|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 17, 2021 17:58:38 GMT -5
I've been wanting to pursue this build for a while. No gunsmith was better suited than Dave Clements. We all have our favorites, as well we should.
For now, details will be basic. Base gun will be a Midframe Flattop Bisley. Many claim these guns aren't good for 5-Shot Conversions. I disagree, but won't argue it. My JRH Midframe Flattop Bisley 480 Ruger is an eye opener.
Cylinder will be 1.700" long and counterbored as I wanted. A #5 Base Pin and Hardened Latch will hold it in place.
Barrel will be 5.5" and wear Clements' TLA Style Front Sight.
Another feature I like on the Clements Guns is his Crescent Ejector Rod.
Other features will be posted later as the build progresses. Quite often I ask for a few things that I never mention. Just things I like to try on new builds.
Grips were acquired for the gun before it shipped to Dave. So, I'm very excited about this build.
Many underestimate this old hyphenated cartridge. Luckily, people like John Taffin have kept the flame alive.
It will probably never achieve anything I couldn't do with a good 44 Magnum. It'll just prove lots can be done without the Magnum Moniker.
|
|
|
|
Post by bushog on Jan 17, 2021 18:03:14 GMT -5
Should be nice.
I had a similar gun wit an octagonal barrel built by Alan Harton.
Maybe I'll get it back some day...
I know where it is...
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 17, 2021 18:10:41 GMT -5
I plan on this being a 30k PSI Gun. The 480 Ruger operates at 48k PSI. The 44-40 Cylinder will be smaller than the 480s, but wall thickness will be slightly more.
Twist rate will be suited to 240-300+ grn bullets. I won't be using retro RNFP 205 grn at all.
The increased case capacity and slight bottleneck boosts velocity over the straight wall rounds.
Dave built me a Line Bored SBH 44-40/44 Magnum Dual Cylinder Gun. This seems the logical next step.
A step forward and a look back at the same time...
|
|
|
|
Post by flyingzebra on Jan 17, 2021 19:27:46 GMT -5
I look forward to seeing the details as they evolve.
|
|
|
|
Post by magman on Jan 17, 2021 21:11:10 GMT -5
David built my 44-40 but from an old model 41.
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 17, 2021 21:12:26 GMT -5
David built my 44-40 but from an old model 41. I'd love to see that gun. |
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 18, 2021 16:21:58 GMT -5
Some have contacted me with concerns about this build. I appreciate the thought, but feel it's misplaced.
The Starline 44-40 Brass is strong. It and the 38-40 are the same excluding neck size.
John Linebaugh has repeatedly proven these cases are up to the task. My loads are more accurately described as +P than Magnum.
As far as +P Loads making it into a Colt, Uberti, etc, not likely. I've used +P 45 Colt Loads for 40 years and never has this happen.
But, for extra caution, I purchased Nickel Plated Starline Brass for +P loads.
|
|
|
|
Post by leadhound on Jan 18, 2021 19:00:27 GMT -5
Some have contacted me with concerns about this build. I appreciate the thought, but feel it's misplaced. The Starline 44-40 Brass is strong. It and the 38-40 are the same excluding neck size. John Linebaugh has repeatedly proven these cases are up to the task. My loads are more accurately described as +P than Magnum. As far as +P Loads making it into a Colt, Uberti, etc, not likely. I've used +P 45 Colt Loads for 40 years and never has this happen. But, for extra caution, I purchased Nickel Plated Starline Brass for +P loads. Ain't your first Roday-O! LOL! Sounds like a peach with that mid frame, what grips you have picked out? I sent him an OM for my 401, That reminds me I need to contact him, see how the ol' gal is doin. Have a full size Vaquero that is destined to be a 38-40 or maybe a 38WCF, figured if she'll handle the 44 mag then I for certain won't be blowin her up. May change my mind and go with the mid New Vaquero. |
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 18, 2021 19:05:02 GMT -5
For this one the grips will be highly figured Ambrosia Maple. They were built by Bear Paw Grips.
I spent a few days fitting them as close to perfect to the gripframe as I am capable of.
Then 10 days of hand rubbed oil finishing. High hopes for the whole package.
Thanks Asa...
|
|
|
|
Post by jfs on Jan 18, 2021 19:09:18 GMT -5
I look forward to seeing the details as they evolve. |
|
|
|
Post by bushog on Jan 21, 2021 13:23:06 GMT -5
Should be nice. I had a similar gun wit an octagonal barrel built by Alan Harton. Maybe I'll get it back some day... I know where it is... Some day I'll learn to read. Mine was a .38-40... Rock on! |
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 21, 2021 13:30:52 GMT -5
I've got a 5-Shot 30-40 WCF and it works great.
I've yet to find any information about a 5-Shot 44-40 WCF being built. I'm sure it's been done, but nothing to compare this project to.
I'll start with a case capacity chart and go from there.
|
|
|
|
Post by leadhound on Jan 21, 2021 17:32:18 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by Encore64 on Jan 21, 2021 17:37:21 GMT -5
Yeah, that looks like a fine trout line weight. But, it is a 5-Shot 44-40.
Just no data to refer back to on this project. No problem as the 44-40 case typically holds 1-2 more grains of powder than the 44 Magnum. Lots of pressure tested data for that cartridge floating around.
|
|
|
|
Post by mhblaw on Jan 21, 2021 18:29:42 GMT -5
I have a Bowen custom 44-40 built on an OMBH. 6 shot. I am not sure why one would soup up loads for that cartridge on that frame, even as a five holer. With mild loads it is a nice shooter.
|
|
