44 Spl or 45 LC in a double action revolver?

[cprher]

Well, I've had all the large bore cartridges in S&W N frames over the years and have come down to two: 41 Mag and 45 Colt. I just got my latest project from Bowen, a combination of both I suppose...a Model 58 converted to 45 Colt using a Model 1955 barrel shortened to 4" and the rib recontoured to match the original 58 rib. As I hoped, Bowen did a spectacular job building this gun. I have him working on another just like it except using a Model 28 cylinder and chambered in 45 S&W (Schofield).
Keith

 

[Sport45]

Wouldn't it be nice if a gun manufacturer developed a double action revolver with a crane and cylinder assembly that allowed easy removal of the cylinder? I love my Ruger .45 lc/45.acp convertible. I dont think it would be too difficult to create such a DA. If one existed, I'd take it over the .44 spl for the versatility alone.
Even in the present reality, I like the 45 lc because of the wide range of different loadings, even within SAAMI specs.

Sounds like you need a moonclip conversion. For about $100 Pinnacle will machine the cylinder of a .45Colt DA revolver to accept clipped .45acp.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Sounds like you need a moonclip conversion. For about $100 Pinnacle will machine the cylinder of a .45Colt DA revolver to accept clipped .45acp.

Why on earth would I ruin a perfectly good New Service revolver?

 

[goodtime]

Sport45 --
What a great idea! you learn something new everyday. I was ignorant to this. I looked at the pictures of the work done; it's so simple, and unobtrusive to shooting the original cartridge. I just might send in a cylinder or two . . .

 

[Sport45]

Sounds like you need a moonclip conversion. For about $100 Pinnacle will machine the cylinder of a .45Colt DA revolver to accept clipped .45acp.

Why on earth would I ruin a perfectly good New Service revolver?

I wouldn't. I thought about this conversion for a while after buying my .45 Redhawk, but decided against it. I didn't think it would ruin the revolver in any way. Just figured it's easy enough to reload for the .45colt and too much hassle to clip and unclip acp brass.

That said, I still believe it is a viable option for someone that wants to shoot .45acp and .45Colt in the same revolver. From what I read back then the conversions work reasonably well.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

If it's done right, you can convert a .45 Colt DA to a .45 ACP -- but it's permanent. Once the cylinder face is shaved, you have too much headspace to shoot .45 Colt anymore.

And if it isn't done right, the revolver can be ruined.

 

[Anyname]

I prefer the 625 in 45ACP to both. The ammunition is less expensive and essentially as potent. Get a mooner/demooner and have a time. If it works for Jerry Miculek, how can you go wrong...

 

[Sport45]

Once the cylinder face is shaved, you have too much headspace to shoot .45 Colt anymore.

I believe they only mill out the area where the full-moon clip fits. This leaves the outside of the cylinder at the original length. The .45C will still work, but the rim is only supported over about a third of its circumference. The case is unsupported near the base where it is very thick. No problem with .45C pressure, but possibley a concern with "Ruger Only" loads.

If the back of the cylinder is shaved al the way to the OD you can shoot .45acp or .45AR but you cannot shoot .45C. I suppose you could with a special moon clip but can't imagine wanting to bother with it at that point.

At least that's how they were doing the conversion several years ago when I was looking into this.