Stupid question on NBMH cylinder swaps

[Jamey Worrell]

I know I could answer this when I got home, but figured I'd ask the experts to see if I'm missing anything.

I'm currently on the prowl for a donor for an upcoming project (will entail new barrel/ERH, RW gripframe, Bisley hammer/trigger swap), so all I really need is the cylinder frame.

My question is this...if I can find a beater donor, so long as it is a NMBH on the large frame, can I swap out *any* cylinder of *any* caliber from a NMBH large frame? I.E., I've got a line on a NMBH blued with a bent barrel...if it's in 30 Carbine and I decide I want the end product in 45 Colt, is all that's necessary to find a 45 Colt cylinder?

Realize timing *may* have to be tweaked, but should timing generally be the same so long as frame is constant?

Hearing about all these retirements and health issues among the older masters has accelerated my plan on getting projects out and in the queue. I missed out on Stroh, may have missed out on Clements, and damn sure don't want to miss out on some others

And seeing how I'm 6 months away from the first digit in my age starting with a "5", I'm not getting any younger either!

Thanks!

[Fowler]

I think normally rechambering the existing cylinder is the best way to start if you dont make a complete cylinder from scratch. Not all take off cylinders would likely fit your gun needing the end shake to be fixed, often requiring welding and machining. Certainly possible but it may cost more than just a rechamber.

[Jamey Worrell]

Jan 22, 2020 14:35:29 GMT -5 Fowler said:

I think normally rechambering the existing cylinder is the best way to start if you dont make a complete cylinder from scratch. Not all take off cylinders would likely fit your gun needing the end shake to be fixed, often requiring welding and machining. Certainly possible but it may cost more than just a rechamber.

Thanks! I knew someone would be along shortly to sort me out. And truth be told, I figured it was too simple a solution to actually work. My PhD ain't in engineering

[princeout]

There can be length differences between calibers. It keeps a big bore cylinder, like 44 mag, from ending up in a 357 receiver and the resulting problem when the slug hits the small barrel. I think all the cylinder openings are the same, just the barrel protrusion into that opening is different.

If the donor cylinder is long enough for your planned cartridge, starting with a smaller caliber cylinder gives you the opportunity to get a properly sized chamber, i.e. starting with a 44 mag cylinder and reaming to a tite chambered 45 Colt.

Also, some OM cylinders have recessed case heads which I think looks better and adds some support on big boomer rounds.

The ultimate in a sixshot cylinder is to find a 357 Maximum cylinder and rechamber to your choice, then machine it to a length that fills the cylinder opening. That looks very nice.



A Gallagher built Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt w/ Max cylinder and S&W barrel.

[mike454]

I would give a little thought to starting with a gun in a bit better shape. If it took a hit hard enough to bend the barrel, no telling what else may have been damaged.

[Jamey Worrell]

Jan 22, 2020 18:46:10 GMT -5 mike454 said:

I would give a little thought to starting with a gun in a bit better shape. If it took a hit hard enough to bend the barrel, no telling what else may have been damaged.

Good point...gonna have to take a look and see...was talking to one of the other dads at my son's cub scout meeting, and he said he thought he knew where I could find a donor...we'll have to see. Outside that, I'll be prowling pawn shops with cash in hand...unless someone here has a beater they're willing to part with.