MagnumDweeb
Member
Okay I've been bothered by this for some time. Smith and Wesson N-Frames there is no shortage of DIY-selfers going ahead and switching parts out on guns like the Model 28 and converting it to .45 ACP or Colt when it was originally .357 magnum. I get that the frames are the same size and pretty much the rest of the parts but the cylinder and barrel. I'll admit if I came across a junker Model 28 and could have it safely converted to .45 ACP with a 3" barrel for 60% of the cost of a new 625 in .45 ACP with a 4" barrel I would.
Then there's the 625, 629, etc.. Are the parts that different from the earlier made 25s and 29s. I'm curious. I've read that the 629 and 625 are made using MIM parts but would this prevent a qualified gunsmith from fitting a 625 cylinder to a 28 for a conversion. I know an older gentleman with an old and ugly 27 3.5" that is heavily pitted on the barrel and cylinder. The frame is slightly pitted and he is only asking $160. The gun seems mechanically fine from what I can tell and other than the aesthetic it's a great gun. I figure with the spare parts it'd be a fun testing of my metal to do the conversion myself and then paying a qualified gunsmith to check it once over. At worst it'll be a decent truck gun loaded with .38 special to last a lifetime or two.
I've done Semi-Auto only AK, FAL, and PPSH 43 pistol and CETME parts kits in my Uncle's garage, cursed and shouted but still turned out a good firearm. It can't really be all too much more can it?
Then there's the 625, 629, etc.. Are the parts that different from the earlier made 25s and 29s. I'm curious. I've read that the 629 and 625 are made using MIM parts but would this prevent a qualified gunsmith from fitting a 625 cylinder to a 28 for a conversion. I know an older gentleman with an old and ugly 27 3.5" that is heavily pitted on the barrel and cylinder. The frame is slightly pitted and he is only asking $160. The gun seems mechanically fine from what I can tell and other than the aesthetic it's a great gun. I figure with the spare parts it'd be a fun testing of my metal to do the conversion myself and then paying a qualified gunsmith to check it once over. At worst it'll be a decent truck gun loaded with .38 special to last a lifetime or two.
I've done Semi-Auto only AK, FAL, and PPSH 43 pistol and CETME parts kits in my Uncle's garage, cursed and shouted but still turned out a good firearm. It can't really be all too much more can it?