Is it possible to convert a single action to a double action ?

[Tubwaa]

This is most probably a very stupid question but could a high quality gunsmith convert a SA to a DA ? The reason I am asking is that pretty much all the revolver disciplines at my club in Australia require a DA - I would love to be able to buy a Freedom Arms .357 and convert to DA.

thanks.....

 

[Jim March]

When I had my Ruger New Vaq open I pondered this. The mechanism really is different in there - you'd have to redesign the entire linkage system.

As one example: unload a DA gun that has a cockable hammer and an SA gun and side by side, cock them and squeeze the triggers - then hold those triggers. Now cock 'em again. Whoops. The DA needs a trigger reset stroke to work, the SA doesn't, which is why you can fan them or hammer-slip them.

Trust me: it's all REAL different in there.

I pondered whether a linkage could be added but you'd have to carve deep into the inside edge of the primary frame to add the necessary space, weakening the frame.

 

[DMK]

What I always thought would be cool would be a single action target gun, maybe something like a Ruger Bisley, but with a swing out cylinder and star ejector like a modern DA revolver.

 

[EddieCoyle]

Anything is possible, but for the amount of money it would cost for a probably-mediocre end result you could buy one of each. Maybe two of each.

 

[Jim Watson]

The realistic answer is no.
How about a nice MR73, they have an Australian distributor?

DMK, there was a trick shooter of the 1920s who had a revolver built up the other way 'round. He sent a noted gunsmith a S&W M&P barrel, cylinder, and crane; and Colt SAA hammer, trigger, and grip straps. A receiver had to be made from scratch and most of the internal parts. But he had a revolver that handled and shot like a SAA but reloaded as fast as a DA so he could keep his show running without delay.

 

[gopguy]

Not really in general. Unless you have one of the single action only K frame Smith and Wessons that were made as target guns. Those could be converted to DA easy. But a Single Action Army style gun.....not without great expense.

 

[Jim K]

I'll flat say NO. I can't imagine any gunsmith even thinking about such a task, let alone attempting it.

The sole exception is the one Gopguy mentions, which was a single action converted from a double action in the first place.

Jim