[CLittle]

I'm a newby here in New Mexico looking for info on this New Service I've had for a while. This gun is stamped .45 but has been modified to .22. Was this an available conversion in the late 20's?
It looks like you can see the welded sleeves on the extractor.
Thanks for your help

Little

[SaxonPig]

Man, a six pound 22?

Not factory. Done by a gunsmith for God only knows what reason.

[Jim Watson]

Not one I have seen before, but I can imagine it being done by a gunsmith between the wars. No way to tell who if he did not put his name on it.
I once saw pictures of an elaborate .22 conversion of a SAA. And Alonzo Crull was known for taking a Lightning DA and changing barrel, cylinder, lockwork, and butt to produce a smaller .22 SA long before the Single Six.

[PotatoJudge]

Somebody put some money into that between the caliber conversion and the engraving. How's it shoot?

[CLittle]

Well PotatoJudge, It's still pretty tight (for a not babied 80 yr old) and runs good. I think the "engraving" was done with an electric engraver. It's really pretty good for how it was done. The worst part is how the finish broke down on the engraved lines. This gun belonged to my friends Grandfather and appears to have been well used.
Little

[tipoc]

It's what is called "Pawn Shop Engraving" and is/was fairly common in the south west, more so than other parts of the country. Usually done by a local jeweler or the engraver in pawnshops. Back in the day many pawn shops did engraving on jewelery, guns, etc.

How's the action?

If it shoots straight Enjoy it.

It would cost a bit to have it converted back, likely not be worth it.

I've seen a first generation Colt SAA done the same to. A $3,000 gun ruined by someone that wanted a .22 and used an old gun to do it.

tipoc

[wcwhitey]

I think it is pretty cool myself. How many thousands/millions of rounds would it take to wear that thing out. Shoot it and enjoy it, it is unique. Bill