylinder but was too pitted to use. I happened to have a Model 58 parts kit and ended up using that cylinder instead...only cost a couple of hundred for the conversion...

Jack Huntington at JRH Precision Gunsmithing can easily do the conversion. He did a .357 Uberti Cattleman to .41 Special for me a couple of years ago... Rebbore the barrel and rechamber the cylinder...nothing else to do...

Bob

ps...as far as waiting for a "local deal"...it's been years since I have seen a 24-3 for sale locally or at a gun show...the net is your friend...

[Bigslug]

Smith .44 Magnums are out there in no small number - including tapered barrel models like the 629 Mountain Gun that mimic the feel of the older, lighter Specials, and there are 624's to be had in .44 Special. Given that the supply exists, chopping a Highway Patrolman to get to .44 would border on a criminal activity.

[Green Frog]

Someone made the comment early on, “Don’t build what you can buy.” I did my two S&W custom build projects to get a gun that was never made at Springfield for the first and one made long ago and super expensive for the second. I did a lot of very frugal shopping so the two 32 K frame guns I had built were economically viable. Forty four caliber N frame guns are no longer as unobtainable nor as (relatively) expensive as they were in the ‘70s when the project you describe was quite popular.

If you just have to have one of these 44 Spl Highway Patrolman conversions built, prepare to pay a hefty sum for the donor gun and a bunch for the factory barrel in 44 or to have the original barrel rebored. The builder can easily rebore your cylinder to 44 Spl dimensions (the only good news about this project!). At last report, Andy Horvath of LaGrange, Ohio, who has done a lot of these, is still working and will do one for you. If you have the parts, his labor charges are reasonable, but his waiting line is long, and if you have to have the barrel rebored, add several months and about $150 to the tab.

If you want to see how I had Andy build a Stainless K frame 327 Fed Mag for me, read http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/260686-project-616-a.html

Froggie

[square butte]

Sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants

[alamogunr]

Several years ago I sent a Model 28 Highway Patrolman to Jim Stroh to convert to .44 Spec. I had two of the 28's and sent him the one that seemed a tad more worn than the other. Mr. Stroh convinced me to go with a 5" barrel, which I did since I didn't have a great need for a 4". He had the original barrel rebored and he rechambered the cylinder.

I think he retired not too long after I got my gun back. Not only did I get a top notch gun but it is unique in that there won't be any more by Jim Stroh.

[square butte]

My dream gun would have been a 5" Model 27 converted to 44 spec.

[9.3X62AL]

I shoot LOTS of 44 Specials, but in 44 Magnum brass in 44 Magnum handguns. 8.2 grains of Unique or 9.0 grains of Herco under Lyman #429421 will give you "Skeeter's Load" ballistics (950 FPS from 4", a bit over 1000 FPS from 6") and won't beat you or your Model 29/629 up at all. In a Ruger Redhawk, those loads are docile. As above, "The heart wants what the heart wants", and I get that. Gunsmiths are like doctors or dentists--wonderful to have when needed, but pretty darn expensive when you are the one paying the bills. I would have some pangs of conscience over sacrificing a Model 28, and there is no way on earth I would take machine tools to a Model 27. Think "Tagger crew in the Louvre".

[StrawHat]

This kind of topic brings out a lot of the usual responses, “cheaper to buy a factory gun”, “save your money”, “you really want a magnum”,…

If you want to convert a Model 28-2, a Model 27 or whatever, go for it! I did the work on a Model 28-2 back in the 80s and turned it into a great 45 ACP revolver! Decades ahead of a similar one being offered by the factory. The 44 Special is a decent cartridge, much better than the 357 Magnum, so good choice there. If you can do the work, great. If not, Andy Horvath is the man. He has made a living doing those conversions. Not sure if anyone rebores barrels but Andy would know. Or JES reboring might be able to help. The fellow who rebored my Model 28-2 barrel has passed on or I would supply his name.

Here is my old Model 28-2.

287921

I also rounded the butt. It made for a great carry piece. At some point S&W did introduce a stainless version and called it a Mountain Gun. They are expensive when you can find them.

Good luck, follow your dream.

Kevin

[Bazoo]

I vote go for it if it suits you. The same folks that say don’t convert a model 28 will also cry don’t get a model 24 for a shooter. I’m a shooter though. I say get what makes you happy. You might consider looking for a model 28 that’s already converted. Maybe, a want to buy add here or keep your eyes on gunbroker. I hope you find a suitable specimen.

