357 Magnum to 44-40? S&W N frame or Ruger?

S

Sir William

New member
I have a desire for a modern 44-40 revolver. There are exactly 0 today in DA form. I was thinking of a S&W N frame M27, Ruger Super Redhawk or just a Redhawk in 357 Magnum. I figure a barrel could be manufactured, the chambers could be reamed out to 44-40 and all would be well. Anybody know of a success with caliber conversions?
 
You can hunt for the S&W Model 544. It is a N-frame chambered in .44-40 that was made in 1986 as a commerative. I see them on the auction sites from time to time.
 
When all else fails, try Bowen Classic

Doesn't Bowen do all sorts of handgun conversions? I would imagine that if you had the scratch, and the REAL desire for a 44-40 DA, then that firm could probably give you what you desire. You should check out their website: www.bowenclassicarms.com

I just went to their website and found that they do conversions on the N Frame into 44-40. Just don't know if I could swing his asking price.

But then again, messing around with firearms is sorta like the old mechanics addage about horsepower: "Horsepower costs money son, how fast do you want to go?"

Good Luck,
Unkel Gilbey
 
I did the same thing back in the early 80's

There were no guns chambered for the 44 special, only mags.
And I wanted a 44 special. A gun smith found me a very clean S&W mod 28 in 357 mag and recut the cylinder to 44 sp, He then added a 3 inch douglas barrel and on the tang added a spring ball and then cut a small indent in the frame of the gun. When the cylinder is closed it locks it into the frame.
It is one of the best shooting guns that I have ever owned and on a Ransom rest with 240 GR SWC and Hurco powder it drilled 6 holes less than 3/4 of an inch at 25 yards.
Of corse several years later Smith came out with the N frame in 44 sp again in the mod 24, which I also own one now.
Would I do it again? it was way way way to expensive, but yes.
 
Yes the 544 is the TX model. I had one for awhile but it was in the case so I never shot it before getting rid of it. At the time I was gathering (collecting??) N frame 5 inchers, which it had. I went so far as to have a 6- 1/2 624 lopped to 5 inches. It was not worth much when I got rid of it. You should still be able to find one. But of course you pay more for everything now days.
 
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