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Post by rjm52 on Feb 4, 2023 20:26:01 GMT -5
Would like to do a mid-frame Flat Top, NM or an original .357 conversion to .41 Special with 4 5/8" barrel...
Options..start with:
Original Flat Top .357
New Model Flat Top blue .357 like a 50th Anniversary Special
New Model Flat Top .357 Stainless....
Thoughts...or if you've been there, done that, please let me know what you did and who did your conversion...
Thanks...Bob
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Post by Encore64 on Feb 4, 2023 20:32:50 GMT -5
Any of those are fine project guns.
I went with a 3-Screw just to stay with the theme of the cartridge.
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Post by cr390gt on Feb 4, 2023 20:51:29 GMT -5
I’m looking at doing the same was trying to figure best route to start with
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Post by mhblaw on Feb 4, 2023 20:54:24 GMT -5
Been there, done that. Twice. Both OMBH’s volunteers. First a well done short barrel, case colored frame etc. Second a 5.5 barrel with the usual on a Bisley grip frame. Both done by Bowen and really nice. Both gone down the road to new owners. So, is a 41 Special the real deal? No more, or less, than 44 Special.
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 4, 2023 21:28:54 GMT -5
Other than a .41 Virus..or addiction, no real good reason to do this... Already have a Clements done USFA 5.5" Shooting Master and a JRH 4.75" Uberti Cattlemen. In addition have a 4.75" FA RB and 5.5" square butt both of which are smaller than a Flat Top that make perfect .41 Specials...
But it's winter...6* and have too much time to think...
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 4, 2023 21:34:43 GMT -5
..as to the "real deal"...no more or less than a .44 Special.
My standard load for the two SAs above is a Lee custom group buy 250 Keith that runs I believe 1060 fps with 7 or 8 grains of UNIQUE...
Nice that Starline makes brass...
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 4, 2023 21:46:43 GMT -5
...what keeps sticking in my mind is John's Bowen made Flat Top...
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Post by kings6 on Feb 4, 2023 23:49:00 GMT -5
Both my Ruger 41 Specials were built on old model 357s. One s protected fight gun and one a flat top. If you line to carry six and the NM action then go that way. Me, I prefer old models for most of my customs. Andy Horvath did the L’il Gun and Bowen did the #5 gun. Alan Harton did the USFA 41 Special gun. Sorry can’t remember who did the 41 Special model 28.
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Post by taffin on Feb 5, 2023 0:09:03 GMT -5
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Post by rjm52 on Feb 5, 2023 5:33:37 GMT -5
...picture #1 on the right...that's the one...
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Post by foxtrapper on Feb 5, 2023 7:07:08 GMT -5
Had Mr. Harton build a light weight 41 special on a old model 357. 4 3/4” Bowen rear sight ,Fermin front . Scalloped recoil shield and gate, keep the aluminum grip frame and ejector rod housing. Also had a bisley spur grafted on the hammer. She’s a beaut! Good luck with your build!
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rkrcpa
.30 Stingray
Posts: 259
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Post by rkrcpa on Feb 5, 2023 8:08:33 GMT -5
I have contemplated having a second one built. If I did I think a stainless NM Flat Top would be the way I would go.
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Post by taffin on Feb 5, 2023 11:17:08 GMT -5
...picture #1 on the right...that's the one... by Hamilton Bowen
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Post by 38 WCF on Feb 5, 2023 11:57:08 GMT -5
I have contemplated having a second one built. If I did I think a stainless NM Flat Top would be the way I would go. Mr. Harton did mine on that same Platform.
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Post by bushog on Feb 5, 2023 12:18:55 GMT -5
So…. I know a little about this….. I have single action .41 specials built on OM flat top. NM medium frame flat top and one on an OM with ears that has had the Bisley conversion. There’s a Single Six too but that’s not the question here. Bowen, Horvath and Harton built them. It’s a tougher question than you think. Be warned that the mid-frame flat tops are heavy. Really heavy… I know it’s probably not going to be a popular idea here but I’ve got one in the works that is an OM .357 w/ears that has been converted that will get done. I want the ears to protect the sight and so I can use a Bowen target sight, the aluminum grip frame and the ability to have 6 shots. I just had an interesting conversation this last week with a smith that shall remain unnamed about a .41sp conversion vs a 10mm. He told me that I should just go with a .357 as it will do most of what the other two will do. Considering who it was I was VERY surprised. As Malcom points out a .44special is still a good choice and will be a lighter gun no matter what you decide to build it on…. I know that’s not the question too but one I’ve gone back and forth with for some time now. Horvath Clements Bowen
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