[ddixie884]

I have had some M-28s converted to larger calibers and they make nice guns. I have also bought some .40+ S&Ws. There used to be a shortage of .44spl and .45s in the marketplace. If you really want a M-28 conversion I say go for it. A 24-3 is probably cheaper on the used gun market as is a S&W mountain gun. However you get it, it is a good idea. If you had started to stock pile parts 10 yrs ago you would be in a better position to have a gun built. Meanwhile, now is a good time to start acquiring parts........

My avatar is a 686 .41spl custom by David Clements.........

[Cosmic_Charlie]

This one is priced about $500 too high imho.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/902896558

[376Steyr]

If you want an N-frame S&W .44 Special, patience is definitely a virtue. If you can't find a used one to fit your needs you can always hope S&W will make another run of them. Demand for .44 Specials is cyclical, and S&W will pump out a run of them occasionally to supply the relatively limited market for each new generation of shooters who read about them and want their own. After the current panic ends, I bet S&W will eventually get caught up with producing their regular revolver calibers and make a small run of them. Be prepared to jump on one then, because it might be another ten years before they do it again. When it comes to .44 Specials, always yield to temptation, because you might not get another chance.

[Jtarm]

This one is priced about $500 too high imho.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/902896558

I paid $325 for mine new in 1985, so they’re all overpriced to me, lol.

OP: my suggestion would be to start querying gunsmiths who can do the work and get some quotes. I’d conservatively WAG about $250 for an M-24 barrel. That should give you some idea as to cost and feasibility.

The retirement of a few well-known gunsmiths doesn’t mean there aren’t some highly-capable ones who can do the job.

Frankly, my 24-3 has been a high-maintenance PITA. No, I’m not going to sell it, but no way would I pay four-figures for another one.

[eastbank]

288140 i paid 550 for my 624 four inch .44 spl in the box in like new condition. i have killed a ton of animals with it useing 240 hard cast at 900 fps

[Cosmic_Charlie]

288140 i paid 550 for my 624 four inch .44 spl in the box in like new condition. i have killed a ton of animals with it useing 240 hard cast at 900 fps

Nice. A 4" is so practical.

[Bazoo]

288140 i paid 550 for my 624 four inch .44 spl in the box in like new condition. i have killed a ton of animals with it useing 240 hard cast at 900 fps

Very nice. Are those grips original? They look like magma grips with the checkering sanded off.

[eastbank]

i don,t know, i bought them at a gun show for 15.00. i replaced the factory grips as i prefer smooth grips.

[Jtarm]

This kind of topic brings out a lot of the usual responses, “cheaper to buy a factory gun”, “save your money”, “you really want a magnum”,…

If you want to convert a Model 28-2, a Model 27 or whatever, go for it! I did the work on a Model 28-2 back in the 80s and turned it into a great 45 ACP revolver! Decades ahead of a similar one being offered by the factory. The 44 Special is a decent cartridge, much better than the 357 Magnum, so good choice there. If you can do the work, great. If not, Andy Horvath is the man. He has made a living doing those conversions. Not sure if anyone reports barrels but Andy would know. Or JES reboring might be able to help. The fellow who rebored my Model 28-2 barrel has passed on or I would supply his name.

Here is my old Model 28-2.

287921

I also rounded the butt. It made for a great carry piece. At some point S&W did introduce a stainless version and called it a Mountain Gun. They are expensive when you can find them.

Good luck, follow your dream.

Kevin

The first thing I did with my 4” was have it round-butted and an action job.

Unfortunately, after multiple trips to the gunsmith over the years for endshake and finally Power shims, it’s got a .011 B-C gap.

All this has occurred with a round-count of about 3,000, none of them Elmer bombs.

About the only thing left to do is have the barrel set back. I love the gun, but given its track record, I’m not inclined to spend the money only to end up with an expensive paperweight after another 3K rounds.

[TCLouis]

eastbank

Animals up to deer sized in that ton of animals taken with the 44 SPL?

