Thinking about rechamber my model 29

[magman]

I picked up a new model 29 recently. Thinking seriously about having somebody rechamber it to 44-40.

Thoughts?

[kings6]

Why not pick up another cylinder and have it rechambered and fit to the gun? Just curious but you would still have the resale value of your 29 and be able to shoot 44-40 loads as well.

[magman]

Guess I'll start searching for cylinder assembly.

Thanks for the input.

[gjn]

Considering what's involved you might be better off looking for a S&W Model 544 which is already chambered in 44-40. It's a 5" N frame and can sometimes be found for a fairly reasonable price. I have one and have been very happy with it.

[Deleted]

Is rechambering even possible? Wouldn't you have to recylinder it? The 44/40 bullet diameter is generally .427" and 44 mag is usually .429."

[magman]

I think many smiths chambering 44-40s for 430 bullets.

[Alaskan454]

Even some 44-40 guns have .430 barrels nowadays, manufacturers are just using their 44M stock.

[nolongcolt]

Barrels can vary a lot, my late 3rd Colt SAA has a .429 barrel. I agree that the Smith 544 would be the way to go. If I didn't already have the Colt and two lever rifles in .44-40 I would get one if for no other reason than it being a 5 inch barrel.

[magman]

I've looked for the last couple of years for a reasonably priced 544. No luck so far, plus I really prefer the .430 chambering instead of the 427.

[Deleted]

I remember a mike venturino article where shrapnel tried to rechamber a 44 special to 44-40 and there were some dimensional issues that arose. 44 magnum would probable be the same way

[shorty500]

.44-40 brass is much thinneer walled and a .44-40 wouldn't clean up the entire chamber area of a .44 magnum/special. .44-40 ammo fired in such a rechambered gun will have the neck blown out to a much larger diameter than normal

[kings6]

Here is a model 57 cylinder that could be rebored to 44-40.
www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=539134852

[magman]

Thanks. I guess I need to do more research before going ahead with this little project.

[4597]

Not long ago I bought a Colt 44/40 Cly. I was thinking of using it in an .44 Special, New Frontier that I have. Then I got to thinking about the .427, .429 issue. well I was fooling around the workbench picked up the cylinder and put a .429 cast bullet down the chamber and to my surprise it with just a bit more than gravity slid through every chamber. I don't have plug gauges but it would not surprise me if those chambers measure .4295. I think with proper fitting of the Cly. to the Frame and possible work on my reloading die, I have a winner. What do you all think? I did not intend to hi-jack this post and will be happy to repost to I have upset anyone. Randy Miller

[Frank V]

You will have to match the chambers to the bbl. Some chambers won't accept bullets larger than .428. If you match them as closely as possible it should shoot well.
I really like the .44WCF it's a fun powerful ctg.