15 December 2005, 07:43
BuddyK-9Who Can Do This Conversion?
Have shooter grade Smith 28 in 357 and want to convert to 44 spc. Who can do the work and is it worth the effort? Thanks guys.
15 December 2005, 08:01
DavidReedHamilton Bowen would be at the top of my short list. Especially if you want the finished product to be equal to factory S&W standards. I only have one revolver by him so far, but it one of the most finely executed firearms I've ever had the pleasure to handle and shoot. That includes rifles as well. Bowen and the few smiths that he employs may know more about revolver design and function than any other shop there is. Finally, and not to be trite, the project is worth it, if it is worth it to you.
BowenClassicArms15 December 2005, 08:09
Rick 0311That used to be a popular conversion back in the 1970’s. There’s plenty of meat in the model 28 cylinders to ream them out and chamber to .44...then you just have to get a barrel.
Best caliber ever made for a revolver...IMO.
15 December 2005, 17:13
ColoradoMattYou don't have to get a new barrel. Your 35 caliber barrel can be reamed and rerifled to 44 cal. Usually cheaper than getting a new barrel, and works great.
16 December 2005, 21:07
sierra2I had two of these conversions done back in the 1970s, one by Cylinder & Slide, and I do not remember the other shop. I still have the long barrel target version, looks like an old S&W M24 Target, and is as accurate as can be. I used to shoot it in bullseye competition just to harass a number of .45 ACP people. It's a neat way to breathe life into a beat M28, but I do not know if the cost today would be worth it. I would suspect that after you bought a proper old S&W barrel and had all the cylinder work done, plus trigger, reblue, etc., you might be better served with a recent production M24 or M624.
(I have several of the new guns too)
LLS