[murf205]

I shoot LOTS of 44 Specials, but in 44 Magnum brass in 44 Magnum handguns. 8.2 grains of Unique or 9.0 grains of Herco under Lyman #429421 will give you "Skeeter's Load" ballistics (950 FPS from 4", a bit over 1000 FPS from 6") and won't beat you or your Model 29/629 up at all. In a Ruger Redhawk, those loads are docile. As above, "The heart wants what the heart wants", and I get that. Gunsmiths are like doctors or dentists--wonderful to have when needed, but pretty darn expensive when you are the one paying the bills. I would have some pangs of conscience over sacrificing a Model 28, and there is no way on earth I would take machine tools to a Model 27. Think "Tagger crew in the Louvre".

This is pretty good advice. My 629 has had less that 50 full snort 44 magnum loads through it. My everyday carry/target/plink/fun whatever load is 16.6 grs of 2400 and a 429421 for 1000fps in the 4" barrel. You can use 44 mag brass just don't mash the gas as hard. On the other hand, I completely understand the lust for a 44 spl as I have 3 and love them. That thin barrel and short case just calls to us 44 guys.....especially since you can shoot it accurately without all the bluster of a magnum. Model 28's are not a freebie anymore so you could probably sell yours, if you have one and buy a 44 spl cheaper than a conversion. IF----you decided to do a conversion, remember it will probably never be worth what a real S&W 44 spl brings.

[ddixie884]

A well done M-28 .44 or .45 will bring a good price but one documented to being done by a top smith will bring a pretty penny. I have a large pile of parts put away for builds I meant to have done that will probably never be used by me. Maybe my grand boys will use them someday........

[ddixie884]

It sounds as though you want to have a Model 28 converted to 44 Special, but running at 44 Magnum Velocities. If that's the case just get a Model 29 or a Model 629. If I was wishing for another 44 Special it would be converted to 44 Special from a Model 19 or Model 66 K frame; like Taurus has already done. But I prefer a 44 Special running about 890 fps with a 240 grain SWC, that is accurate and has a reasonable recoil.

K frames will only work for .44 with an oversized custom 5 shot cylinder and an L frame with a 696 cylinder works better. The L frame can be made into a .41spl 6 shot a lot easier. That is one in my avatar. When it was built there were a lot of police trade ins and the market was a lot better for a cheap donor gun.......

[StrawHat]

Spokhandguns used to offer a 5 shot, 44 S&W Special conversion for K frames.

288809

Kevin

[Char-Gar]

Converting S&W DA revolvers and Ruger SA revolvers to 44 Special was done back in the day, because used 44 Special revolvers were not common items on the used market and new ones were limited special runs if made at all. The 44 Magnum pretty much killed off the 44 Special. Today 44 Special revolvers are plentiful and common and it makes no sense to convert another revolver to a now common caliber. It is a waste of money and some kind of gun sin to desecrate a fine old Smith 28. They don't make those anymore.

[ddixie884]

Spokhandguns used to offer a 5 shot, 44 S&W Special conversion for K frames.

288809

Kevin

Yes, they did. There must be 20 or 30 of them and they have custom oversize 5 shot cylinders........

[samari46]

I can well understand your wanting to have a 44 special. On the S&W forum the 44 special has an almost cult following. have a 24-3 with the 3" bbl,24-3 with the 4" bbl and a 624 with the 6.5" bbl. Even with Winchester's 200 grain Silvertip hollow point loading in the 624 it's like shooting a 38 special. While S&W only made so many 24-3's with the 3" bbl, 4" bbl and 6.5" bbl and the same for the 624's in the same barrel lengths, they do not seem to come up for sale all that often. And when they do,they seem to command a good price when they do. I guess you'd have to check around with some of the custom pistolsmiths to see what they would charge for such a conversion. I don't imagine they would have S&W barrels and cylinders sitting on the shelf. I guess you could put a want to buy ad on the S&W forum regarding a complete 44 special cylinder and barrel and see where that takes you. Best of luck whatever you decide which way to go. Conversion or luck out and find either 24-3 or 624 series. Frank

[fn1889m]

I can well understand your wanting to have a 44 special…. Even with Winchester's 200 grain Silvertip hollow point loading in the 624 it's like shooting a 38 special.

I looked into reboring my 5 inch M27 to .44 Special but decided against it. Instead I rebored an Original larger frame Ruger Vaquero to .44 Special with a .44 Magnum barrel swap. A much cheaper option. With a Keith bullet and 7.5 gn of Unique it does feel like a .38 Special.